Male cat hisses and swats at kittens

Question
My one year old male cat hisses and swats at five 2 mothold kittens. I wanted to keep them in one room together at night but I am afraid he will hurt them. I have been letting them out all together hoping he will adjust to them, but he does not seem to be. What can I do to insure the kittens safety?

Answer
William,

Not to worry. Very rarely will a cat actually hurt kittens. That is his way of telling them to keep their distance and don't bug him. Make sure your male is neutered though.

A lot of male cats don't like kittens. I think it is the smell of them, the fact that they are small and come at them and they don't know for sure what they are, and they are something new in their routine-based world.

I have male cats who go crazy hissing when they see kittens, but will play with them when they get 'big'. It is their basic personality. They just hate kittens. But mine have NEVER hurt one. Sometimes the kittens didn't heed the warning and got too close and got 'swatted'.

On the other hand, I've had male cats get in with the mother and start licking and cleaning the babies!

Just make sure the male has a place to go to escape the kittens. Maybe a high area he can jump up on. If he can't get away from them he may get stressed and accidently be too rough if they come too close.

The kittens should learn soon to avoid the male. Though you may get a little one that thinks he is a tiger, has no fear, and try to take on the male. Cute to watch...but not too smart. (smile)

Also make sure you give the male cat extra attention and some kitty treats. Let him know that you still like him even though you have kittens. If he is territorial he will not like sharing your attention with them. That can make him not like them too. So love on him lots and make him feel loved. It should help.

Tabbi



Tabbi