Is she grooming or just playing with her food?

Question
I want my rabbit kits and cat to socialize.  When my 11 month old spayed cat is in bed I place one or two 5 week old kits on her.  She begins to lick them.  After a while she starts to bite them.  Of course I take the kits away at that point.  She does the same when she licks my hand.  Some times it's hard enough that I have to stop her.  Do cats bite their babies when grooming them?

I don't want the kits to get used to the cat if she might end up eating them.

Answer
Hi Tom,

I am so sorry I wish I could help you.  I know nothing about cats other than treating them at the clinic, I don't study their behavior.  I may not be the best person to answer this question because I work solely with rabbit behavior, but I can tell you a few things that might help.

I know that rabbits nip when they are grooming as a sign of affection.  The fact the she bites your hand while licking you makes me wonder if it is normal.  I know that cats and rabbits can be bonded.  I don't want to give you any suggestions that might end up hurting your rabbits but you might want to keep doing what you are doing.  Sometimes we have to let rabbits bite each other for different reasons, such as letting one of them know the other is the boss.  I would say keep an eye on her, if she bites them to hard and they squeal take them away immediately.  If she is just nipping them then it is no different than the natural grooming process of rabbits so it most likely won't hurt them, other than feline teeth are sharper.

I would also suggest that you try going to the cat section.  I just found an expert their that is supposedly a former vet tech who specializes in cat behavior.  I don't know her and can't guarantee that what she tells you will help but it doesn't hurt to try

http://www.allexperts.com/ep/3489-77406/Cat-Training-Behavior/Brandy.htm

I am really so sorry that I can't be of more help.  I think I will do some research on this when I go back to work.

Thank you and goodluck to you

Pam Enve