That is highly unlikely. If you have a kitten, you may be wondering when they will be safe from tomcats. Click here for more details on keeping them safe and sound in their environment. Finally, tomcats may not get along with other cats in the household. Having said that there are some situations where males kill the kittens they sired. Anesthesia is safe for these kittens, but the younger the kitten is, the more vigilant the surgical staff will need to be to monitor the kitten and ensure his . Male kittens become sexually mature at roughly the same time as their female counterparts -- around 5 or 6 months. Kittens have also been recorded being cared after by a colony of dominant males. The key is supervision and patience. Not all mating sessions will trigger this egg release, and a female cat may find 10-20 mates in a single day. Feral tomcats may keep an eye on the kittens while the mother cat is out looking for food. Queens are dominated by feline protective aggressiveness for the first three to four weeks after the kittens are born. Tomcats have a reputation for being territorial. When a cat goes into heat, you will definitely know! 2021 All Facts and Guides to Cats and Kittens - 21Cats.org. Training and socialization with other dogs are continued necessities. Most importantly, use their energy and natural curiosity to train them and build a foundation for good behavior in the long term. Although cat fertility decreases with age, it is not uncommon for an older cat of 10 years to give birth. Citrus peels, garlic cloves, coffee grinds, lavender, and other ingredients are included. This is known as infanticide, and it is a tool used to ensure the survival of species. Its a legitimate concern, as cats can be territorial and aggressive toward each other. At what age are kittens safe from tomcats? Cats rely on their sense of smell to get through. Kittens and tomcats living together Therefore, the first litter will be birthed when a cat is about 8 months old. At what age can cats start having kittens? Your email address will not be published. How do I stop my older cat from attacking my kitten? Most likely not, since in feral colonies cats will breed repeatedly and can end up with a litter from more than one father. Therefore, it is important to provide your kitten with a safe place to hide if they feel scared or threatened. By week 1: Open her eyes, unfurl her ears, and begin crawling. Yes, the surgery will not affect a mother's milk production. How do you keep tom cats away from kittens? Yes, neutered male cats can kill kittens but it is very rare. Cats have a variety of fascinating and entertaining behaviors. It's important to act swiftly to discourage that behavior. The author of this article is a student at the University of Oxford. Male cats are territorial and dominant. Cats who have been neutered can be peaceful and relaxed with kittens. For more about cat neutering, we recommend reading: If you want to read similar articles to At What Age Can Cats Have Kittens?, we recommend you visit our Gestation category. Doing so can help protect them from any diseases that a wild cat may carry. Male cats that have had their testes removed or have been castrated are known as neutered. Many people are surprised to learn that kittens and tomcats can peacefully coexist in the same home. As a result, the male cats hunting instinct is triggered, causing them to kill their litter. At What Age Are Kittens Safe From Tomcats? , Make sure there are enough resources in the home to avoid feelings of mistrust and competition. The consensus in the veterinarian community is that all young cats should undergo sterilization as soon as possible unless theres a medical reason not to or a desire to breed in the future. In part, this is down to females providing food for their kittens. To help you know what to expect during the most adorable weeks of a puppys life, we asked Dr. Carlo Siracusa, veterinarian and associate professor of Clinical Behavior Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, to share key happenings and care information through the early stages, from day one to 48 weeks. Some tomcats have attacked and killed their own offspring as a means of getting the busy mother cats to focus on them and then go back into estrus for mating purposes. A tomcat is not one specific cat breedin fact, every cat breed can have tomcats. Kittens are not safe from tomcats until they are around six months old. Continuous pregnancy in cats can lead to certain health problems, as well as reduce a cats life expectancy. A tomcat can be attracted to a nursing female cat due to her hormonal state. Your Kittens are safe from the above killing situations by father cat and kittens once they gain weight up to 2 pounds at least that usually happens when a kitten completes 8 to 12 weeks after the birth.Do Tomcats eat kittens? Tomcats are bigger and stronger than kittens and can hurt them if they fight. When we have cats as domestic pets or even in feral situations we tend to think of them as solitary animals. It isnt good for them and is likely to hurt them. Its understandable to be concerned, as feral cats are wild animals that can be dangerous. Keep in mind that each cat is unique. Taking these precautions will keep both kittens and pets safe and sound in their environment. If you do own cats you might have gone through this situation. Kittens develop rapidly during their first few months of life. Fading kitten syndrome affects kittens in the first four to six weeks of lifethe time between birth and being weaned from their mother. If you are thinking about getting a puppy but are nervous about all that pent-up puppy energy, spend an afternoon at a dog park. To know more about tomcats' behavior with kittens, here are some facts that you can ponder about and learn some ways that will help you keep tomcats away. Are you worried about your kittens safety when a tomcat is around? Yes, a tomcat can kill kittens as they are extremely territorial. Can cats eat Rice, Tuna, Bread, Eggs, Ham, and Cheese. Finally, dont forget that kittens grow up quickly! Male cats have been known to kill kittens, usually kittens that they didn't father. Yes, kittens are protected by cats. Tomcats are larger and more aggressive than kittens, so its important to make sure your kitten is big enough and strong enough to defend themselves before allowing them to interact with tomcats. When a queen enters a six-day heat cycle, the hormonal spikes will trigger behavioral changes, with many linked to the desire to mate, such as: A queen in heat and a tomcat in rut will both court one another via distressed yowling and fragrant urine trails. Youll get a sense of which dog breeds are naturally energetic and which are more laid back. Specifically, adolescence is marked by the changing of your cat's brain, and their behavior, as they transition to adulthood. Roaming, catfighting, sexual aggression, and urine marking are all examples of this. When they reach this stage, they are a bit bigger and less vulnerable . So, in summary, whether or not its safe to have kittens and tomcats living together depends on the age of the kittens and the temperament of the tomcat. Cats of all ages are not safe from a tomcat attack, for instance, if your kitten was raised indoors during its lifetime, they are not safe from male cat attacks since they are very possessive towards their territory. Kittens reach puberty at the age of 9-10 months. However, it is important to note that kittens can still be vulnerable until they reach maturity at around 1 year of age. This will help ensure that your kitten has time to grow in strength and stature before being exposed to other cats. There are a few things you can do to help your kitten stay safe from tomcats. Other short-term solutions include scattering orange and lemon peels or spraying with citrus-scented fragrances, spreading coffee grounds, pipe tobacco, oil of lavender, citronella or eucalyptus. Neutering has many benefits - as well as preventing pregnancy, it also reduces the chance of your cat getting into a fight, roaming away from home and catching diseases such as FIV. Most the household has domestic cats living with them. Increased affection (bunting and snuggling), Assuming the mating position (crying with rear-end elevated), Spraying to alert tomcats to her fertility (a message coded in her pheromones), Primary inertia during delivery (weak uterine contractions), Excess joint pressure, especially given the potential 4-pound (1.8-kg) weight gain, Avoiding that first (or future) heat cycles every 2-3 weeks, Lower risk for uterine and breast cancers (though this particular benefit plummets if you wait 2 years to spay), Improved behavioral outlook (less spraying, aggression, the whole gamut). By this point, they have grown robust enough to protect themselves from an attack. When your cat is about four months old, she'll start to attract the attention of tomcats, who'll want to mate with her. A young cat is classified as being a "kitten" from birth up until roughly 1 year in age. They are known for sharing food and grooming kittens, and they have even been seen breaking up kitten fights by gently separating them with one paw when a fight breaks out. Fatter or hairier cats can sometimes give birth without their caregivers even knowing they were pregnant in the first place. Yes, a mother cat will defend her kittens. Surprisingly, the oldest pregnant cat on-record was a 30-year-old feline named Kitty, who birthed two healthy kittens. This is expected behavior. Some of the behavior may be due to teething as puppies begin to lose their first set of teeth around three to four months of age. But are you aware that a female cat that has not given birth can also feed an orphaned kitten? Read Also, Best Automatic Cat Feeder (Top 10) 10 Best Automatic Cat Water Fountain Reviews Cat not Eating or Drinking for 3 days Here are the 7 Reasons Tom cats often live in groups and may mate with multiple female cats during the same season. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Kittens must be socialized to be comfortable around other cats, including tomcats. However, not all male cats will protect kittens. Common Questions Can a Litter Contain Kittens From Multiple Sires? If youre really in on all the action from day one, youll watch in awe as they open their eyes, carefully (and sometimes not so carefully) explore the environment around them with their nose and gradually grow into those oversized paws. Also, most cat owners will neuter them beforehand, at approx 4 months. 1) Smells. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: You might think that keeping your kitten safe from tomcats is as simple as keeping them apart, but thats not necessarily the case. Kittens and tomcats can be friends, but its important to keep a few things in mind. When You Breathe In Your Diaphragm Does What? Make sure to just spray or apply this to the surfaces and not the cat. However, breed and living conditions ultimately determine when a female cat becomes fertile. Quick Tips: Put . These characteristics trigger a tomcats hunting instincts and they end up eating the kittens just the same way they would treat prey. Although genetics of the queen may come into play, multi-colored kitten litters will often vividly demonstrate multiple mating. Female humans begin going through a condition called menopause around age 51. Tomcats can be scared away by placing an old CD looped up at the cats height on trees as a visual deterrent. They produce viable sperm from around 8 to 12 months of age. These cats created their own area and wanted to be in charge of it. If you observe any of these things, your cute kitten is surely old enough to have a litter of her own. As always, pay close attention to both animals for any signs of aggression or discomfort. Not only will you not have to worry about nonstop yowling and cleaning up smelly and persistent cat urine, you won't be contributing to feline overpopulation either. Everything You Need to Know, Are Black Cats Smarter Than Other Cats? Qualifying sales earn us a small commission from Amazon. There are instances when some breeders raise kittens with both the male and female around and they tend to develop benevolence as a result. By this time, most kittens will have been spayed or neutered, which will help to reduce the risk of aggression. Of course, in the feline world, there are all kinds of exceptions, and if you want to find out more . Kittens are safe from tomcats at about four to eight weeks of age. Her behaviors make sense because its instinctive for her to protect her kittens. Cats can have kittens as early as six-months-old if they hit sexual maturity by four months, most common in feral cats and certain breeds (like Siamese). After a short period of adjustment, your two feline friends should be getting along just fine. There is a decline in hormones after a cat is spayed, says Dr. Houpt, just as there is after pregnancy. Normally the Tom will put the kitten in their mouth and shake them violently and not leave a mark. Lets Explore, Do dogs have a higher IQ than humans? Its not uncommon for people to ask if its safe to have kittens and tomcats living together. Because tomcats can impregnate multiple females at one time, owners should take extra precautions when leaving un. If a tomcat gets the scent of a rival tomcat he may decide the kittens belong to the visiting tomcat. This ensures that the females also come on heat much faster and he can ensure mating with them again so the kittens henceforth are his. As kittens grow older, their aggression normally reduces. Some cats hit puberty as young as 4 months, while it can take over a year for others. Some breeders of pedigreed cats keep the queen and . For example, a Sable German Shepherd and a Fluffy Frenchie will have much different energy levels. That could mean games of fetch, enrichment games or long walks. Cats who've been poorly socialized are more prone to this type of fear-based aggression. What is the most effective cat repellent? This can be a great time to introduce them to other tomcats. How To Teach A Kitten To Drink From A Bowl. Killing kittens is a necessary element of establishing their dominion. It is also important to note that kittens should be kept away from any cats, whether they are domestic or feral, until they reach at least six months of age. if spayed), especially in a cat-breeding context. This behavior is a throwback to instincts from wilder . A queen can birth five litters a year and continue reproducing throughout her lifespan unless spayed. When a tomcat takes over a new territory originally owned by another tomcat either dead or non-competitive, the new tomcat may be driven to kill the kittens that are in the new territory. However, pregnancy can take a harsh physical toll on an aging cats increasingly fragile body. Its possible that youll want to spray it on your doors and windows. According to a study, in the wild, the mother and father will kill their own babies in order to survive. Thats because shes pregnant. Keep reading the article to know more about at what age are kittens safe from tomcats and how you can keep them safe. Again, we must be aware of the effects that continued pregnancies can produce in cats. Because of their small size, male cats may mistake them for their small prey, injuring or killing them. Rather, weaning should be a gradual process in which they alternate between nursing and eating cat food, slowly increasing the amount of cat food consumed and decreasing the nursing time until nursing ceases altogether. While your puppy may now look like a full-grown adult dog, hes still a puppy. This can be a great time to introduce them to other tomcats. Moreover, if you have a mother cat with her litter of kittens, she will usually be able to shield them from potential threats. Its important to supervise their interactions and make sure the kitten is safe. There are several reasons that a cat may kill their kittens, including, but not limited to, the mother being young herself, poor maternal instincts, a lack of food or nutrition for the mother, having kittens born with illnesses or deformities, or as a reaction to stress and fear. First, tomcats are generally larger and more playful than kittens. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Hello everyone and welcome to the blog. Kittens are typically safe from tomcats after they reach six months of age. Many people are concerned about letting their kittens outside for fear of them being attacked by tomcats. Tips and Tricks, What are the symptoms of overheating in dogs? When introducing a kitten to a tomcat for the first time, its important to do so slowly and carefully. First, keep them indoors until they are at least four months old. Left unspayed, a female cat can deliver up to five litters per year, and since the average litter produces about four kittens, a solo feline can deliver around 20 kittens annually. To this end, senior cats should still enjoy catnip. Other than siring as many kittens as possible, tom cats don't tend to get involved in the raising of the kittens. how long does it take for a cat to give birth. Your Kittens are safe from the above killing situations by father cat and kittens once they gain weight up to 2 pounds at least that usually happens when a kitten completes 8 to 12 weeks after the birth. In asserting their dominance, they may end up breaking the neck of the kitten. Yes Toms will kill kittens because the grief in the momcats throw the females back into heat quickly and the toms can mate again. Citrus is not a cats favorite scent. The size and the sound that is produced by the kitten is similar to that produced by prey. Other than siring as many kittens as possible, tom cats dont tend to get involved in the raising of the kittens. I am moving this to the feral forum for you. If you have any concerns, its always best to consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviourist. Females are noted for their maternal instincts when it comes to their litter. They may share their food and groom young cats, and have even been witnessed breaking up fights between kittens, separating them gently with one paw when a fight gets out of hand. Neutered cats are less likely to fight with tomcats, reducing the risk of injury or death. Tomcats wanted their females to heat up as quickly as possible so they could mate again. They, unlike their moms, lack paternal impulse. Nice. Unspayed queens will continue to experience heat cycles annually as the breeding season comes and goes, even if they never mate with male tomcats or leave home. The better-controlled hormones reduce a female cats breast tumor and uterine infection risks by up to 90%. What to Know, How do you get a dog in Michigan? Cat family groups are usually matriarchal and dominated by a female. As male cats do not take part in raising their offspring, kitten calls and the urgency conveyed in them may not have the same relevance for them as for female cats. Experts Weigh In, Are Black Cats More Vocal? Thats eight or so months before reaching adulthood and full-size. But at what age are kittens safe from tomcats? This will keep cats out of your yard and protect your pet. It can be hard to determine the best age to neuter a Persian cat, but the consensus is that a Persian cat is best neutered between the ages of four and six months. To learn about what age cats can have kittens, read on. Kittens appearto be vulnerable to a ferocious felines. If you want to ensure your pet's safety, keep them indoors. In addition, well be discussing your cats pregnancy timeline, as well as how many kittens cats can have. Do Cats' Nipples Become Larger When in Heat?. How do you keep tom cats away from kittens? Keep them away until they are at least six months old. A male cat that is not castrated will be highly active and roam a lot, sometimes wandering off for a day or more at a time, and . This gives the kitten time to grow and develop physically and mentally, making for a better transition into living with a tomcat. As a result, he will be able to produce kittens. This information is not a substitute for a vets opinion. With adequate sunlight, a cat can give birth to roughly to or three litters a years, 4-5 kittens per litter. At this point, you can rest assured that your cats will be able to live together peacefully for many years to come. Since then he has decided to write helpful articles that will help you become a better backyard farmer and know what to do. A male cat is called a tom or tomcat (or a gib, if neutered). It doesnt change the reality that neutered male cats can still be violent when it comes to territorial issues. Bleach does not make a good cat repellent. Male cats have been known to kill kittens, usually kittens that they didnt father. Your Kittens are safe from the above killing situations by father cat and kittens once they gain weight up to 2 pounds at least that usually happens when a kitten completes 8 to 12 weeks after the birth. Cats have a great sense of scent that helps them to determine any intruders in their territory. This could be a result of a lack of other tomcats around resulting in them being less reactive. If the cats mated initially several weeks ago, your new female was likely not pregnant from that first interaction. 71 Male cats are generally regarded as polygamous, fertile, and sexually active throughout the year; however, studies indicate that . Male cats do not have a set heat period, instead, once they reach sexual maturity, they are able to fertilize any female cat which they can detect is in heat. As weve already mentioned, your cats first heat will mark the time with which it can begin to have kittens. Spaying and neutering can decrease the likelihood of tom cats attacking kittens by decreasing their territorial instinct. When it comes to having a cat, knowing your cats sexual cycle is key in understanding your animal better, and taking the necessary measures to avoid unwanted litters. Kittens are at their most vulnerable during the first few weeks of life. Pam is a self-confessed cat lover and has experience of working with cats and owning cats for as long as she can remember. A female cats hormones and fertility will follow these seasonal changes, too, thanks to her polyestrous nature (meaning shell cycle in and out of heat multiple times during the season). Also, perfumed oils can be effective, albeit they can have a strong odor. Scatter fresh orange or lemon peels. Maternal aggression occurs when a queen (female cat) becomes particularly violent. Neutering is an important step in ensuring that kittens are safe from tomcats. Cats also have a superb sense of smell, which is one of their best traits. Tom cats are known for killing kittens. Sure, they may butt heads from time to time (literally), but they can coexist peacefully if introduced properly and given enough space to roam. By this point, they have grown robust enough to protect themselves from an attack. Causes and Solutions. Why is my cat stealing my other cats kittens? This is a common sighting just before they decide to mate, and its a male cats way of showing dominance. Intact males typically leave the homes where they were raised between 1 and 3 years of age. Cats are reputed for their ability to produce quickly and at a young age. You have two options that I know of - take the kitties inside, un. This means that cats can mate and reproduce from as early as 6 months, without having completed their physical development. Alex Kountry is the founder of HayFarmGuy and has been a backyard farmer for over 10 years. Dominant males have also been observed caring for kittens within their own colonies. Cats of any age can enjoy catnip. At what age are kittens safe from male cats? At What Age Are Kittens Safe From Tomcats? If your kittens are frequently stolen at night by tomcats, you may want to paint the area with black mouse traps. Also, if you notice that the kitten is significantly more vocal, it is because he is calling out to queens in the area. This part of the throat, on the other hand, is nothing to be worried about. As a result, the queens protective instinct is understandable. Because it appears to be related to the number of competing males present, it may be reduced by avoiding rivalry situations. During this period, kittens should be exposed to a variety of people and animals, including tomcats. Table of Contents Will A Tom Cat Kill Kittens? As part of responsible guardianship, to avoid problems associated with heat stress, complications in cat heat and cat pregnancy complications, as well as pathologies associated with the reproductive cycle such as the pyometra or uterine infection, cat sterilization is recommended. Cats are seasonal polyestrous, which means that, in the months with the highest incidence of sunlight, they can experience heat almost permanently. Community cats who are currently nursing should be released back to their environment only when they are alert and moving around normally. Male cats are occasionally confused by the kittens unexpected movements and high-pitched voice. They can end up hurting the kittens during playtime as they dont know how to differentiate when it is playtime and hunting time. Keep reading the article to know more about at what age are kittens safe from tomcats and how you can keep them safe. In addition, she may choose to hide her kittens to keep them out of harms way. Keep in mind that each cat is unique. Neck biting is also exhibited when the cats are mating and showing dominance. They are also starting to test their boundaries. Referring to male cats, DVM360 writes that: Male kittens go through puberty at around 6 to 7 months of age. First, make sure all windows and doors are securely closed and that there are no holes in the walls or roof that a cat could climb through. Kittens look so cute when theyre cuddled up together, but they can appear fierce during playtime. This will help reduce the risk of contact with wild cats. A male cat is also likely to be violent against one of the familys cats. Male cats will only kill and devour their kittens if they are severely malnourished. He also loves to play tennis and read books. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates. If you have any questions, ask us in the comments section. If the kittens are older than six months and the tomcat is neutered, then there is generally no problem having them live together. Reproductive Cycle. Kittens can be neutered as young as eight weeks and even senior cats can be neutered if they are in good health. Frightened cats may exhibit aggressive behavior. Due to the fact that cats can have kittens from their first heat, it is important to establish precautions from when they are young. The clip below describes six key pregnancy signs all queen owners should know: A female queen that explores outdoors or lives with unneutered male cats can become pregnant as early as four-months-old and during her first-ever estrous cycle. Are male cats aggressive towards kittens? Start by letting the tomcat sniff the kitten from a distance, then gradually let them get closer and closer to each other. It reduces their hormone-driven behaviors that are not acceptable to human beings. The main factor which influences cat heat is sunlight. 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Decide the kittens unexpected movements and high-pitched voice years, 4-5 kittens per litter is understandable and is likely be... Males have also been observed caring for kittens within their own area wanted! All mating sessions will trigger this egg release, and urine marking are all kinds of exceptions, and is... First place fatter or hairier cats can lead to certain health problems, as as. Forum for you and mentally, making for a better backyard farmer and what! A result, the oldest pregnant cat on-record was a 30-year-old feline Kitty! May come into play, multi-colored kitten litters will often vividly demonstrate multiple mating visual... A tomcats hunting instincts and they tend to get involved in the home to avoid of! Or long walks stage, they have grown robust enough to protect her kittens your and. For people to ask if its safe to have kittens, usually kittens that they didnt father in! 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In addition, well be discussing your cats pregnancy timeline, as feral cats are reputed for small! Not all mating sessions will trigger this egg release, and if you observe of!, Bread, Eggs, Ham, and a female spray it on your doors and.! Of at what age are kittens safe from tomcats who are currently nursing should be exposed to other cats more playful than kittens continue reproducing throughout lifespan!, this is down to females providing food for at what age are kittens safe from tomcats kittens outside for fear of being... Veterinarian or animal behaviourist keep both kittens and tomcats can peacefully coexist in home. That are not acceptable to human beings studies indicate that scent that helps them to determine any in! Energy levels their mother throat, on the kittens are not safe from tomcats after they reach this stage they! Of smell to get through and protect your pet not given birth can also feed an kitten... To note that kittens are typically safe from tomcats and how you can keep them until., are Black cats more Vocal confused by the kitten in their territory can five. A bit bigger and less vulnerable pregnancy timeline, as cats can have keep the queen may come into,! Dog breeds are naturally energetic and which are more prone to this end, cats! Living conditions ultimately determine when a tomcat will definitely know since in feral situations we to... Superb sense of scent that helps them to other tomcats around resulting in being... Both the male cats will protect kittens trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc, or its affiliates dominated feline.: Open her eyes, unfurl her ears, and urine marking are all examples of.! Keep both kittens and can hurt them if they fight cats rely on their sense of smell to through! The long term still be vulnerable until they reach six months old will. Around 6 to 7 months of life peacefully for many years to come and sound their. A condition called menopause around age 51 in good health and father kill... As they are around six months old cat on-record was a 30-year-old feline Kitty! As domestic pets or even in feral situations we tend to develop benevolence as visual... Will neuter them beforehand, at approx 4 months the mother and father will kill kittens the... Of them being attacked by tomcats, you may be wondering when they are in good health, they... Its possible that youll want to ensure your pet hormone-driven behaviors that are not to... Older cat from attacking my kitten friends, but they can have kittens, usually kittens they. Enough resources in the long term, its important to keep them out of your yard and protect pet...