hiya! our cat sookie just had kittens (her first litter) on Friday she's been doing amazing lets me weigh them with no problems, today she woke up fine let me weigh them again but then this afternoon she completely changed. we wasn't even near her or the kittens and she came out to us and started attacking like out to kill attacking! is this normal? any advice would be great!
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aggressive cat after kittens
- Thread starter sash91
- Start Date
While it isn't usual, it is also not unheard of, and mama cats are notoriously protective. However, what you've described to me sounds like a case of redirected aggression, which is what happens when something startles/frightens a cat, and they cannot get to what caused it. They will take out that adrenaline rush on someone else...another cat in the house, their humans, etc. This article about redirected aggression is excellent.
This may be a one-off...perhaps a dog or another cat came into the yard where she could see or hear them. That could be enough to do it, with new kittens. Leave the kittens alone until tomorrow afternoon. When you go in, take a large pillow to place between you and Sookie, but only IF it is necessary. It may well not be. We'll cross our fingers that this was a simple case of redirected aggression, made worse by her instinct to protect her babies.
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Re-Directed Aggression In Cats [Insight And Solutions] - TheCatSite
Aggression in cats can be baffling and alarming. Our in-depth guide deciphers the mystery of re-directed aggression, offering understanding and practical tips for prevention and management. Turn your pet's fury into tranquility with our expert advice.
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This may be a one-off...perhaps a dog or another cat came into the yard where she could see or hear them. That could be enough to do it, with new kittens. Leave the kittens alone until tomorrow afternoon. When you go in, take a large pillow to place between you and Sookie, but only IF it is necessary. It may well not be. We'll cross our fingers that this was a simple case of redirected aggression, made worse by her instinct to protect her babies.
KEEP US POSTED!
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #3
Hiya guys! I posted a week or so ago about my cat sookie just had her first litter 3 weeks ago now. And she attacked me a week ago and then again yesterday! The first time our pup was around and I though she was just being protective. But yesterday it was out of no where. She was hungry she was calm I gave her food and as I walked away she attacked me suddenly. I’m not sure what to do and worried she could attack my kiddos! All add pictures to the comments
the Scratches
the Scratches
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OK, until we can get some real solutions here, is there anywhere that you can seclude her and her kittens, to keep the rest of you safe while we work on the hows and whys? This is serious stuff. WATCH THOSE SCRATCHES! And get to the ER if they even look like they MIGHT infect. It happens quickly.
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- #5
Hi! Thank you for replying! Yes she’s secluded to my wardrobe with the kittens and she seems content in there! I’ve cleaned and bandaged all the scratches I will definitely keep an eye on them!
Oh dear! I do think it’s because she’s hormonal and in ultra-protective mode. It may also be because cat moms get very nervous when their kittens begin to leave the nest around the three week mark. She knows there’s a dog in the house and she’s concerned it may get her kittens. Never let the pup in the room for now and keep the door to your room closed.
Leave dry food and water at all times, and put her wet food where she has to walk over to eat it after you leave so she has no chance to attack.
Also, put Neosporin on the scratches and they will heal better exposed to the air after a day or so.
Also, go ahead and set up a spay appointment for her at the 6-8 week mark.
Keep us posted!
Leave dry food and water at all times, and put her wet food where she has to walk over to eat it after you leave so she has no chance to attack.
Also, put Neosporin on the scratches and they will heal better exposed to the air after a day or so.
Also, go ahead and set up a spay appointment for her at the 6-8 week mark.
Keep us posted!
Since you are the one interacting with her, may I suggest that you wear blue jeans all the time, maybe with a jean or corduroy skirt over them. Heavy socks as high as you can get them and if you have them high fuzzy house shoe boots (they are thick enough to give the claws something to sink into and curl back before reaching you.
Also sweat shirt, new one, or two old ones for thickness. Rose sleeves are good for protecting your arms and hands, but your fingers will be free. I would suggest rose gloves, but you'll need to use your fingers.
Most of the clothes can be found at Wal Mart etc. rose sleeves and gloves are on Amazon and probably at the more expensive hardware stores.
Tie your hair up either in a tight bun or with a scarf so she can't get entangled in it. Yes, the nightmare possibility. And wear safety glasses or goggles.
Once the hormones are gone she may well be nice. If you keep the kittens she may always be protective of them, but she should settle down about family. Until then wear the protective clothing.
Be real careful getting anything out of your closet. Flashlight first to be sure of where the kittens are. You don't want to step too close to one of them.
Should have posted before, but I thought it was a one off.
Also sweat shirt, new one, or two old ones for thickness. Rose sleeves are good for protecting your arms and hands, but your fingers will be free. I would suggest rose gloves, but you'll need to use your fingers.
Most of the clothes can be found at Wal Mart etc. rose sleeves and gloves are on Amazon and probably at the more expensive hardware stores.
Tie your hair up either in a tight bun or with a scarf so she can't get entangled in it. Yes, the nightmare possibility. And wear safety glasses or goggles.
Once the hormones are gone she may well be nice. If you keep the kittens she may always be protective of them, but she should settle down about family. Until then wear the protective clothing.
Be real careful getting anything out of your closet. Flashlight first to be sure of where the kittens are. You don't want to step too close to one of them.
Should have posted before, but I thought it was a one off.
- Thread Starter Thread Starter
- #8
Thanks so much for the advice! I also thought it was a one off too!
