Question about kittens staying together after birth

pami

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I have had some fighting issues with 2 of my 3 year old littermate brothers. Someone recently told me the reason is because I kept the stray Mother cat and all 4 of her kittens, that by nature, they would all go their separate ways, especially the boys, to territoties far away from each other. But because I decided to keep the Mother and all her kittens, that I have caused them to live under stress. Any thoughts on this?
 

kluchetta

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My cat had 8 kittens and we rehomed 2 of the boys together. They sleep with their paws around each other. Maybe because there are more than the two that makes it harder...
 

momofmany

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I always try to adopt littermate pairs and in all my years have had only 1 case where 2 brothers didn't get along, and that happened much later in life. Their rift started when they were about 7 years old. Based on the other cats in their litter (which were adopted to others), we are assuming that these 2 had different fathers.

Most littermates do get along, particularly if you neuter them young. Cats born in feral colonies do drive out adolescent males when they hit about 18 -24 months old, but that only when they aren't neutered.

The problem could be due to stress. 5 cats in one household can overwhelm some cats and if that is the case, you could try giving them their own space by adding cat condos or other spots that they can claim as their own throughout your house.
 
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pami

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I have actually been keeping them separated, until or if it can be worked out. They have A LOT of room and have claimed their individual spots and all seem to respect each other's spaces.

They were not neutered until they were 6 months old because the vet wouldnt do it until then. But I was just curious about that statement that I was causing them stress by having them live together. I would hate I contributed to their unhappiness with each other. Its just these 2, none of the others.

The longer I have them separated, the happier they seem to be
 

tnr1

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Originally Posted by Pami

I have actually been keeping them separated, until or if it can be worked out. They have A LOT of room and have claimed their individual spots and all seem to respect each other's spaces.

They were not neutered until they were 6 months old because the vet wouldnt do it until then. But I was just curious about that statement that I was causing them stress by having them live together. I would hate I contributed to their unhappiness with each other. Its just these 2, none of the others.

The longer I have them separated, the happier they seem to be
Some cats like having their littermates closeby...others would prefer to have a little space...but I don't think you are doing them harm, they have obviously worked out what their territories are.

Katie
 
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