Brief history: I took in a pregnant stray who had kittens last March. She was a dutiful, caring mother and very loving and protective of her kittens. We ended up keeping one of the kittens and the adult mama and both have now been spayed. So here's whats up:
Mama cat will often violently attack the kitten. The kitten is pretty big now, but mama is still much larger/heavier. These attacks occur randomly and for no apparent reason. For example, just now the mama cat was sitting looking out the back door. The kitten came up (like she always does) to look out the window with her mom. But mama turned around and attacked her. Other times when the kitten approaches, the mama will lick and groom her. There appears to be no rhyme of reason for these attacks.
Every time I witness it, I intervene and pick up the kitten...but I'm sure this happens when I'm not watching. Also,the kitten still tries to nurse on the mama. Sometimes mom will let her, other times she attacks. What should I do?
Mama cat will often violently attack the kitten. The kitten is pretty big now, but mama is still much larger/heavier. These attacks occur randomly and for no apparent reason. For example, just now the mama cat was sitting looking out the back door. The kitten came up (like she always does) to look out the window with her mom. But mama turned around and attacked her. Other times when the kitten approaches, the mama will lick and groom her. There appears to be no rhyme of reason for these attacks.
Every time I witness it, I intervene and pick up the kitten...but I'm sure this happens when I'm not watching. Also,the kitten still tries to nurse on the mama. Sometimes mom will let her, other times she attacks. What should I do?