My cat is stealing my other cat's newborn kittens...

dmari

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Hi!
My cat Ninja, a neighborhood stray that adopted ME when she was a kitten, had her first litter in my bedroom yesterday morning. She only had two, but everyone seems healthy and normal. She didn't seem to mind my cat, Baby, being near her kittens, so I allowed Baby in my room last night while I slept. She even left the kittens out of her sight while Baby seemingly babysat them, and didn't have any issues.

This morning, I caught Baby trying to steal her kittens! She picked one up and brought it next to my side of the bed, put it down, and tried nursing it. I shooed Baby away, picked up Ninja, and brought her over to the kitten to try to get her to bring it back to their spot (I'm too scared to pick them up myself!). As Ninja was retrieving her kitten, Baby went and picked up another one, but I made her put it down and kicked her out of the room. As far as I know, Baby has never had a litter of her own.

Obviously, I know I'm going to have to separate them for a while, but I'm just wondering if this is normal? Why was she trying to get the kittens? Is she confused and thinks SHE's supposed to nurse them too, or is she trying to get attention from me?
 

otto

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Hello and welcome to the forum.

Is Baby spayed?

Please get Baby spayed now, if she is not, and spay the other cat as soon as the kittens are weaned, and spay and neuter the kittens as soon as they are old enough.

In the meantime, keep them separated.
 

stephanietx

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Yep, the best thing to do is to separate the two adult cats until the babies are big enough to move around and find their momma on their own. Otherwise there could be some issues between the two adults.

If she's not already spayed, have Baby spayed immediately. Then, once the kittens are weaned, have Ninja spayed. It's best for both of them to be spayed as there are many health complications that can arise that can be fatal. There's also the part about overpopulation.
 
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dmari

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Thanks, Stephanie.
 

StefanZ

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Hi and welcome to the Forums!

yes, in this situation keep them separated. Unless the mother doesnt care about her kittens, but she apparently does so....
As it is, let the kittens be bigger and walking themselves before you let Baby join the family (with some supervision).

The behaviour not unusual, but more often the other cat contents herself of being help mom.

And yes, begin spaying with the aunt, Baby.

Unless you are REALLY decided to have litters.

Good luck, and keep us updated!
 

feralvr

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Welcome to TCS!!!! I would keep Ninja and kittens separated and secluded in private away from all other animals. That would not be good if Ninja decides not to care for those kittens because of interference from Baby.

Please get your cats spayed right away unless you are a breeder of pure bred show cats. thank you and good luck
 
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