Nursing Momma and Other kitties

I was wondering what other people's experiences have been with nursing mothers and other cats?

My momma cat, Natalia, has her two boys (now 4 weeks old). So far they've been in my pregnant mom enclosure. I also have two other girls of my own, both about the same age as Natalia. They do go right up to the enclosure and look in. The girls also sniff and nuzzle the babies when I have them out for playtime.

I've heard a ton of talking between the girls and Natalia, but so far nothing aggressive. Natalia can also see them when they interact with the babies and I haven't seen any aggression.

I would love to start letting Natalia and the bitties roam the room, but I don't know if the removal of the barrier (the enclosure) between the girls and momma will start anything.

I have had my girls with a momma with kittens before...it didn't fully work out- the babies ended up having a birth defect and we lost most of them (my one girl always knows when something is wrong with a kitty and she won't go near them/welcome them. Lots of hissing.)

They did seem pretty ok with the Momma cat after the babies were gone....they were still a little hissy at night for a week and that was about it.

I would give it a try and see how it works out! All cats are different and how your girls react will probably be based on mama's personality. As long as mama is fairly laid back and submissive, not minding the girls around her babes. it probably won't be a problem.

Kailie said:

I would give it a try and see how it works out!

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Me too.  If they seems friendly and nobody touchy it can be tryied.

Good luck!

I'm still figuring out Momma's personality....she came from a bad hoarding/inbreeding situation and we are still working on socializing her. My girls can be a little picky about the adult cats they like, but it usually ends up ok. At the moment I just have the enclosure door open so they can try it out.

ClaraAdele said:

I'm still figuring out Momma's personality....she came from a bad hoarding/inbreeding situation and we are still working on socializing her. My girls can be a little picky about the adult cats they like, but it usually ends up ok. At the moment I just have the enclosure door open so they can try it out.

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Right.  Of course, do hold a good watch.  If anything not so good is happening, separate them. Mom must be unstressed as far as possible.

If she is happy with company - fine, plus points.  But if she is in any way not comfortable - let her be separate for the time being.

Some occasionall hiss may pass, but not more.

*vibes*

Momma cat has started to venture out a little. There is some growling from one of my cats, but no fighting or hissing and she backs away almost immediately after. Momma is also becoming more socialized and allowing me to pet her when she is out, so I think everything should turn out a-ok.