Momma's behavior towards kittens

A few weeks ago I rescued a stray pregnant kitty. She had her kittens, who are now two weeks old (as of yesterday). Angel is a wonderful momma and the kittens are very healthy. I am a bit concerned though. Angel seems to be acting differently towards the kittens now that they are starting to crawl around more. She acts like she wants to play with them, but will grab them with her paws and teeth and flip them over and then pin and bite them. It appears to be play, but the kittens aren't even playing with each other yet and it just seems like Angel may hurt the kittens. I have been supervising them more often now because of this. Should I be concerned with Angel's behavior......or is it normal?

"Normal" would be my vote based on what you describe.

If she intended to kill the kittens, she would have done so swiftly and decisively so you can just chalk up any roughness to maternal instincts and the mamacat needing to keep control of her litter.

she's just trying to prevent them wandering too far and showing them who's boss.

my cat threw her kitten down the stairs once (not sure how intentional it was, he only fell down three steps.)

i rang the emergency vet and they said if she had wanted to kill him she would have done it within the first two days. the vet said she was just trying to show him about life- 'these are stairs, you will fall down them.'

Originally Posted by maverick_kitten

my cat threw her kitten down the stairs once (not sure how intentional it was, he only fell down three steps.)

i rang the emergency vet and they said if she had wanted to kill him she would have done it within the first two days. the vet said she was just trying to show him about life- 'these are stairs, you will fall down them.'

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Now that's what I call tough love. I think I will call my mom right now and thank her for never throwing me down the stairs.