3. But at what age are kittens safe from tomcats? The average onset of menopause in humans is age 51. At some point, a tomcat may try to assert its dominance over the kitten especially the unruly ones that keep on disturbing it. Toms like most other animals of prey have strong hunting instincts and once activated are hard to be switched off. Continuous pregnancy in cats can lead to certain health problems, as well as reduce a cats life expectancy. With this, it is rare to see neutered male cats be aggressive towards kittens. To know more about tomcats' behavior with kittens, here are some facts that you can ponder about and learn some ways that will help you keep tomcats away. This is true whether the kitten is their own or was sired by another cat. This is a common sighting just before they decide to mate, and its a male cats way of showing dominance. Kittens are usually safe to go outside and be safe from 6 months old. This could be a cat tree, a box, or even just a high shelf that they can climb up to. Tomcats also tend to spray urine around their territory, and kittens can get sick from this. Some breeders of pedigreed cats keep the queen and . You never know how he'll react. But when are kittens safe from tomcats? There are a few things you can do to keep your kitten safe from tomcats. Kittens are at their most vulnerable during their first few months of life. Many cat owners, however, claim that their male cats show paternal instincts toward kittens, regardless of whether or not they are their offspring. Tomcats notoriously prey on female cats, but at what age can cats have kittens? What to Feed Kittens 4 Weeks Old 3 Special Food to Feed Kittens. It is also important to keep an eye on their interactions, so that you can intervene if necessary. They play with the kittens, groom them, and help the mother cat keep an eye on them. This may be groups of female cats that he has control over along with deterring other male cats from coming into this territory. Tom cats often live in groups and may mate with multiple female cats during the same season. Therefore, it is not only important to avoid unwanted pregnancies, but to choose the best contraceptive method for your cat, adapted to its individual health status. They do not want the females to raise kittens that belong to his rivals. A Complete Guide, What are 3 headed dogs called? On average, male cats live for around one to two years less than female cats, much like human men and women. , Best Outdoor: Natures Mace Cat Repellent at Naturesmace.com. Cats can only begin to have kittens once theyve experienced their first heat. All Facts and Guides to Cats and Kittens - 21Cats.org. The majority of domesticated male cats appearto be friendly. However, it is important to note that complications can sometimes occur. If your new cat is a similar size to your resident kitty, or they are both males, their instincts may cause them to be aggressive. Aside from that, texture and visual sorts of deterrents can be used. This can be a great time to introduce them to other tomcats. If you observe any of these things, your cute kitten is surely old enough to have a litter of her own. Also, perfumed oils can be effective, albeit they can have a strong odor. Quick Tips: Put out fragrances that keep cats away. You have two options that I know of - take the kitties inside, un. Female kittens who are mature enough to reproduce start going into heat cycles regularly. It can be hard to determine the best age to neuter a Persian cat, but the consensus is that a Persian cat is best neutered between the ages of four and six months. This includes - roaming around, catfighting, sexual aggression and urine marking. To help you know what to expect during the most adorable weeks of a puppys life, we asked Dr. Carlo Siracusa, veterinarian and associate professor of Clinical Behavior Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, to share key happenings and care information through the early stages, from day one to 48 weeks. Are you worried about the safety of your kittens around tomcats? Another thing to keep in mind is that tomcats can sometimes be rough with kittens. Hunting provides important mental stimulation for a cat. 2. This can make it difficult for tomcats to recognize their kittens, but some can recognize their offspring through scent. Wet coffee groundswhich you may be able to get for free from coffee houses and fast food chainsand metal pans filled with vinegar also deter cats. After the mating session ends, the female cats ovary will release an egg (induced ovulation) ready for fertilization. Tom cats are known for killing kittens. Domestic male cats as well as male cats in the wild arent known for their fathering skills. If you have an outdoor cat, its important to keep an eye on them during this time and make sure theyre not being bothered by tomcats. In simpler terms, a womans monthly menstrual cycles will become irregular before stopping entirely, signaling infertility a lack of viable eggs that can become fertilized by a males sperm. With these ideas in mind, here are the steps to resolveor, better yetavoid aggression between cats: Adult cats will usually accept a new kitten much more easily than they will accept a new adult cat. However, while mothballs work as a cat repellent, theyre toxic to cats, other animals and birds. If youre Introducing a kitten to a tomcat for the first time, its important to do so gradually. For tame cats, it is recommended to wait until the . If the cats mated initially several weeks ago, your new female was likely not pregnant from that first interaction. 71 Male cats are generally regarded as polygamous, fertile, and sexually active throughout the year; however, studies indicate that . Feral tomcats may watch over the kittens while the mama cat is out looking for food. They use their scent to distinguish who is who, allowing them to recognize who is in their territory. This happens to many other social animals too, few of the males will use their energy to raise the offspring of another male that is their rival. How Many Puppies can a Bull Terrier Have? Tips on Breeding and Pregnancy. When a tomcat takes over a new territory originally owned by another tomcat either dead or non-competitive, the new tomcat may be driven to kill the kittens that are in the new territory. If you do happen to spot a tomcat in the area, make sure you stay vigilant and keep an eye on your kittens at all times for their protection. To learn about what age cats can have kittens, read on. Take a look at our reviews of Cat Calming Sprays and Dewormers For Cats for more options. The author of this article is a student at the University of Oxford. Surprisingly, the oldest pregnant cat on-record was a 30-year-old feline named Kitty, who birthed two healthy kittens. But its only a matter of time before that pint-sized kitten discovers her independence and sets off on her first solo voyage. Its not uncommon for kittens and tomcats to become friends, even when theyre from different litters. Its not uncommon for people to ask if its safe to have kittens and tomcats living together. Therefore, while a tomcat can attack kittens, some steps can be taken to prevent this from happening. They are now starting to be gradually independent. You cant teach cats to respect humans personal property, but electronic deterrents and some plants and herbs can keep them away from off-limits areas without harming them. Community cats who are currently nursing should be released back to their environment only when they are alert and moving around normally. Cats can get pregnant from four months of age. Score: 4.6/5 (17 votes) . A young cat is classified as being a "kitten" from birth up until roughly 1 year in age. Humans, other animals, and other cats who come between a queen and her new litter of kittens to guard them are the targets of her wrath. How To Teach A Kitten To Drink From A Bowl. She may also use loud vocalizations to scare away the danger. This gives the kitten time to grow and develop physically and mentally, making for a better transition into living with a tomcat. . If youre concerned about your puppy being too energetic, talk with your veterinarian for more tailored advice. This intervention can be done before the first heat, at 5-6 months. When they mark any territory as theirs, they make sure that neither a rival tomcat nor its genes, will be allowed to stay in the territory. A male cat that is not castrated will be highly active and roam a lot, sometimes wandering off for a day or more at a time, and . A useful tip for pet owners is . Cats can have kittens as early as six-months-old if they hit sexual maturity by four months, most common in feral cats and certain breeds (like Siamese). They may share their food and groom young cats, and have even been witnessed breaking up fights between kittens, separating them gently with one paw when a fight gets out of hand. Your Kittens are safe from the above killing situations by father cat and kittens once they gain weight up to 2 pounds at least that usually happens when a kitten completes 8 to 12 weeks after the birth.When they turn six months, they should be able to handle your 8-hour workday. When introducing a kitten to a tomcat for the first time, its important to do so slowly and carefully. Will a male cat try to mate with a pregnant cat? Intact males typically leave the homes where they were raised between 1 and 3 years of age. They produce viable sperm from around 8 to 12 months of age. This can be a great time to introduce them to other tomcats. If youre able to choose from a group of kittens, avoid a kitten thats hissing, growling or engaged in serious battle with his mates. When your cat is about four months old, she'll start to attract the attention of tomcats, who'll want to mate with her. However, not all male cats will protect kittens. This is normal developmental behavior for puppies in this juvenile phase. You could also alter your mind. Yes, neutered male cats can kill kittens but it is very rare. Domestic male cats as well as male cats in the wild aren't known for their fathering skills. If the kittens are older than six months and the tomcat is neutered, then there is generally no problem having them live together. However, all cats sexually mature at slightly different ages, like how people hit puberty at slightly different times. Of course, in the feline world, there are all kinds of exceptions, and if you want to find out more . Increased affection (bunting and snuggling), Assuming the mating position (crying with rear-end elevated), Spraying to alert tomcats to her fertility (a message coded in her pheromones), Primary inertia during delivery (weak uterine contractions), Excess joint pressure, especially given the potential 4-pound (1.8-kg) weight gain, Avoiding that first (or future) heat cycles every 2-3 weeks, Lower risk for uterine and breast cancers (though this particular benefit plummets if you wait 2 years to spay), Improved behavioral outlook (less spraying, aggression, the whole gamut). However, if the kittens are younger than six months, or if the tomcat is not neutered, then its best to keep them separate. Some cats hit puberty as young as 4 months, while it can take over a year for others. And given the average 63-65 day gestational period of . At What Age Are Kittens Safe From Tomcats? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can make your own home cures in addition to using commercial items. Cats are seasonal polyestrous, which means that, in the months with the highest incidence of sunlight, they can experience heat almost permanently. Mother cats are known to keep their kittens warm and safe at all times. Simba, Snowball and Oreo: My 3 musKITTYeers! Here are some tips to help you do just that. Second, tom cats see kittens as a potential threat to their own offspring. A female is called a queen (or a molly, [user-generated source?] In the Western Hemisphere, the feline breeding season slowly arrives as the weather becomes warmer and the days get longer, with the mating season running from March to December. Kittens and tomcats living together As your puppy nears age one (up to two years for a large breed), theyre beginning to look and act more mature. Kittens may be small and cute, but they are vulnerable to predators, including adult tomcats. Kittens up to the age of four weeks are susceptible to these violent episodes because they're underdeveloped, immobile and defenceless, and no match for their far more forceful elders. As male cats do not take part in raising their offspring, kitten calls and the urgency conveyed in them may not have the same relevance for them as for female cats. Always check with your veterinarian before changing your pets diet, medication, or physical activity routines. If a tomcat gets the scent of a rival tomcat he may decide the kittens belong to the visiting tomcat. Cats who've been poorly socialized are more prone to this type of fear-based aggression. If you want to ensure your pet's safety, keep them indoors. If a female cat, her mate, and all resulting offspring deliver two, 2.8-kitten litters a year, heres how many cats that snowballs into within the next nine years: The half-year mark for kittens is full of milestones sporting permanent teeth, growing into her lean torso, and reaching sexual maturity. However, once they grow big enough not to look like prey, a male likely won't hurt them. According to the ASPCA, there are approximately 70 million homeless cats on the streets and in shelters, and they all were kittens at one point. Not only will you not have to worry about nonstop yowling and cleaning up smelly and persistent cat urine, you won't be contributing to feline overpopulation either. The consensus in the veterinarian community is that all young cats should undergo sterilization as soon as possible unless theres a medical reason not to or a desire to breed in the future. Summary: It is best to keep kittens away from adult male cats until they are about four months old. What to Know, How do you get a dog in Michigan? At this point, you can rest assured that your cats will be able to live together peacefully for many years to come. However, pregnancy can take a harsh physical toll on an aging cats increasingly fragile body. Unless you own a pedigreed queen like a Siamese or Burmese and plan to breed, spay your queen as early as eight weeks. Yes, male cats protect kittens. Keep the queen and her babies in a quiet part of the house; a separate room is ideal, and make sure the room is warm. However, it isn't because male cats are cruel, evil creatures. White vinegar is one of many repellants, few of which will discourage testosterone-fueled tomcats looking for girlfriends. 10 Best Automatic Cat Water Fountain Reviews, Cat not Eating or Drinking for 3 days Here are the 7 Reasons, 5 Best Cat Claw Clippers and Nail Trimmer Reviews. During this time, they are not yet able to defend themselves from predators. For more about cat labor, we recommend reading our article where we discuss how long does it take for a cat to give birth. However, it is also typical for some male cats to ignore kittens completely. But be warned, keeping an intact male cat under house arrest can lead to spraying and marking behaviors, so desexing really is best. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Keeping the kittens away from the tom cats territory and providing them with a secure environment are key ways of ensuring their safety. Most likely not, since in feral colonies cats will breed repeatedly and can end up with a litter from more than one father. Male cats are usually more territorial than female cats, making them more likely to guard kittens against potential threats. When they reach this stage, they are a bit bigger and less vulnerable . Speak with her veterinarian about her age, weight and height. 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