Mother Cat Behavior

Knowing normal mother cat behavior helps you recognize problems.

Mother cats have certain normal behavior patterns depending on their life stage. Being familiar with what's normal can help you determine when and if you have a problem.

Behavior During Estrus (Heat)

A cat in heat will roll around on the floor and yowl loudly.

A cat in heat yowls loudly and rolls around on the floor. She carries her tail sideways when she walks. She'll rub on furniture and other animals or people in the house, and try to get outdoors to find a mate.

Behavior During Pregnancy

A pregnant cat will eat more.

A pregnant cat may become more affectionate and will eat and sleep more. Right before labor her appetite will decrease, and she may show anxiety or nesting behavior--looking for a quiet place to have her kittens.

Behavior During Labor

Mother cats guide their kittens into position to nurse.

When labor starts, the mother cat will purr loudly and pant. She may visit the litter pan frequently and start licking under her tail. As each kitten is born, she'll bite the umbilical cord, then lick them roughly to clean them and stimulate breathing. Then she'll nudge and lick the kittens into nursing position.

Behavior With Kittens

Mother cats provide everything their kittens need during their first three weeks of life.

For the first three weeks, the mother cat feeds the kittens, stimulates elimination, cleans up after and grooms them. As they grow, she teaches them play and predatory behaviors, litter pan usage and social skills, communicating with special calls.

Behavior Disciplining Kittens

Mother cats keep their kittens in line by discipling them.

Mother cats discipline rowdy kittens by growling, cuffing them, pinning them, scruffing them or simply walking away.

References

• Pet Place: How Mother Cats Take Care of Kittens
• Vet Info.com: A Guide to Mother Cat Behavior
• Animal Behavior: Maternal- Offspring Behavior
• Cat Pregnancy Report: Cat Pregnancy Signs Are Easy to Recognize