In the animal kingdom, maternal instincts are often strong, but they can sometimes take unexpected turns. One such heart-wrenching moment occurred recently when a mother cat shockingly rejected her older kitten—not out of cruelty, but due to nature’s complicated instincts as she prepared for a new litter.
The older kitten, around 8 weeks old, had been happily nursing and bonding with its mother. But things changed suddenly. The once-affectionate mom began pushing the kitten away, hissing and growling when it tried to cuddle or feed. Confused and hurt, the kitten withdrew, seeking comfort from human caregivers.
Why would a mother cat do this?
Veterinarians and feline behaviorists explain that it’s not uncommon for mother cats to distance themselves from their previous litter when they are expecting again. As her hormones shift and her body prepares for a new pregnancy, a cat’s behavior can change dramatically. She may perceive older kittens as a threat to the safety or well-being of the incoming babies, or simply as competition for resources like food and milk.
In this case, the mother cat was already a few weeks into her new pregnancy. Her instincts were focused on nesting, preparing for the birth, and protecting the new lives growing inside her. The older kitten, now weaned and more independent, was seen as ready to leave the nest—at least from the mom’s perspective.
Fortunately, this story has a positive twist. The kitten was taken in by a foster family who provided it with the love, warmth, and care it needed. Meanwhile, the mother cat gave birth to a healthy new litter and is being closely monitored to ensure all her babies, old and new, are properly cared for.
Though it’s sad to witness such a separation, it’s a reminder that animal behavior, like human behavior, is complex and deeply tied to biology. With a little human help, both the mama cat and her growing family can still thrive.
