Introduction
When cat owners decide to give away kittens, it’s natural to wonder if doing so will cause emotional distress for the mother cat. Cats may develop strong maternal bonds with their litters and go through an adjustment period when separated. Understanding if and how cat mothers grieve the loss of kittens allows owners to make informed decisions about litters and support cats through major life changes.
The question of cats getting sad when kittens leave is important because cats have complex inner lives and exhibit signs of grief and depression much like humans do. Cat owners strive to do what’s best for feline family members, so exploring this topic provides valuable perspective.
Maternal Bonds in Cats
Mother cats form extremely strong bonds with their kittens that begin from the moment they are born. According to one source, “Hormones cause most mammals to develop a protective instinct toward their offspring.” (https://www.petplace.com/article/cats/pet-behavior-training/how-mother-cats-take-care-of-kittens)
Mother cats display a number of natural maternal behaviors that demonstrate this bond. They nurse and groom their kittens frequently, providing nutrition and warmth. The mother cat is very attentive and teaches the kittens basic behaviors like using the litter box, hunting, and social skills. She is highly protective and will hiss, growl or swat to guard her kittens from potential threats.
According to experts, “the mother is merely trying to protect her young. Generally, mom cats instinctively and naturally care for her young.” (https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/maternal-behavior-problems) The maternal bond ensures the kittens’ survival during the first vulnerable weeks of life.
Separation Anxiety in Cats
Separation anxiety in cats is a well-documented condition where cats exhibit signs of stress and anxiety when left alone, separated from their owners or separated from other bonded cats. The main symptoms of feline separation anxiety include:
– Excessive vocalization like crying, meowing or yowling, especially within the first 15-20 minutes after the owner leaves the home (1).
– Loss of appetite, refusal to eat or drink while the owner is away (2).
– Destructive behaviors like urinating/defecating outside the litter box, scratching furniture or doors, knocking things over, etc. (3).
Cats with separation anxiety may pace around the home, stare out windows awaiting the owner’s return, show signs of depression, and engage in displaced behaviors like overgrooming. The anxiety stems from the cat’s strong attachment and bond with the owner. Some cats may exhibit separation anxiety when separated from feline companions as well (1).
If these symptoms occur every time the owner steps out, it indicates an unhealthy level of attachment that requires treatment. Early intervention is recommended to prevent worsening anxiety and stress.
Sources:
(1) https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-to-know-about-separation-anxiety-in-cats
(2) https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/behavioral/can-cats-have-separation-anxiety
(3) https://www.metrovetchicago.com/services/cats/blog/8-signs-separation-anxiety-cats-and-what-do-about-them
Depression vs Grief in Cats
Although cats can experience normal grief after a loss, veterinarians can clinically diagnose depression in cats based on symptoms. Grieving cats may seem sad, lethargic, or restless for a period after a loss, but these behaviors typically resolve within weeks as they adjust. Grief is a natural reaction to loss. In contrast, depression in cats involves more persistent changes in behavior that can signal an underlying illness.
According to WebMD, symptoms of depression in cats can include withdrawal from social interaction, hiding more often, loss of interest in play, reduced vocalizing, changes in sleep and appetite, and a lack of grooming. These symptoms may persist for weeks and impact the cat’s quality of life without intervention. While grieving cats may exhibit some similar behaviors at first, clinical depression involves more than just sadness over a loss.
If your cat continues hiding, neglects grooming and seems withdrawn or lethargic for more than a few weeks after a loss, consult your veterinarian. Bloodwork and a thorough exam can check for underlying medical issues contributing to the depression symptoms. Though grieving is normal, ongoing depression can be treated with medication and environmental changes.
Impact on Queen Cats
When kittens are separated from their mother cat, it can have a significant impact on the queen (mother cat). Mother cats form extremely strong bonds with their litters starting from birth. According to a Quora response, cats become attached to their kittens and experience sadness when they are given away.
Queen cats go through a mourning process after being separated from their kittens. They may cry out or search the house looking for their missing babies, expecting a response when they call out. A post on The Nest explains that this behavior is normal at first as the mother cat adjusts to her kittens being gone. She should return to her usual self within a couple weeks.
To help ease this transition, some experts recommend gradually separating the kittens from the mother in the weeks before they are rehomed. This allows the queen to slowly adjust to not having her litter around and mitigates separation anxiety later on. With time and care, the mourning process can be made easier for mother cats.
Helping Cats Adjust
The separation from their kittens can be difficult for queen cats, but there are some things you can do to help them adjust:
- Try to keep the queen’s routine as consistent as possible. Feed her at the same times, play with her at her usual times, and make sure she has access to her familiar toys and sleeping areas. Familiarity will help provide comfort. [1]
- Allow the queen to spend time with the litter before separating them. Let her watch them get adopted and slowly transition them away over a week or two. This gives her time to process the change. [2]
- Give the queen a toy, bedding, or blanket with the scents of her litter. Having familiar scents around can help provide a sense of comfort. [3]
- Spend extra quality time with the queen cat. Give her lots of affection, cuddles, treats, and playtime. The extra attention can help distract her from the separation. [1]
- Consider getting the queen a companion cat if she tolerates other cats well. A friend can provide comfort and distraction.
With time and care, the queen cat can adjust to the loss of her kittens. Be patient and compassionate as she grieves the separation from her litter.
When to Seek Help
If a cat experiencing separation anxiety stops eating or becomes extremely lethargic, it’s important to schedule a veterinary visit (source). Appetite loss and low energy can signal underlying illness or severe depression in cats. Your vet can run tests to check for health issues and provide recommendations on next steps.
In some cases, medication may help cats struggling with separation from their kittens. Anti-anxiety medication like amitriptyline or fluoxetine can relieve symptoms of anxiety or depression (source). Your vet may also suggest supplements like L-theanine, a calming amino acid. While not a substitute for behavior modification, these treatments may take the edge off while your cat adjusts.
If your cat stops engaging in normal activities or seems persistently sad, don’t hesitate to call your vet. With compassion and the right care plan, most cats can move past separation grief in time.
Preventing Separation Issues
There are some steps you can take early on to help prevent or minimize separation anxiety when rehoming kittens:
- Consider keeping littermates together if rehoming – cats often form strong bonds with their siblings, so keeping siblings together can ease the transition to a new home.
- Spay or neuter kittens early (around 12-16 weeks old) before sexual maturity – this prevents strong maternal bonds from forming and may reduce separation stress later on.
- Gradually get kittens used to alone time and independence through short separations from mom and littermates starting at around 8 weeks old.
- Make sure kittens are properly socialized through play time and interaction with people during the prime socialization window of 2-9 weeks old.
- When rehoming, allow short visits in the new home first so kittens can get comfortable with the new sights, sounds, and smells.
- Provide new enrichment toys and activities in the new home so kittens associate it with fun and rewards.
Taking these preventative steps can reduce the likelihood of severe separation problems when rehoming kittens to new homes.
Making the Decision
Deciding whether to give away kittens or keep the litter together with their mother can be a difficult choice. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons for the cat’s well-being.
On the one hand, keeping kittens with their mother allows them to bond and she can continue teaching them important skills. Separating them too early can cause behavioral issues if they miss out on key development phases (The Spruce Pets). Some benefits of keeping litters together include:
- Kittens feel more secure with their mother and littermates.
- The mother cat bonds closely with her kittens.
- Kittens nurse and learn from their mother beyond 8 weeks of age.
- The family unit remains intact.
On the other hand, keeping an entire litter can be demanding, especially for first-time cat owners. Some downsides of keeping litters together include:
- Having multiple kittens is very high maintenance.
- More cats means increased costs for food, litter, vet bills, etc.
- It may be difficult to find homes later if you change your mind.
- The mother cat may go into heat again quickly since kittens are nursing.
In general, it’s recommended to wait at least 12-13 weeks before homing kittens, once they are weaned from nursing and have learned skills like litter training (The Spruce Pets). However, keeping just one kitten with the mother can allow her to continue teaching it while easing the burden of a large litter. Monitor the mother cat’s behavior to see if she seems distressed when kittens leave.
Conclusion
The bond between a mother cat and her kittens is strong, so separation can be difficult for them. Kittens who are given away or rehomed often forget their mother in a few weeks. But queen cats may mourn a litter that is taken away, and it can deeply affect some for months. Even cats who seem indifferent at first can experience lethargy, changes in appetite, vocalizing, searching behaviors, or even depression from the loss. However, there are ways to ease this transition for everyone.
Make sure kittens are at least 8-12 weeks old before separating, so they are more independent. Find good homes you trust will care for them. Schedule vet appointments for the mother if needed for potential health impacts of weaning. Give her extra affection, set up comforting routines, and try calming supplements if the sadness persists. With time and support, most cats can recover and bond with new families or litters. As difficult as it is, remember that rehoming kittens is often necessary, and that a short period of sadness is better than the risks of overpopulation. With preparation and care for all cats involved, the separation can be made as smooth as possible.