Will a Mother Cat Be Sad When Kittens Are Given Away? And How Long Will It Take to Forget?

It's natural to wonder if a mother cat will feel sad when her kittens are given away. The short answer is, yes, it's very likely she will experience sadness. Mother cats, having spent time with their kittens, develop a strong bond. When those kittens are taken away, it’s common for the mother cat to exhibit signs of distress, such as decreased appetite and lethargy. However, cats’ memories are not very long, and most mother cats will likely begin to forget about their kittens within about a week.

The longer the mother cat has been caring for her kittens, the stronger the bond likely is. The absence of her kittens can lead to a noticeable change in her behavior, including loss of appetite and general listlessness. The good news is that these feelings tend to subside with time, and the mother cat will usually recover from her sadness. It’s important to note that not all mother cats react the same way. Some, especially those with less pronounced maternal instincts or older cats, may not appear to be significantly upset by the kittens’ departure. It is also important to remember that cats don’t perceive family ties the same way that humans do. So while you might feel worried that your cat is grieving, the feelings are often temporary. It's also vital to ensure the kittens are going to a good, loving home.

How to Comfort a Mother Cat After Her Kittens Are Rehomed

When kittens are taken away, a mother cat may initially display anxiety and sadness, searching for her missing offspring. To soothe her, gently pet her back to provide comfort and reassurance that you are there for her. Offering her favorite food can also help to lift her spirits and help her through this adjustment. Cats' perception of quantity can be somewhat vague, and often, if only some of the kittens are given away, a mother cat might not react drastically. However, if all the kittens are removed, the mother cat is likely to notice their absence. To prevent loneliness, it's recommended to keep one or two kittens with the mother, if possible.

Understanding Cat Memory and Attachment

While a mother cat's initial reaction to the separation from her kittens can be upsetting for owners to witness, it’s important to understand that cats do not experience grief and attachment in the same way as humans. Their memory works differently, often focusing on immediate needs and surroundings. This is why, while the initial period after separation might involve some sadness, most cats adapt quickly, and their sadness will not be lasting. It's also important to recognize individual differences in cats; some mother cats simply might not show any overt signs of sadness at all, which is equally normal.Related resource:Pet Training