Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Should I worry about a male cat approaching my mother cat and kitten?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed

I have a street cat and she is a mother of a kitten. A few days before I saw a male cat around her, and he often comes to meet her and her kitten. Even though my cat is so quiet and a little bit scared in front of him, he just sit their quietly and keep watch over them. Do I need to worry ?? Can he harm the kitten or cat??

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 9, 2018

It is most probable that the male cat is the father of the kittens. As long as your mother cat and kitten are safe and the male cat is not harming them I would not be too concerned.

However, keep in mind, that the Mother cat cat can become pregnant again within just a few weeks of giving birth. If you do not want her having any more kittens then you should have her spayed as soon as possible.

Keep an eye on the interactions between the male and the mother cat and as long as they are not hurting one another it should be fine. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Training & Behavior

Should I worry if my male cat bites and licks our new kittens?

If you are concerned that the male cat may injure the kittens then I would recommend you keep them separated at all times. However, I will say that it is normal for older cats (usually the momma cat) to teach the young kittens discipline and proper behavior by mewing at them, bopping them and nipping at them. This may be all your male cat is trying to accomplish. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Is it safe to let a male cat meet newborn kittens after birth?

No, that would not be a good idea. Cats are not like people. The males do not "know" that those are his kittens. He may see them as a threat and kill them. Male cats typically have nothing to do with rearing the kittens and it is just not a good idea. Not to mention that sometimes the female cats will come right back into heat after giving birth so she could potentially get pregnant again and it can be harmful for her to become pregnant again so soon. Please keep them separated from each other. There is no reason for the male to have access to the kittens at all. Hope this helps. Good question!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My male cat is around his kittens. Is this safe or should I separate?

Hello and thank you for your question on Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I love the name- Princess Squeak Squeak- very unique! Yes it is okay for the father cat to be around the kittens. If he has left them a lone for the most part, then he will likely continue to leave them be. There is no risk in having the father cat around the kittens unless he has or starts to exhibit aggressive behavior towards them- then you will wan to keep him away. I hope this helps and best wishes to you and your new kittens!

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Is it safe for male cats to be around newborn kittens and the queen?

No, the male cannot be anywhere near the kittens or the mother. Queens can be extremely protective of her kittens, and could attack him. He could also hurt the kittens. I'd have the males neutered asap to stop this behavior.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My male cat wants to mate after birth. Are the kittens safe?

I would keep Lazgah away from your female and the kittens. Some tomcats will attack and kill the kittens as a means to get the attention of the busy mother away from them. I would not allow him to have any contact with her or the kittens until the kittens are weaned from their mother.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

My male cat won't leave my pregnant female alone. What can I do?

If the male cat is irritating your pregnant female the best thing you can do is to keep them separated until after the kittens are born. It should not affect the kittens if they are around each other but it may lead to undue stress for your female cat. If you are unable to safely separate them at home you may want to consider boarding the male cat or having him stay with a friend or family member until the kittens are born. It may also be beneficial to have the male neutered as soon as possible. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Training & Behavior

Why is my male cat aggressive to female cat after she gave birth?

She’s probably coming into heat again and that’s why he’s after her. I recommend spaying her when the kittens are weaned. Once she’s no longer cycling this behavior should improve. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your cats.

Updated on September 23, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share