While dogs share similar traits to that of cats, dogs grow accustomed and more so tuned into their master's personality through commands and communication, as cats naturally and independently, have similar traits to that of people.
My topic today, centers around female cats and their kittens and much like people, some are cut out to be moms and some aren't.
Good mother cats, tend, teach and discipline their young.
Commencing from birth, a mother cat will not only nurture, but she will protect and literally draw her young with her paw(s) into her chest when unsure of a situation or person. If a mother cat feels a sincere threat, she will move her kittens to another location and on some occasions, even hide them in blankets, closets or try and hide them outside.
Changing diapers per say is not her favorite pass time and poddy training begins quite young. By the time her kittens reach the age of 3-4 weeks old and are able to walk without wobbling, a mother cat will show her young where the litter box is and expect them to be clean. Kittens that aren't very clean, are usually the first a mother cat will push away or neglect as a sign of her disapproval. It's the beginning of discipline.
In play, a mother cat teaches her kittens the basics of defense for later ranking amongst it's siblings. The kittens are taught to respect their elders while engaging in rough and tumble, however if a play session gets out of hand, mother will intervene. As the kittens grow older, they are weaned and expected to play amongst themselves and when bath time comes, mother cats won't take no for an answer.If a kitten is reluctant to a washing, a mother cat will pin down the kitten and proceed with her affairs in spite of protests, until she is done. Then it's bed time.
By the time kittens reach five months old, they no longer require attention, just occasional affection which mother gives when deemed necessary. If another more mature cat is in the same household, the female will keep an eye out for uncalled for behavior and attend to anything that's out of line. Don't mess with mama's babies up to the age of 5-6 months old! She'll get vicious.
Mother cats are also known to take on and adopt abandoned kittens from other litters, especially if they sense the kitten is in need. Some mother cats will take responsibility of kittens that belong to another and not give them back! Cases like these, usually result in constant battles, growls and screams until finally the stronger of the two wins out.
When a woman has children, she nurtures and bears each child close to her heart. Most moms now a days, breast feed until 4-5 months old, sometimes longer depending on the individual's beliefs.When a mom fears for her children, she has been known to hide her children and flee, defend and protect.
Poddy training commences with a baby's sense of cleanliness. If a baby is not accustomed to spending any time in a dirty diaper, it is uncomfortable and seeks to be clean by going on the toilet.
Mothers set examples of cleanliness concerning oneself and in the home in general. Mothers teach with love and discipline until the child learns of mom's displeasure. Mothers make choices and teach their children the laws of life according to personal lifestyle. Mother's learn to cut the string between youth and adulthood, yet are there when needed. Mothers have been known to easily and instinctively adopt another's child and defend and protect that love.
After all, mothers are mothers, whether it be a cat or a person. If you've ever observed a mother cat and her kittens, you've related the characteristics to that of people and understand that fine line. In observation, one learns the similarities are amazing. Till next time,
Hug Your Cat!
*watch for part two, "Are Kittens Like Kids?"
Wil