Everyone knows that just about every cat—and the kittens they once were—loves to play.
What many people don’t realize, however, is that cats are almost literally born fighting, and those struggles are an absolutely necessary part of their growth and health.
All Cats Play
Everyone knows that just about every cat—and the kittens they once were—loves to play.
Give your kitty something to stalk, chase, jump at, or wrestle with, and within five seconds, they’ll be on full “go”.
What many people don’t realize, however, is that cats are almost literally born fighting – and those struggles are an absolutely necessary part of their growth and health.
It seems like playing is built right into cats’ DNA, largely because it is.
But so is fighting.
But They Also Fight
If you ever get the chance, watch a litter of newborn kittens the first or second time they attach to Mama Cat’s teats. We bet you’ll find it’s an eye-opening experience.
If you manage to be present at a new litter’s earliest feedings, you’ll immediately notice that, though their eyes will be closed for another ten days, and they won’t be able to fully hear for at least a week, many, if not all of the feeding newborns will soon be wrestling over one or two of Mama Cat’s nipples – even though she has eight to choose from!
If you’re new to dealing with cats and kittens, it can be quite the shock and somewhat upsetting–especially when the babies squawk and even hiss at each other.
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Naturally, you’ll want to do something to “help”.
Many cat lovers will try to separate the the fighting kittens. They’ll patiently move each one to an available teat, and basically try to teach the young ‘uns the Way of Peace.
If the fighting continues (and it will), the new human “parent” may make it their business to preside over the babies’ feeding time as often as possible, to keep the little cuties from fighting with each other.
While this won’t be the worst thing you can do for your new kittens, it certainly will be one of the least helpful.
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No Fights Can Equal Poor Development
Those raucous wrestling matches, be they dead serious or more playful, are one of ways that kittens build their physical strength. It helps their immune systems function better, so that they can grow up to be strong, healthy cats.
More importantly, though, these wrestling littermates’ roughhousing will help them learn how to navigate the catly social hierarchy as they grow up.
Whether your kitty lives in a household with other cats, or only enjoys the company of their human “cat” family, this “training” is necessary.
If socialization through “fighting” doesn’t occur, growing kittens may develop a number of problem behaviors – behaviors that will be difficult to correct, once they’re full-grown cats.
Improperly socialized cats and kittens can suffer from separation anxiety, and get horribly stressed if it even looks like you’re going to leave them alone. If they are left alone, they may cry continuously, or nervously scratch and pull out their own fur.
When Kitty does play, he or she might forget to sheathe their claws, or engage in attack behaviors that include real scratching and biting.
They may start “spraying”, or take to using “unofficial” litter boxes around the house. They may even destroy things.
All of these undesirable behaviors can at least be partly caused by kittens missing out on the very important “fighting” and roughhousing that even newborns do almost from the moment they’re born.
How You Can Help
So, what should you to help your kittens grow into adults that know “how to cat”?
If you have newborn kittens in the house, and you see them wrestling over one particular teat, let them fight!
Notice how Mama Cat doesn’t get hot or bothered over her kittens treating each other like temporary mortal enemies, and take your cues from her.
When your kittens are a bit older, unless there really is some indication that they are hurting each other (not at the first “Stop iiiiit!!!”), go ahead and let them wrestle, at least for a bit.
Should you find yourself with a cat who, for one reason or another, has only a single kitten, help them out by annoying the kitten, right from the time they’re born!
Yep. Periodically pick them up, and don’t immediately put them down, even though they’ll scream and yell about it (again, take not of Mama Cat’s cues).
Gently try to knock them off of Mama’s teat as they’re feeding, and, once they get older, “wrestle” with them regularly, even several times a day. Just as any brother or sister kittens would do, if they were around to do it.
And, of course, also give them lots of hugs and cuddles.
“You Be You, Kitty!”
Not only is every kitten’s need to wrestle and play instinctual, it’s a necessary part of their growth into physically and mentally healthy cats. It can even be a way for you to discover whether or not a kitten may have physical problems that they should see a veterinarian about.
Letting your cute little kittens learn to fight their own fights – without getting totally stressed about it – will not only be good for them, but it’ll be good for you.
Allowing your growing babies to not just “play”, but “fight”, will make you what every cat owner wants to be: a better cat mom or dad!
