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

Hormonal changes can definitely cause changes in behavior such as what you are describing. It would be best to keep the male separate from the queen, especially if she is already acting aggressively toward him. Once the kittens are born, the queen will likely get even more protective, which could result in injury if you leave the cats together.

Hi and thanks for your request. Probably she is not accepting the male as she is not in heat or she is already pregnant. As said in a previous question, I would recommend to separate them as you suggested or castrate the males to avoid further unwanted pregnancies.

About 60 days after they mated, Rose will be giving birth to her kittens. Definitely offer her plenty of food, an area to nest in and a safe space away from Lucy. I would keep Lucy away from Rose permanently or preferably, have Lucy neutered as soon as possible and Rose spayed after the kittens are weaned as she could become pregnant again soon after she gives birth. In addition they may potentially hurt each other while fighting (scratched eyes and faces that may necessitate a trip to the vet’s). Good luck!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Pregnancy can be a very stressful time for animals, and it may be hard for your cat to be separate from her previous offspring. However, my recommendation would be to separate him from her so that he cannot suckle/breastfeed from her before her kittens are born. The milk produced at the beginning of lactation is very antibody-rich and important for the brand new kittens to ingest. There is also the possibility that the previous offspring could out-compete the brand new kittens for nipples if they are left together. The new kittens will need the most care and nutrition from the very beginning, and if he is allowed to suckle from the mom, the newest kittens may not get all of the nutrition they need. I hope this is helpful!

Yes, he can harm the kittens. Some tomcats have attacked and killed their own offspring in order to get the attention of the mother cat, and bring her back into heat so they can mate again. Since you have a single bedroom, I would keep Ash in the bedroom alone and do not allow the male cat in with her or the kittens. Best sure to keep a litter box, food, and water in there for her. If that truly won't work, I recommend having him staying somewhere else during the first couple of weeks of the kittens's life to prevent him from hurting them. I hope this helps.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I wouldn't allow the other cats in the room during labor. Despite them all getting along under normal circumstances doesn't mean their presence during labor won't stress Lovely. When cats are stressed during labor they can delay delivery of the kittens. She should be in a quiet room that is familiar to her. The number of people should be limited. With one person checking on her every few hours. As for after the kittens are born I wouldn't allow the other cats in the room without you. Again just because they get along doesn't mean that one of the cats won't hurt the kittens. It's best to be safe than sorry. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

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.