How Does a Mother Cat Understand Time? Zoey Shares Her Story…
This was the happy couple, Zee and Zoey, in the early stages of their relationship when life was carefree and they did not have the responsibility of a family to take care of…
Last week I shared a very intriguing topic about cats and the concept of past, present, and future. As in, do cats have the capacity to think and remember in those terms, and the overwhelming response was, yes, they do. You all shared some great comments and stories about cats in your life which got me to thinking about the subject in greater depth, in particular with the behavior of my beloved, Zoey.
Zoey had a litter of kittens at a young age and when they were born she rejected them for a brief amount of time, not quite comprehending or caring that they were her responsibility. It was like in her mind she was still a teenager – after she gave birth, she literally instantly remembered being young, carefree, and unencumbered by the weight of four babies growing in her belly.
Once the notion of parenting sunk in, Zoey was a warm, caring, loving, devoted, and fiercely protective Mama. Her happy, healthy, and content kittens were 6 weeks old in this picture.
She wanted to recapture that point in her life and it was that simple. I had to stay by her side to make certain she took care of her kittens and thankfully once the light bulb went off in her head and she connected the dots that these babies were not only hers, but it was her job to take care of them, she was a fiercely devoted, loyal, loving, and protective Mama.
Our normally calm, cool, collected, elegant, and beautiful Zoey looks completely frazzled and worn out due to the non-stop shenanigans of her high-energy kittens. The kittens were about 7 weeks here and it wears me out just looking at this picture, remembering just how much time and effort goes into raising kittens!
That is until week 10 when she had a parental meltdown. Somehow her internal clock told her that it was time for the kittens to pack their furry little bags and leave. As with animals in the wild who raise their offspring with the intention that they will be leaving the nest to survive on their own, that was what happened to her. In her mind, she had taught them how to groom themselves, play, eat solid foods, and use the litter box, so she had done her motherly duties. Not to mention, she had already weaned them and was none to pleased to have them latch on to her nipples for an occasional warm and comforting snack.
This sour puss was how Zee looked during the first 3 months after Zoey gave birth to the kittens. He now loves his babies unconditionally, but back then he resented their presence and the time Zoey spent with them instead of him.
Let’s face it, they were nonstop bundles of 24/7 exhausting responsibility and she had enough. Time for kitty college and to find a job is what she was thinking. Zee was virtually nonexistent as a parent and it was her who took care of these high-energy kittens while he stayed in the background sulking because he missed his svelte and high-spirited partner.
Prior to the point of her having her meltdown, we had given one of the four kittens away to a dear friend (the infamous Zeuss Catt) and I was truly worried how she would react when she found out one of them was missing. Zoey could absolutely count to four, she knew where her kittens were at ALL times, and I felt she would react in a very traumatic way searching for her “lost kitten.”
This is literally Zoey saying, “Seriously, you’re still here? I’ve done my part to raise you, now it’s time to pack your bags and go!” On a side note, don’t these precious kittens just melt your heart!?
Well, the surprise was on me. Not only did she not miss Zeuss or look for him, but she began to resent the other three kittens that we had decided to keep and growled at them any time they were within her eyesight to leave her alone. Being typical children, they of course ignored her growls and continued to love her and follow her all about the house. Zoey was their Mama and they remained blissfully ignorant of her resentment. (To follow is our classic video of Zoey growling at her babies which inspired Chapter 18 of the book, The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey, aptly titled “The Queen has Spoken – Off With Their Heads!” )
As time went on, Zoey came to understand the kittens were staying and she now accepts that with a motherly pride. She does growl now and again at them, but it is typically reserved for those moments when she does not want them to share space on the couch with me. It should be known as well that her growls are completely harmless and merely a form of communication. She has NEVER, EVER hurt her babies and she still grooms them and lovingly plays with them and there is no question they know she is Mama and they ADORE her. Life had settled into a comfortable pattern for Zoey and all was well… until last November when Kizmet, a 4 month old bundle of energy and unfamiliar blood and fur appeared out of nowhere into our peaceful household.
Kizmet brought the maternal instinct out of Zoey just a few scant days after she met him. She continues to love him like one of her own and he absolutely considers her his Mama.
Zoey did not instantly like Kizmet, but a few short days later after meeting him, that light bulb went off in her head again and it was clear she remembered mothering her four kittens and she began to assume that role with Kizmet. I find this incredibly fascinating because not only does it signify to me that she has a memory, but it is amazing just how intuitive animals are in the scheme of the natural order of life.
As many of you know, the ideal age to adopt a kitten is around 10 weeks of age after it has been properly weaned by Mama cat and socialized to people. That a mother cat can understand that 10 weeks have gone by and it is time for her kittens to leave the nest is incredible. Even more incredible, once Zoey comprehended that they were indeed staying, she has accepted that change in nature and fully embraced them. She knows the difference between the love of her life, Zee, her babies, Kizmet, and the older cats, Harley and Jazz, and interacts with all of them in respectfully unique ways (as do they with her and each other). Animals do all this without the aid of books, doctors, the Internet, or anything else other than instinct to know how to properly interact, compromise, survive, and thrive. I guess the real test would be, how would Zoey have reacted if Kizmet were a full grown cat instead of a kitten, or if her long lost son, Zeuss, came to visit? Somehow I don’t think she would be quite as loving or gracious…
This photo of Zoey and her daughter Mia was taken yesterday. You can clearly see that she still assumes the role of Mama as she hugs Mia while grooming her. Looking on is Peanut and Zee.
So many of you have thanked me for bringing up topics about cat behavior that evokes deeper thought and I really enjoy the comments and conversation I get on the blog from you all. If you want to explore the mind of a cat further in depth, particularly the relationship between a mother cat and her kittens, I encourage you to pick up a copy of The Chronicles of Zee & Zoey if you have not already done so. Not only is the book filled with page after page of our trademark gorgeous photos, but the story really showcases the incredible relationship and communicative ability that cats have not only with one another, but with people. The story is warm, honest, humorous, touching, and very inspirational. So, if you have enjoyed reading about my family of cats through the blog, you will really enjoy reading about their very special love story. If you are interested, please click here for details.
Great post. We have a Momma kitty here that is a very feral cat and most of the cats here are her children. She mainly remembers the last three that she had before I finally caught her and got her spayed. She still disaplines them and they know her too. It is too cute. It is very interesting watching them interact.
It really is fascinating, Marg. Zoey has been spayed too, but that is a whole other story in cat behavior!
That was a terrific story and we’ve not really had any kittens around here. I do seriously look after my sisters and try to offer them my guidance. That’s usually gets me a whap though.
Well, Brian… sorry about the whaps, but we love that you still try to offer guidance to your sisters and look after them! 🙂
This is so interesting. I was fascinated when Truffle and Brulee were born and Terri would share everything with me about their first 12 weeks. I’d receive videos and photos at least once a week. Both Truffle and Brulee were part of the first litter of their moms: Chloe and Mikayla.
Sweet Purrfections – watching Zoey raise her kittens and helping her with the process has been one of the most incredible, fascinating, and enriching experiences I have ever gone through. The dynamic of the feline family unit is mind-boggling and it is a precious gift I will always treasure.
We’ve always wondered what went on with Faraday, since he cae to us so clingy and needy – and nippy!
We’ve been told those are signs that he was weaned too early. One night Marty brought him to our bed from the sofa – he was sound asleep and never awakened during the entire transfer. Marty settled him in next to Maxwell and the Faraday – horrors! – started trying to nurse on Maxie! Max is such a sweet, gentle, giving soul that he didn’t whack him for it, thankfully. Allie, on the other hand, would have taken his head off. I wonder if it would have been because she knew he wasn’t hers or she knew he was over 10 weeks old at that point…?
Very interesting, Lisa, and one will never really know for sure how or why kitties react as they do. Sometimes circumstances are such that you can’t wait a full 10 weeks before you give a kitten to a new home, so you just have to try the best you can to raise them without too many issues. But, it is important for people to keep that in the back of their minds – maybe some behavior issues in cats stem from leaving the nest too early.
We absolutely love to read about your caboodle of kitties. And we particularly enjoyed the video of Zoey growling and eating at the same time. Our Lily Olivia is a champion at growling while doing other things. We think the funniest is when she grooms and growls at the same time. Purrs and hugs, the kitties at http://www.thecatonmyhead.com, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Josette
Janet – Zoey is the queen of multitasking while growling and has done it grooming the kittens also!!What kind of kitty is Lily Olivia? Thanks for stopping by and I am so glad you enjoy reading about my caboodle of kitties!!
Mom remembers having a cat who arrived pregnant. She had 4 kittens, but Mom can’t remember what happened to them, she thinks her Dad found them homes. Mostly Mom remembers breeding her male Sibe to her female, and they had 6 puppies. Rose was a dedicated Mom. Your post today was very interesting, as always. Please forgive me for having been gone for so long. Paw pats, Savannah
We understand, Savannah NanaMo, and enjoy you stopping by whenever you can. We wish we could stop by and comment more too, but it just is not possible….
I don’t blame Zoey for needing her space from her babies. Instinct as you said cannot be picked up without the base knowledge honed in a cat. And Kizmet has definitely reminded Zoey of how to be a mother once more in the most beautiful way.
Wendy, since I helped Zoey raise the kittens, I can totally understand!! They were insanely active and both Zoey and I would be exhausted each night when we went to bed after taking care of them!
I was adopted when the breeder when my kits at about 8 weeks of age. I really didn’t like having to leave them and go to the Woman. She can tell that the moment I started accepting her was when Gemini, who was about the age of my kits, slipped into the room I was isolated in. From that moment on, I decided the woman couldn’t be all bad.
Chey – I am so grateful you have Gemini and that you now realize the woman isn’t so bad. It sounds like you had a tough time in your life for a while.
Wonderful post! This made me laugh: Somehow her internal clock told her that it was time for the kittens to pack their furry little bags and leave.
And it was interesting to see how she reacted to the remaining kittens once one had indeed packed his furry little bag and left the nest.
Julia – I was flabbergasted that Zoey did not react adversely when Zeuss left the nest. I was a wreck thinking she would go bonkers, but, as always, she proved me wrong!
Loved reading this. How wonderful the kittens were weaned so late! Zoey was and is a great mom.
Layla – yes, the kittens were very lucky to have Zoey’s influence for so long. If they had their way, they would have nursed for a much longer time, but by week 10 she had absolutely had enough!
Deb, Wonderful story and I always love your photo documentation.
When I was taking care of the 10 litters in my folks barn, some were young Moms and it’s hard on them.
My son and I helped 2 young Mom’s thru until they got the hang of it. Usually adult males will kill offspring,
I always worried about the Toms doing that, we were lucky. They never take part in raising. 90% were like house cats, a few stayed ferel, but all came to eat together and I had litter boxes which all used but a few. Those few sayed on as barn cats. I had beds,etc just like a home and I was with them most all day. Took lots of cleaning,lol, there
were 60 total! I’m not making this up! We named them all, had a mobile vet come out and I used my divorce settlement to spay and neuter and hive shots to about 70 cats!! I used live traps for the ferals and I was lucky enough to catch the huge black feral Tom, he was MEAN!!
Now at home we have 2 neutered males who have taken care of little strays we’ve helped. It totally amazes us that they do this. I used to have pictures. We have a stable cat family of our own now, but Ringo and Boo Boo are still caretakers. It’s very difficult to bring in a full grown cat to a group, it can take up to a year for everyone to adjust. Queen Carley is 8 and lives in Richards room, she’d be dead if we hadn’t taken her and she’s a sweetheart, so we let her out by herself daily so she can lay on my lap. She’s very happy.
Oh, I almost forgot, I found homes for all the kittens that year. Luckily, most took 2 or more. What a summer that was! I did tame 1ferel, whom I named Jackson, he was the best cat ever, he’s gone now and I still cry.
Hope you don’t mind my book I wrote, your story brought it back for me.
Connie Marie
Wow Connie – what an interesting story! I had no idea that you took care of so many cats in your life. You are just amazing – thank you for all you did to care for them, spay and neuter them, and find them homes when you could. I’m glad I inspired you to share this slice of your life. xoxox
Zoey’s growl scared ME! Cracked me up that the three she was growling at looked at her like she’d lost her mind. Amazing story Deb…thanks so much for sharing your wonderful cat-filled life.
MOL Toni! At that point, the kittens were right… she had lost her mind!! I fondly referred to her as my Jekyll and Hyde kitty – you just never knew what personality you would get with her!
Graybie was abandoned by his mama and bottle-fed by Jen. He still remembers those days and occasionally wants to be cuddled like he was when he was a baby.
Awww…. that is sweet that Graybie still wants to be cuddled, Rumpy!
I like Zoey was a young mama cat once, and had four babies- two grey blue girls and two ginger boys. Even though that was almost ten years ago and my kits all went on to adopt good humans and find their forever homes, I still show my motherly instincts when I wash my fur doggie sister Sophie’s face and cuddle up with her. One day Mom’s friend brought over a mama cat and her newborn kits for us to kitty sit for the night. The mama cat was so mellow, she didn’t mind a bit when I came in the bedroom where they were staying and started gently bathing one of her six baby kits! Mom watched in amazement and awe as I gently turned it over with my paw to wash its tummy and then picked it up to carry it back to its mama. I remembered! We kitties have memory, how else to mew think we know how to train mew humans correctly and to our preference?! MOL!
Oh my goodness, Ms. Phoebe, that is quite incredible. I don’t think Zoey would have been as accommodating. She was fiercely protective of her babies and would not even let Zee, the papa, come near them the first three months! She trusted Dan and I, but that was about it!
I know how you feel. My cat Ms. Pib was pregnant when she got fixed. I did not know it at the time and wish I hadn’t. I have 4 other babies and she cleans them and everything! When Sylvannas was a baby she would even let her nurse on her, even though she had no milk and was not the mama. It just goes to show you that cats have maternal instincts! thank you for this wonderful story!
Jeannie – I am glad you appreciated this story and thank you for sharing yours!
My granddaughter’s cat has come to live with us. She is about 11, spade, and my male cat is about 8. He has been neutered. I hope they will finally becomes friends. They are beginning to tolerate each other but I’m afraid they will never be friends.
Martha, with cats, patience is the key, but when they are older like yours, sometimes all you can hope for is a mutual tolerance. However, I do hope yours will become friends and will keep my paws crossed for you!
Very sweet story! It’s good to read something from someone who understands kitty behavior. I have three rescues – Sprite, the 12-yr-old female, does not much appreciate her younger male roommates. We got Charlie, a meezer, in late July, after my sweet cuddly Kasey died. He was very sick, and we bonded over two rounds of antibiotics. He spent most of his time on my chest until he got well, and he became a very active kitten. He’s devastatingly handsome, and a trickster. He was climbing my legs and was deviling Sprite to the extent that I thought she would have to hurt him in order to have some peace! So we adopted Mischa, a silver-gray and white tuxedo, so Charlie would have a playmate. It worked. Charlie stopped climbing my legs, left Sprite alone, and played almost constantly with Mischa. Mischa is a bold and fearless clown who wakes me up in the middle of the night, head-bumping my face and trying to nurse on my nose!! No boredom in this house!!
Kay – your story is very similar to mine. When we got Zee, he was a kitten himself and the other cats in our household were older and they did not appreciate his playful ways at all. We got Zoey as a playmate for him and it worked like a charm – they fell instantly in love and the rest, as they say, is history!!
When my partner wanted a cat of his own, we brought a kitten into our family in the hopes that my older cat (9 years), Clover, would take to her in a motherly way. Their bonding ended up being successful, but not in the way that we had planned, lol! They ended up more like siblings, with all the loving moments and the epic rivalries and everything else in between. They’ll have slappy-fights and scuffles, and then ten minutes later will be sharing the same cat bed in front of the heater, snuggled up together and grooming each other.
It really is awesome to see the amazingly wide range of emotional capabilities that our feline companions have.
Kari – I am so blessed because we have such a range of feline dynamics in our house – from parents, Zee and Zoey, to the kittens they had, to senior cats, and then our newest member, a kitten rescue. It is just completely fascinating, and as you say, the wide range of emotional capacities that they have is incredible.
What a beautiful family. I wish I could afford an occicat, they are gorgeous.
Sandy – thank you! Ocicats are beautiful, as are the Savannah’s. Our Zoey is a Bengal and sometimes they look so similar as breeds, that it is hard to tell them apart!
My goodness! Austin reacted to Zoey growling. His ears have gone flat lol. Love reading your insights, Deb x
Oh… sorry Austin, didn’t mean to upset you!!