Mummy cat growling at her grown up kitten

[BerylStreep]

We have 2 Burmese, a mummy, and her almost 2 year old kitten.

They are inseparable (well were until now).

All of a sudden the mummy is growling and hissing at her poor kitten, who is acting in a very submissive manner. What on earth is going on?

[cozietoesie]

Are they both neutered?

[BerylStreep]

Yes, both had the op ages ago.

I feel so sorry for the poor kitten - she just wants to be close to her mum, and instead there is a load of growling. She is quite a clingy cat, and last night ended up sleeping with me because her mum wouldn't have her near her.

I hope they patch it up.

[FireEngineDoll]

I've not experienced this with my cats but off the top of my head has the kitten brushed against anything strong smelling? In the garden or around the house? Perhaps the mum is reacting to that?

[BerylStreep]

I don't think so.

Kitten just seems really confused. As I am typing, mum is growling and hissing. Kitten ranges from submissive, to baffled and curious (which honestly doesn't help).

[crazynanna]

Maybe mum is unwell/in pain?

[RandomMess]

Or kitten unwell?

[BerylStreep]

Well, the curious approach ended in tears. Mum took herself off to a corner to be by herself. Kitten followed her, to be met by growling, hissing, louder growling, at higher pitch, then out and out claws and fur. Kitten wouldn't leave it, so I have had to spray her with water to remove her from the situation and then put her outside.

I really hope it is temporary, I don't think I could deal with all the background aggro all the time. Not good for the karma.

[SizzleSazz]

We rehomed a cat whose son turned against her and she went missing. When she returned it was clear they wouldn't get on and she was sent to the rescue centre

She was rehomed with us on the basis she would be a lone cat

[patienceisvirtuous]

Try some feliway? Poor kitten :-(

[gobbin]

Mum taking herself off would have me thinking she might not be well too. Could be worth a vet trip for reassurance.

On the other hand, mum cat here is very close to her boy but sometimes hisses at her girl, females are more independent.

[ImTooHecsyForYourParty]

Take her to the vet and get her checked out.

If there's nothing wrong with her, maybe she thinks it's time her now adult offspring! was off making her own way in the world and not superglued to her.

I suppose in cat years, it's like having your kid at your side for 25 years. (yes, I googled cat years calculator )

You're going to get pissed off

[deliasmithy]

I would see if this continues more than a few days.
Cats have bad days or be in a funny mood for a short while, but yes the concern is what if it continues? Maybe mum cat needs more space now kitten is actually a cat and it needs to have a few hisses and paw bats to get this message.

[cozietoesie]

Cats can take against each other like people. Assuming she's well, it might just be that.

You could try a re-introduction just as if they were strange cats being introduced to living with each other for the first time. That sometimes works.

[BerylStreep]

I don't think I could cope if this level of aggro continues.

Will try the vet.

How would you go about introducing new cats? Thinking feeding simultaneously but with bowls on other side of the room? Mum cat has always waited and let the kitten eat first.

Physically keeping them apart in other rooms? I came home from work today to find someone had pooed outside the litter tray (which sometimes happens anyway) but I really hope this is not going to descend into stress incontinence.

[Fluffycloudland77]

Poor kitten, it must be so confusing.

[BerylStreep]

UPDATE: Well it's taken a few days, but we have a reconciliation.

There was a bit of play fighting yesterday, and I have just looked outside to find them both snuggled up together on the swing seat.

I have no idea what caused the falling out in the first place, but I am so relieved they have patched it up. Long may the peace last.

[cozietoesie]

That's good news, BerylStreep.

[Fluffycloudland77]

That's better, it's horrible when they fight.