Male cat carrying kitten around

by Frederick
(Canada)

I have a 5 1/2 year old male, and recently got a new kitten approx. 7 weeks old. Just yesterday my older cat would grab the little one by the back of the neck, which i figured was a male dominance thing. Later on he would grab the kitten by the back of the neck and drag him around the house. One time i saw him lick the kitten once before it took off, but now as soon as the kitten gets loose he hides under the couch. I am very uncertain as to what this is. I would greatly appreciate any feed back you can offer.

Thanx

Answer from Kate
Hi
It may well be that your male cat has become a little protective of the kitten and is trying to look after it and move it to what he thinks is a more secure place.

cats as you know carry their young by grabbing them on the back of their necks. Normally this is a female thing but sometimes males too can become a little maternal.

I wouldn't worry too much, give them time and plenty of things to keep them occupied. Perhaps its time to buy your male cat something new to keep him otherwise occupied and not so worried about the kitten.

best wishes Kate

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