Yes, cats remember their mothers, especially when they are not separated. But most times, when kittens mature into adult cats, they see each other as familiars instead of family. They are less bonded with their mothers. Why? When queens give birth to her litter, she forms a bond with them and protects them. But when they grow into 7 weeks, the kittens mature and are weaned from their mothers. That makes them lose the bond with each other.
If they are together, the queen remains a dominant female cat. Gradually, as the bond severs, they stop seeing the queen as the mother. She is more of the alpha female of the group. And most times, cats don’t remember their mother if they are separated after a long time.
Yet, some scientists argue that cats can sense their kins from their smell. And even after a long time when can still identify their relatives from a similar scent.
But how long does it take the queens to forget their kittens? This article will provide all the answers you need. Let’s dive in deeper.
When not separated, cats tend to remember their mother. most times, when kittens mature into adult cats, they see each other as familiars instead of family and so they are less bonded with their mothers. Most times, cats, don’t remember their mother if they are separated after a long time.
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How Long Does It Take For A Mother Cat To Forget Her Kittens?
Separation of kittens from their mothers occurs after they are 12 weeks old. After this separation, the queen usually mourns for her kittens. She’s aware that her babies are gone and would meow for a long time. It takes 2 to 3 weeks after, the mother cat usually gets over them.
Even in situations where the kittens grow with their mothers, the bond between them weakens. She may even growl at them. At that point, it seems she has forgotten her kittens. That may be true. The reason for such behavior is because the mother cat assumes the role of a dominant female cat instead of a mother. So she treats them as members of her group instead of her children.
But if you plan to separate kittens from the mother cat, wean them after 7 weeks. After all, a newborn needs the milk and the care of her mother. When the kittens are 12 weeks old, they are mature enough to be adopted and leave without their mother. After separation, it takes 2 weeks before the mother cat stops missing her kittens.
Even in situations where the kittens grow with their mothers, the bond between them weakens. She may even growl at them. At that point, it seems she has forgotten her kittens. That may be true. The reason for such behavior is because the mother cat assumes the role of a dominant female cat instead of a mother.
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Do Cats Remember Their Kittens? For How Long?
Cats may not remember their kittens, especially when they have been separated from the litter. When cats are 12 weeks old, they become independent. Most times, they are adopted and taken into new homes. After, they adjust to their new home. Complete adjustment usually takes only a few days for kittens but longer for adult cats. After 2 weeks, the mother cat moves on without having the kittens around.
If the separated kittens are brought back after a week of separation, the adult cat may still remember their kittens. But after 3 months, they won’t recognize them anymore. Three months is enough time for adult cats and kittens to move on and forget about one another. For kittens that grow up with their parents, the cats recognize them when the kittens become adults. But they recognize them as their familiar and not as their children.
Further Reading: “What Does It Mean When A Cat Chooses You?“
Felines don’t usually visually recognize their kin after they’ve been separated. However, they may be able to remember them through their familiar scents.
Can Male Cats Recognize Their Own Kittens?
Yes, male cats recognize their kittens. If you ever have a male cat with its kittens, you might notice that it also protects them. But the nursing role is majorly played by the queen. Studies also prove that feral cats care for their kittens. However, when they all grow together, they interact with each other as familiars.
A 2001 research of feral cats proves that female cats recognized their close relative and refused to mate with them. But when it comes to male cats, there aren’t many scientific facts to prove that male cats recognize their kittens. However, from the observation of many cat owners, male cats do recognize their kittens for ~6 weeks. After a long separation, the male cats won’t recognize the kittens. And when they are reunited after six months, they’d see each other as competition.
when it comes to male cats, there aren’t many scientific facts to prove that male cats recognize their kittens. However, from the observation of many cat owners, male cats do recognize their kittens for ~6 weeks. After a long separation, the male cats won’t recognize the kittens. And when they are reunited after six months, they’d see each other as competition.
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Do Cats Remember Their Owners?
Yes, cats remember their owners. Cats have an excellent memory and can remember their previous owners. That makes them also able to remember their owners even after they’ve spent a long time apart. Moreover, cats have an excellent sense of smell. They recognize familiar scents, including that of their owners.
Certain studies explain that cats are autonomous animals. Yet, a 2019 research also explains that felines form secure attachments with their owners. So, if you are reunited with your pet after a long time, you will still find your cat bonded to you. That also means she will remember you.
Related Article: “Why Does My Cat Favor My Husband?”
Do Cats Remember Their Childhood?
Yes, cats can remember their childhood. They have both short term and long term memories. They might also remember some places they’ve been.
A 2017 research proves that cats can recollect memories from past experiences like dogs and humans. So if your feline has a traumatic experience from its childhood, he will most likely remember it as an adult. Felines may even also remember their childhood owners, especially through their smell.
Felines don’t usually visually recognize their kin after they’ve been separated. However, they may be able to remember them through their familiar scents.
Related Article: “Do Cats Dream About Their Owners?“
Final Thoughts
Cats remember their mother while they are not separated, as it usually for the first 3-6 weeks. Even when they are together, as time goes by, cats form bonds with other felines as familiars and not as a family.
They don’t maintain their mother and child role when they are adults. But in a group of cats living together, the dominant female assumes the role of a caregiver.
There are instances where female cats fight when they reunite with their birth mothers. They also compete over male cats, food, or territory. It’s better to keep them apart if they’ve been separated for three months. But in contrast to this, most times, cats remember their human owners. They can also remember significant parts of their childhood stored in their long term memory.
