I have 4 kittens that are about 5 to 6 weeks old. They were taken away from their feral mother at about 3 weeks. They can be super sweet and are very social. There are times when they starting playing and they get very rough with each other and me. While they start play fighting fine, it turns into very rough fighting, they even cry out like they are hurting each other. Is this normal and ok?
Great question!
Understanding the behavioral development of kittens is vital. It's important to note that the age when kittens start displaying aggressive or injurious behavior peaks at around 5-6 weeks, with approximately 40% showing such behavior. This is a normal part of their development as they engage in mixed sequences of different social play behaviors, including stalking, chasing, and wrestling directed towards other kittens.
The timing of weaning has been shown to affect kittens' behavior. Hand-reared kittens may not go through the weaning process and may lack the learning experience of dealing with frustration, as their mother does not wean them. This can lead to problem behavior, such as frustration-related aggression, which is a form of aggression that occurs when a kitten is unable to achieve a desired goal. Furthermore, early-weaned kittens (from four weeks of age) show predatory behavior earlier than usual, while late-weaned kittens have a delayed onset of predatory behavior and are less likely to kill prey.
If play fighting among kittens becomes too intense, increasing human-directed and object play is recommended. This provides them with an alternative outlet for their energy, helping to reduce the intensity of their play fighting. Human-directed play also strengthens the bond between the kitten and the caregiver, while object play helps them develop their coordination and hunting skills.
All the best, I understand the challenges of caring for four kittens on your own. Your dedication and care for these kittens are truly commendable. You're doing a great job.
Melina