Why is this cat the mother? - briefly
The cat is the mother because she has given birth to and nurtured the kittens, demonstrating maternal care and responsibility.
Why is this cat the mother? - in detail
The identification of a specific cat as the mother is primarily rooted in biological and behavioral evidence. In feline species, motherhood is determined by the act of giving birth and nurturing the offspring. A cat that has recently birthed kittens will exhibit physical signs, such as a swollen abdomen during pregnancy and lactation post-birth. Additionally, behavioral cues are strong indicators of maternal status. The mother cat, or queen, will display protective instincts, grooming her kittens, providing warmth, and teaching them essential survival skills. Genetic testing can also confirm maternity if necessary, as the DNA of the kittens will match that of the mother. Observing the cat's interactions with the litter is another reliable method; the mother cat will often be the primary caregiver, ensuring the kittens are fed, cleaned, and safe. In cases where multiple adult cats are present, the mother will typically be the one most consistently engaged with the kittens, distinguishing her from other individuals in the group. These combined factors—biological evidence, behavioral patterns, and genetic confirmation—provide a comprehensive understanding of why a particular cat is identified as the mother.