Cats can begin to breed after puberty, which usually takes place anywhere from four months to a year in most cats. However, breeding an animal at a young age, just because she can, can cause negative effects and ruin the breeding potential for that animal in years to come. An adult cat from 18 to 24 months is probably ready to begin breeding in a mature manner.

Felines are different from other mammals in their heat cycles, because the cycles themselves are influenced by changes of the season and increases in daylight hours. A cat’s normal breeding cycle usually runs January through September. Unlike a dog, who will have a heat cycle that ends whether she becomes pregnant or not, a cat will stay in heat over months at time (in several-week increments) until the daylight hours begin to decrease in the fall.

A cat’s gestation period is typically about 60 to 65 days, and a typical litter is four to six kittens. Physically, a cat could safely have up to three litters per year, but responsible breeders will not overtax a mama cat’s body to that degree. Just because she can, doesn’t mean she should.

The decision to breed your cat shouldn’t be made on a whim. Take into account your cat’s age, health, and temperament. Despite popular myths, cats don’t need to have a litter to make them fulfilled in life. Spaying your cat before she has a litter will not harm her psyche, and could save you lots of headaches.