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Cat Reproduction

Cat reproduction is an extremely important subject for anyone who wishes to breed cats or has unaltered cats (since they will likely reproduce, possibly very soon!). Cats have a lengthy breeding season, usually running from around March until September. Female cats go into heat several times a year, sometimes as often as every few weeks, and may start as early as four or five months old.

Once a female cat is in heat, she can be impregnated by a male cat that has not been neutered. Female cats do not automatically ovulate during each heat cycle; their ovulation is stimulated by the act of mating. Ovulation usually happens anywhere from 20 to 50 hours after the mating takes place.

Feline pregnancy normally lasts around 61 to 65 days. You may be able to tell if a female cat has successfully mated by noting swelling and pink coloring around her nipples about 3 weeks after mating. Diagnosis of feline pregnancy can be made by ultrasound by around 3 weeks as well. Individual fetuses and fetal membranes can often be detected by abdominal palpation beginning around 20-30 days. Fetal heartbeats and placental circulation can normally be detected using Doppler beginning around the 4th week.

Pregnant and nursing cats are frequently referred to as “Queens.” While a well-balanced diet is important for any cat, it is especially critical for a queen, to ensure proper growth of the kittens. Most commercial cat foods are specifically labeled with feeding instructions for pregnant cats. If you are unsure of the type or quantity of food, consult your vet. Pregnant cats should get daily, non-strenuous exercise. Good overall physical condition will not only help a cat conceive, but also eases the delivery (or queening) process somewhat. As the cat’s due date nears, her enlarged abdomen may restrict her activity; this is normal.

At least ten days or so prior to delivery, provide your pregnant cat with a nesting area. This should be a large box in a quiet, warm, dry area. The sides of the box should be low enough for the pregnant queen to easily get in and out, yet high enough to keep the kittens in. Some pregnant cats select their own area for queening and will either let you know where to place a nesting box or create their own nesting area. Consider yourself warned: if you do not want your cat delivering her kittens amidst the shoes in your closet, on the floor of the pantry, or in your guest bathroom, keep those doors securely closed in the weeks leading up to the due date.

In the days leading up to queening, the cat’s mammary gland will enlarge more and milk will be produced. If she is a long haired cat, you should remove excess hair from around her teats, to assist the kittens in nursing. Long haired cats may also need the hair around the vulva trimmed prior to delivering kittens.

During pregnancy, it is not unusual for queens to display changes to her normal behavior. Some queens become extremely affectionate towards their human companions, while others can be very standoffish.

Because cats can reproduce several times a year, and may begin going into heat at only four or five months of age, having cats altered early is very important in preventing unwanted litters of kittens. Basic knowledge of cat reproduction is important for anyone with unaltered cats, especially unsprayed females.

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