Sexual maturity in a domestic cat occurs at 6 - 7 months, in a cat at 9 - 10. The period depends on the time of year, breed and individual characteristics of the body. By this age, the animal has not yet reached physiological maturity and will not be able to produce full-fledged offspring. The most suitable age for reproduction is one and a half years. Therefore, it is not advisable to breed during the first heat. A domestic cat is capable of mating and producing kittens 2–3 times a year.
Estrus appears in February - March, the next activity occurs in the summer months. Repeats after 2 weeks if pregnancy does not occur during mating. When breeding purebred animals, mating after reaching 8 years of age is not recommended.
The cat asks for a cat after mating
If nothing has changed in the cat’s behavior immediately after the wedding, this is completely normal. After all, her body cannot immediately realize that pregnancy has occurred and immediately stop producing the hormone responsible for reproduction and begin producing progesterone, which controls pregnancy. Estrus will continue for the time that nature has determined for a particular cat. For example, if estrus lasted a week before pregnancy, then after mating, even if pregnant, it will last exactly seven days.
Cat screams after mating are natural!
Cat screams after mating are a natural occurrence. She can behave this way not only for a few hours after the wedding, but also for several days. At the same time, the cat can not only howl, but also purr and roll on the floor.
This behavior does not at all mean that pregnancy has not occurred, however, you can find out for sure about this only after the first signs appear - on an ultrasound it becomes noticeable no earlier than twenty-one days later.
Some cats are deficient in the pregnancy hormone, which affects the cessation of estrus - in this case, estrus may begin again between the third and sixth week of pregnancy.
Medical diagnostics
If the first signs of pregnancy after conception do not appear, a laboratory blood test will allow you to dot all the i's. In the first seven to nine days after conception, the concentration of human chorionic gonadotropin increases in a woman’s body. This is a hormone that “grows” against the background of the development of the fertilized egg and returns to normal by the 12th week of pregnancy. A sign of conception will be its level above 25 units.
From the fourth week, pregnancy is diagnosed through ultrasound. It makes no sense to perform an ultrasound earlier, since in the first week it will only show the presence of the corpus luteum, which in itself is not evidence of the birth of a new life. After the fourth week, the diagnostician can confirm or refute the woman’s premonition.
After mating, the cat continues to scream: what should I do?
If the cat's howling does not stop for a very long time after the wedding and, moreover, there are doubts that she has become pregnant, she cannot be carried to another cat. You can make a mistake and then the cat will have to give birth to different cats. At best, this is fraught with assorted offspring. At worst, premature birth may occur, in which the younger offspring will die. Alternatively, the first litter will be born first, and a few weeks later the next one. This is a serious test for the furry mother and her babies, so it’s not worth the risk.
Methods of preventing pregnancy
Empty heats are very difficult. It’s not just the pet that suffers, it affects everyone who lives in the area. It is very difficult to listen to the mournful cries of a loving pet.
If a cat was purchased to brighten up life and not to participate in breeding work, it is advisable to sterilize it at a young age, that is, up to 10 months.
Sterilization is the surgical removal of organs of an animal's reproductive system. The procedure allows you to reduce hormonal levels. The search for partners stops, the cat becomes obedient. If the cat was aggressive before the operation, then after the intervention its character changes for the better. She stops attacking other pets and does not show displeasure towards children and family members.
There are two types of operations:
- Removal of the ovaries is called oophorectomy (sterilization). With this operation, the uterus remains intact;
- Ovariohysterectomy – complete removal of the uterus and ovaries.
If the uterus remains in the abdominal cavity, it does not perform its reproductive function, but at the same time continues to exist in the body. After this operation, the risk of cancer and inflammatory diseases increases. Cats can suffer from endometritis and pyometra.
The second method of surgery is preferred, when the uterus is removed. This reduces the incidence of disease in cats and increases life expectancy. If surgery is not desirable for a cat, the use of contraceptives is recommended to reduce sexual activity.
In pet stores there is a wide range of hormonal products that can temporarily cope with the problem. Drops that suppress sexual instincts may additionally contain soothing herbal ingredients. The list of popular drugs includes the following:
- Contra sex;
- Antisex;
- Sex Barrier;
- Stop-Intimate.
Before purchasing the drug, you must consult a veterinarian and read the instructions for the product. Long-term use of hormonal drugs negatively affects the cat's health, so abusing contraceptives is not recommended.
The drugs have a list of contraindications. For example, hormonal drugs are not prescribed to animals with urolithiasis, liver and kidney pathologies, or diabetes mellitus.
Also watch the video on how to determine if a cat is pregnant:
How does a cat usually behave after mating?
After mating is completed, the male releases the cat. She, having freed herself, pushes him away with a sharp movement. The further behavior of the furry bride depends on her character. For example, she may begin to show aggression, or even start a fight with her partner. Alternatively, the cat simply demonstrates a bad mood and makes it clear that it does not intend to communicate further. In almost one hundred percent of cases, neither calm nor friendliness is observed on the part of the cat immediately after mating.
In general, in the very first days after mating, a cat may appear tired - this is because this process is quite energy-consuming and requires subsequent replenishment of strength. Also, after mating, the cat may exhibit excessive appetite, the reason for which lies in the need to fill the calorie deficit. The expectant mother should sleep well and eat well, so if she does not have any alarming symptoms, then there is nothing to worry about.
Puberty
The onset of sexual readiness and the time of the first mating do not necessarily coincide. Final sexual maturity in cats occurs at the age of one to one and a half years.
Males, unlike cats, are capable of mating throughout the year; in the spring, the desire intensifies.
For an untied cat, it is worth choosing a more experienced partner, just as for an ununtied cat. It should also be taken into account that a cat sometimes does not allow a cat she does not like to approach her.
Cat after first mating
When a cat experiences her first mating, she may seem somewhat inappropriate to her owners - for example, she may push the cat away with her paws, make sharp cries, lick herself excessively energetically, and make it clear in every way that she does not intend to communicate with anyone. She can either attack aggressively, or, on the contrary, retire.
Often a cat somersaults after a wedding. This behavior may be due to the fact that the cat was biting her scruff hard, but there is no need to worry - the cat is not experiencing pain.
Discharge in cats after mating
Discharge in cats after mating with a male cat may vary. For example, for a couple of days you can observe clear, watery-colored mucus - this is a normal continuation of estrus. Such discharge should not cause concern to owners.
If a dark brown viscous liquid with a bloody admixture and an unpleasant odor appears, you should urgently contact a veterinarian, since this symptom is a very dangerous signal and requires immediate clarification of the situation. Such discharge may be a symptom of:
- sexual infection;
- abortion, which occurs both a few days after pregnancy and long term;
- inflammatory processes and other gynecological diseases.
The presence of gynecological diseases before mating can become an obstacle to pregnancy, so before cat weddings it is necessary to carry out regular examinations. To be confident in the health of your furry pet and ensure her the opportunity to bear healthy, strong kittens, all inflammations must be treated in a timely manner.
When do you need veterinary help?
Any atypical condition of the cat should alert the owner and is a signal to show the pet to the veterinarian:
- Protrusion between nipples. This especially applies to swelling between the penultimate and last pairs.
- Bloody discharge or clots from the genitals.
- Restless behavior of the animal.
- Lethargy, apathy, deterioration or lack of appetite.
- Irregular shape of the abdomen towards the end of pregnancy, red and swollen loop.
- Absence or extreme weakness of training contractions. There is no dilatation of the uterus.
- Sudden miscarriage, bleeding (as an option - rapid labor).
- An enlarged abdomen is observed in the absence of other signs of pregnancy.
Be responsible for the animal, do not expose it to pointless risk.
Cat behavior after mating: should you worry?
Many cat owners become alarmed when their pets act as if they are sick. Often this condition is aggravated by vomiting, diarrhea and occurs against a background of elevated temperature. The cause of this condition is usually stress - the fact of the presence of a cat, moving, changes in hormonal levels, etc. Disorders of digestive functions are possible due to changes in nutrition while staying in the groom's house without the usual food. Perhaps a toxic infection that is completely unrelated to mating is beginning to appear. It could also be a virus or bacteria - an infection for which the male has not been vaccinated. This also includes calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, etc.
Early signs of pregnancy
An observant owner notices every day what is happening to his pet. Therefore, it will not be difficult to see the symptoms of pregnancy. The main signs indicating the possible appearance of offspring:
- 2-3 weeks after the cat has walked with her groom, her nipples swell. You can also notice that their color has changed, they have become pinkish-red. It should be noted that nipples also swell during heat, so you should not rely on this sign alone.
- A growing belly and a sagging back also indicate pregnancy. Pregnancy is difficult to confuse with obesity. While carrying babies, only the sides become rounded, and if the cat is overweight, it appears thick in the back, neck, sides, and paws.
- Change in appetite. In the early stages, the cat’s appetite usually worsens, and in rare cases, vomiting occurs in the morning. But this can also be caused by other pathologies, as well as the presence of worms in the body, so a thorough examination is necessary. In the second half of pregnancy, the cat's appetite improves, and the pet gains weight. Throughout her pregnancy she gains 1-2 kg.
- Decreased activity, apathy, drowsiness - occur against the background of changed hormonal levels. Typically, a playful cat will sleep most of the day during the first 2-3 weeks of pregnancy. She refuses active play and looks a little tired. As appetite improves, playfulness and mobility appear. In the second half of pregnancy, the cat goes outside, but keeps cats at a distance.
- The pet's behavior changes. Hormonal changes affect character and behavior. Excessive aggressiveness towards other animals and even family members is a characteristic sign of pregnancy. Some animals, on the contrary, become affectionate suckers, while usually they are small aggressive furies.
- In the later stages, the cat begins to seek support from people, it purrs loudly, and constantly spins underfoot.
You should not rely on your own attentiveness. To confirm the pregnancy, the cat should be shown to a veterinarian.
An ultrasound examination can detect the presence of fetuses as early as 2 weeks.
An ultrasound performed in the second half of pregnancy is more informative. Based on the results of the examination, the specialist can say exactly how many babies will be in the litter.
The cat is lethargic after mating
Feline lethargy after mating without accompanying symptoms is considered a natural condition. A lethargic mood can manifest itself over several days - the kitty will sit in its house and give the impression of an animal that is in an extreme state of fatigue. Thus, she simply restores her strength.
In any case, you can’t let your guard down - if the cat is just sleeping, then you need to leave her alone, but if she has vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, this indicates that the mating was against the background of some kind of disease that is now progresses. If all is well, then after a few days the cat demonstrates excellent appetite and vigor.
Preparing for childbirth
Owners must prepare for childbirth and create comfortable conditions for her. Within a week, a structure is installed in which the woman in labor will hide. A box with a low side, a bed, etc. is suitable. The area should be large so that the mother and kittens do not feel crowded. You should also ensure that people have access to this box in case assistance is needed.
For childbirth, you need to prepare a first aid kit
In this case, the veterinary first aid kit should contain the following items:
- disposable and flannel diapers (used for lining and covering kittens);
- pieces of textile the size of a handkerchief for wiping (gauze is not suitable);
- chlorhexidine or alcohol for cleaning tools and hands;
- the smallest size syringe for removing fluid from the noses of kittens;
- to lubricate the loop during difficult labor - sterile petroleum jelly and a pipette;
- brilliant green for lubricating the umbilical cord;
- cotton buds;
- a heating pad for the bed of newborn kittens;
- scissors washed with boiling water with blades rounded at the ends;
- scales.
The following medications are included in the first aid kit:
- calcium gluconate in solution for injection - stimulates contractions;
- Mastomethrin - stops inflammation, disinfects;
- Travmatin - relieves pain during childbirth, regulates the strength of contractions.
Procreation is a basic instinct in animals
Pregnancy is a difficult period in the life of a female, including cats. It largely depends on the person how the gestation of kittens will go and whether the offspring will be healthy.
Rules for caring for newborn kittens
The cat does not become pregnant after mating
Not all cat weddings end with pregnancy and the birth of offspring. In order for everything to end happily, a number of conditions must be met. For example, if this is the first mating for both partners, then most likely there will be no kittens as a result. It is necessary that one of the pair, preferably a cat, be experienced. Otherwise, the cat and cat will take a long time to find a common language, moreover, the groom may injure his partner. Even if everything went well at first glance, pregnancy may still not occur for an inexperienced couple.
If all the conditions are met, the wedding took place, but pregnancy did not work out either the first or subsequent times, you must definitely contact a veterinarian - the cat needs to be examined by a specialist. Obstacles to successful fertilization may include:
- numerous diseases;
- gynecological inflammation;
- tubal obstruction;
- all kinds of infectious diseases;
- use of sedatives during previous estrus; progesterone deficiency;
- changes in hormonal levels, etc.
It often turns out that the cause of infertility is ordinary obesity, or vice versa, lack of weight. In any case, the true reason why a furry beauty cannot become a mother must be determined by a doctor. You should not self-medicate, as this can lead to a deterioration in the cat’s condition, or even death. A timely visit to a specialist is a great chance for a complete recovery, elimination of the cause of infertility and a successful pregnancy.
See also: why cats sleep at their owner’s feet - reasons
Features of sexual hunting
From 8 months the cat is considered sexually mature. If the male does not live in a closed room (apartment) and has free access to the street, during this period he begins to disappear from the house for a long time in search of a sexual object. The owners will immediately understand that their pet has grown up - during the onset of puberty, he begins to meow frequently at night.
The behavior and character of the cat changes, it may become more aggressive. Sexual activity among representatives of the cat world is well expressed. If a pet does not have access to the street, it can imitate sexual intercourse using soft toys and wool clothing. Every time the cat will react violently if a sexually mature female is next to him. If a pet lives in a private home, the owners need to try very hard to keep it from escaping.
For the first sexual intercourse, a sexually mature cat will always choose an experienced female who has already given birth.
If mating occurs in a cat without sexual experience, the owners of the animals should bring them to mating no more than once a month. When they become more experienced and learn to behave appropriately, mating can be carried out 2 times a week.
