When does he start walking for the first time?
A cat begins to ask for a cat when its body is fully formed and its hormonal levels have normalized. It is impossible to say exactly at what point the female will complete puberty. The process is individual and depends on external and internal factors. In most cases, the first heat begins at the age of 6-8 months. In some breeds, a period of 1 year is normal. You need to know about such features in advance, since in other cases such a delay is a pathology and requires examination by a specialist and examination.
Factors influencing the onset of estrus:
- he is hormonal;
- nutrition;
- Lifestyle;
- the presence of a cat nearby;
- breed;
- coat color;
- season;
- conditions of detention;
- general health.
Sometimes the first estrus passes without any noticeable manifestations, so the owner simply does not notice it. In this case, they talk about erased estrus, which is typical for weakened, sick, hormonally disturbed animals. And also with a sedentary lifestyle and low temperament.
To speed up the process, it is recommended to do the following:
- Add a cat . From the smell of a male, sex hormones begin to be rapidly produced in the female’s body, and estrus occurs.
- Place another cat who is in estrus. Very often, animals that are in the same room leak at the same time. Again, the pheromones that float in the air are to blame, forcing the body to work in the right direction.
- Strengthen the body with vitamins and homeopathic remedies. The drugs are sold in veterinary pharmacies; the course is started after consultation with a specialist.
If owners are interested in getting healthy offspring, it is recommended to observe how estrus occurs, how long it lasts, and how the cat behaves. In the future, these observations will be useful for effective mating.
Selection of a partner
Not every cat will have a cat for a walk. Therefore, choosing a partner is an important point that should be given maximum attention. In addition, you need to pay attention to the color of the animal. If the owners are going to breed babies for sale, then they should look for a cat based on the shade so that they get what they want.
So, white British people cannot be mixed together, because the offspring may turn out to be deaf. When you want to breed a tabby, it is better that the partner is blue or black. At the same time, brown or chocolate shade is not an option at all. If the cat is light cream or black, then you can choose a cat of the same color.
When choosing a male, you should also pay attention to his health and appearance. Strong cats are the guarantee that babies will be born healthy and strong. When mating with a British cat for the first time, you need to choose an experienced animal. Otherwise, both she and he will start hissing at each other and fighting. If the cat is more courageous, then she may not even drive the male into a corner and not let him out until she is taken away. Therefore, special attention is paid to this nuance.
How many days does it take to walk for the first time?
If a cat has started her first heat, this does not mean that her body is fully formed; everything should proceed like in all healthy females. The duration depends on the same internal and external factors, and especially on hormonal levels. Usually the first time a cat walks for 5 days. The normal duration in adult females is 5-10 days. If estrus lasts about 20 days, you need to show the cat to the veterinarian. This situation may mean a hormonal imbalance, the presence of a cyst, or diseases of the reproductive system. In rare cases, estrus for 20 days is considered normal.
Duration and frequency of sexual heat
On average, sexual heat occurs once a quarter. But in some animals it can be repeated every 3 weeks, in others - only a couple of times a year. As often happens, estrus in cats depends on many factors:
- Variety. In Persian, Siamese and Oriental cats, estrus occurs more often than in representatives of the Scottish and British breeds. In the latter, the frequency of estrus can be 5-8 months.
- Age. In young animals, symptoms of estrus recur more often than in older animals.
- Presence of pregnancy. Cat "periods" return to their original schedule 1.5-3 months after birth.
- Season. This dependence is clearly expressed in street individuals. From the beginning of spring to mid-autumn, the intervals are reduced due to the fact that during the warm period it is easier to bear and give birth to a healthy offspring. In winter there is a long break between heats.
- Number of matings. Infrequent matings help reduce the intervals between heats to 14 days. On the contrary, if matings are too frequent, the rut repeats up to 2 times a year.
On average, estrus in cats lasts 5-7 days, but sometimes its duration increases to 14-20 days.
Important! If heat lasts less than 5 days or lasts longer than 3 weeks, the animal must be shown to a veterinarian. Too short a heat may indicate the presence of ovarian hypoplasia or thyroid disease. Long-lasting sexual heat can be a symptom of inflammation of the ovaries or the development of neoplasms.
Proestrus
Preparatory phase, which lasts 1-4 days. It is accompanied by the first scanty discharge and changes in the cat’s behavior. The animal becomes more affectionate and often rolls on the floor. During this period, the cat is not yet ready to mate and will not let her partner in.
Estrus
The second stage, which lasts 5-10 days and is accompanied by the appearance of noticeable transparent discharge. During this period, the cat is not able to control its behavior. She constantly screams and takes a characteristic pose. It is during this period that mating occurs.
Metestrus
How this period goes depends on how the previous one ended. If it ended with mating, during which fertilization occurred, then after 60-70 days the offspring will be born. If there was mating, but fertilization did not take place, then a false pregnancy develops, which does not lead to childbirth and goes away after 30-45 days. If mating does not occur, then over the next 2-15 days the cat’s sexual activity fades away, and interest in the opposite sex is replaced by aggression.
Anestrus
The final stage that ends estrus in cats. It is called the rest period and lasts from 3 weeks to several months. At this time, the cat again appears balanced and behaves as usual.
How often does this happen
In wild, yard cats, estrus occurs twice a year - in spring and autumn. In apartment, domesticated animals, malfunctions may occur. A cat that has given birth will estrus once every few months; in a cat that has not given birth, estrus may occur every 2 weeks. Estrus after childbirth appears 1.5-2 months later. In this case, everything is individual. The background is restored faster, the duration of estrus is normalized if the cat gives birth safely. If the owner does not plan to breed kittens, you need to contact specialists. To stop estrus, the cat is sterilized or given hormonal medications.
Duration of estrus in some cat breeds
The question is clear about how long estrus lasts on average in representatives of the cat family. Let us now consider how many days the estrus lasts in cats of different breeds. So, for example, British cats walk less often than others. And with age, the duration of estrus decreases; it can occur irregularly and without ovulation. The first heat in a British cat begins at about 7 months.
Scottish cats reach sexual maturity at approximately 5 months. Therefore, early estrus in a Scottish fold cat is not a pathology. Cats of this breed walk for up to 4-6 days several times a year.
Signs of heat
You can determine that a cat is walking by the animal’s behavior.
- Becomes affectionate, rubs, caresses, or displays excessive aggression and irritability.
- Meows loudly and invitingly. The animal makes these sounds all day long in the hope of attracting a cat.
- There is frequent urination. The cat goes to the litter box even at night, and also begins to mark its territory.
- The appearance of transparent mucous discharge from the genitals. The cat licks itself often and for a long time.
- Decreased appetite. The cat becomes indifferent to food. Eats little by little or refuses treats altogether. This behavior continues for the first few days or is present throughout the entire estrus period.
- The gait and body position change. The front legs are bent halfway and the back of the body is raised. The cat's tail is to the side or raised upward.
Some signs may be absent, but in general, changes in your pet’s behavior can be noticed. If a cat wants to go for a walk, she demonstrates this in every possible way.
Causes of cat noises
The main reason that forces cats to look for their other half is hormones.
The beginning of the party is associated with the puberty phase. For each breed (eg, British, Scottish, Maine Coon) it begins at a different time, so it is important for the owner to know when the pets become adults. According to veterinarians, females mature at 6-7 months. The time of sexual changes in the body, depending on the breed, is indicated in the table:
Type of cats | Period (months) | |
Dimensions | Breed | |
Light frame | Siamese | 4—8 |
Cornish Rex | ||
Balinese cats | ||
Average build | British | 8—10 |
Scots | ||
Bobtails | ||
Large | Maine Coons | 10—18 |
Siberian |
How to understand?
You can guess about the desires of your pet from unambiguous hints.
It is not at all difficult to find out that a cat begins to want to meet a male, despite the breed: British, Siamese, Scottish and others. When an animal is in heat, physiological and emotional changes occur in the animal's body. You can determine that a cat has gone on a spree by the following clear signs:
- The animal meows loudly, and the sounds of meowing gradually turn into a guttural howl.
- The number of urinations increases, but the cat refuses to go to the tray, and thus marks the territory.
- The genitals swell, a special lubricant is released from the vagina, which the pet constantly licks off.
- The pet’s mood changes: the cat begins to fawn, rub against the owner’s legs, or “tumble” on the floor.
- The desire to mate forces the animal to take a characteristic pose: it crouches on its front legs, sticks out its tail and tramples with its paws.
- The desire to eat decreases, sometimes completely refusing to eat until the end of the heat.
- The presence of a cat excites the female even more, so the domestic cat tries to get out of the house (apartment). You need to close the windows and watch the door. Once on the street, she can spend several days there without coming home.
These signs can appear all at once or one at a time. In addition, there is such a thing as “hidden estrus.” In this state, the animal does not exhibit visible characteristic symptoms of binge drinking. To find out whether this behavior is a consequence of physiological disorders or simply a weak temperament, you need to consult a veterinarian.
How to calm an animal
If the owner does not mate, there are several options for behavior:
Sterilization
A surgical intervention that results in the removal of the ovaries and uterus. After this, the cat becomes infertile. The procedure should be carried out at the age of 6 months before the first estrus. If the operation is performed on an adult female, the estrus will continue, although the female will not be able to become pregnant. The benefits and harms of sterilization are assessed in two ways. Side effects of the procedure include obesity, dysfunction of various organs, and hormonal imbalance. Since surgical intervention is carried out under local anesthesia, a weak body may not be able to withstand it, and death is possible.
You may be interested in: How long does estrus last in cats?
Hormonal drugs
The method is advisable to use if you plan to breed offspring in the future. The drugs control estrus for a certain period of time, usually six months. The action is aimed at reducing libido by correcting hormones. Available in the form of drops, tablets, and injection solutions. The most common option is drops that can be added to food or placed in the nose. A veterinarian should be involved in selecting suitable medications and determining the dosage. The most commonly prescribed medications are Sex Barrier, Gestrenol, and Covinan. There are also side effects and contraindications.
There is no point in raising or scolding a cat during heat. Her psyche is already disturbed at the moment. The correct model of behavior is to be patient and choose effective methods of pacifying sexual activity.
What to do?
There are three ways to calm down your pet on a spree:
- Connect with a male. This is the most useful method for cat health, but often only breeders of purebred animals resort to it.
- Medicines. The use of drugs to suppress sexual activity is considered an effective method, but suspensions, drops or tablets (Gestrenol, Covinan) contain hormones. Hormonal medicine will eliminate behavioral problems (cats don’t yell after taking the drugs), solve the problem of unwanted pregnancy, but may have a negative impact on health. Veterinarians do not recommend using medications to reduce agitation for a long time.
- Sterilization is an irreversible procedure. To avoid complications, surgery to remove reproductive organs is recommended for young animals. If the pet is operated on as an adult, then the already sterilized cat can continue to walk out of habit.
The question of choosing the appropriate method is best decided together with a veterinarian, who will help you find the best option in each individual case. In the meantime, the consultations continue, the owner during the mating season of his pet must stock up on patience and endurance. It is important to stroke the cat, pick it up and talk to it. Using her favorite toys will help distract her attention and keep her awake during the day so she can stop screaming at night.
What to do during sexual activity
When a cat goes into heat, one of the right options is to give her a mating male for a few days. The beloved becomes pregnant, and her desire to “see” the cat will disappear. The body will begin new hormonal changes. If there is no desire to mate a cat, it is scary to give special tablets; you need to be patient. Inappropriate behavior will be observed for 10 days, after which the animal will return to normal. However, allowing this condition to occur constantly is dangerous for the female’s health. If a cat walks without a cat, a false pregnancy often develops.
If you plan to have offspring, you need to wait until 3 heats have passed without giving any pills. The animal's behavior will need to be tolerated. When the hormonal levels are completely stabilized, you can begin mating with the cat. During the first days you need to find a male and let him approach the cat. If mating occurs, estrus will stop after a couple of days. During pregnancy and nursing kittens there is no estrus. But if the female loses her cubs, a new estrus begins in the first month.
If the first signs of estrus are noticed, you should not immediately feed the animal hormonal pills. Rash actions can cause irreparable harm to health. Drugs should be prescribed by a qualified specialist after examining the animal. You also need to remember that during the period of heat, you cannot shout at the cat, kick it, much less beat it. The animal does not control itself, is unable to obey or fulfill the owner’s request, but a feeling of guilt appears, which will further aggravate the situation.
When to think about mating
Most owners of four-legged cats do not know when to breed a British cat. People are afraid of making mistakes, so they delay the process.
Characteristic signs of a cat are:
- Loud and constant shouting. This is how the pet tries to call the cat to her.
- Constantly rolling on the floor and licking your genitals.
- A sharp change in mood - the animal can either be too affectionate, or, on the contrary, show unreasonable aggression.
- While stroking, the pet arches and raises its tail. In this way she shows that she is ready to meet the cat.
For a cat, things are a little different:
- Animals begin to actively mark all corners in the house. Attempts to scold the cat do not lead to anything good; he tries even more actively to show what he needs.
- The cat rubs against sharp objects or those that interest him. Often people observe some kind of friction, body movements are directed towards the thing that the pet is interested in.
- Pets change dramatically. Some people do not recognize cats as their four-legged companions.
Important! There is no need to try to calm or scold the animals at this moment. Instincts that are higher than everything “awaken” in them.
If the pet is already ready, then it can happen to someone; if offspring are not included in the plans of the owners, then it is more humane to perform sterilization so as not to torture either yourself or the pet.
How to recognize a false pregnancy
The pathology develops against the background of hormonal imbalance, in which, without fertilization of the egg, all signs of pregnancy appear, not only internal, but also external. Theoretically, false or imaginary pregnancy can develop in any breed of cat; Sphynxes and Cornish Rexes are at particular risk. The pathological condition lasts about 2 months. It goes away on its own or requires the help of a qualified specialist.
Causes:
- sexual contact with a sterile, neutered cat;
- diseases of the genital organs, especially cysts, fibroids, endometritis;
- diseases of the thyroid gland, endocrine system;
- diabetes;
- severe stress, lack of affection from the owner;
- irritation of the vagina by artificial means, often by taking a smear;
- direct proximity to pregnant females;
- hormonal imbalance.
A false pregnancy can occur if you keep a cat in an apartment, constantly ignore her estrus, and do nothing to improve the female’s condition.
Signs:
- change in mood, character, behavior pattern;
- frequent meowing, chasing the owner;
- preparing a future place for “birth”;
- the animal is almost constantly in a state of half-asleep;
- the presence of causeless anxiety or indifference to everything that happens;
- enlargement of the abdomen, mammary glands;
- the appearance of colostrum;
- increased appetite at first, apathy for food after a few days;
- diarrhea, vomiting;
- increase in body temperature;
- mucous discharge.
With clear manifestations of a false pregnancy, it is impossible to distinguish it from a real one. The symptoms are identical, even down to the physiological changes. If there was contact with a full-fledged cat, only a specialist can determine the presence of kittens inside. You can go to the vet 15 days after mating or as soon as signs of pregnancy appear in a cat that has not been out for a walk.
Treatment
It is wrong to ignore the condition of the female. False pregnancy does not always go away on its own without leaving a trace. Internal organs and systems are involved in the pathological process, and the psyche suffers. Lack of proper attention from the owner leads to the formation of mastitis, neoplasms, and inflammation of the uterus. The treatment is complex and includes the following steps:
- fluid restriction;
- exclusion of dairy products from the diet;
- reducing the amount of protein - meat, fish, eggs;
- administration of sedatives - Nutri-Vet, Kot Bayun, Fitex, Felifriend;
- use of a drug that stops lactation - Galastop;
- symptomatic treatment - taking anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics, massages for the development of mastitis;
- increased attention from the owner.
False pregnancy in cats is a fairly rare phenomenon, typical for dogs. But there are cases when a pathological condition appears after each heat in the absence of a cat.
Estrus in cats is a natural, complex process. If the owner is not ready to make an effort, tinker with the animal, and take the necessary measures, it is better to get a male.
How does mating work?
Having noticed that the cat has changed in behavior, you need to observe it for a couple more days, and then you can take it to the cat. This is usually done 3-4 days after the start of the party. It is better for the cat owner to prepare in advance the room where the animals will live for these couple of days. First, a cat is brought into the room, which must get used to it a little, and only after that can a male be introduced. If the male representative does not show interest in the lady, you should wait a little.
Some breeders recommend raising the cat's tail and holding the cat up to it so that he can smell the scent. If the cat is indifferent to its partner, there is no need to rush; perhaps it has not yet gotten used to it. There are times when animals begin to fight and hiss at each other. Having noticed active aggression, it is necessary to stop everything.
Inexperienced pets may not understand what to do and may grab incorrectly. If this is the case, then you can give the cat a little encouragement and help him (but inactively) in carrying out this process. The fact that everything went well is evidenced by the cat’s screaming, its rolling on the floor, as well as its active licking of its genitals. When a cat hides or hides in a corner, this is a sign that the male did not please her in some way. In this case, it is also not recommended to “insist” and it is better to take the pet home.
The process of communicating with a cat
If the date took place on the second or third day of a Bengal, Scottish, or British cat’s heat, the acquaintance will be fruitful. Usually at this time the cat seeks contact and releases a scent that attracts the groom. The stress factor when moving can play a negative role and slow down the dating process. The cat's owner should stimulate the process by stroking the cat. If you run your hand along the pussy's back, the animal will relax, and then the reproductive instinct will do its job.
If the bride shows character: hisses and does not make contact, you should leave the animals alone for a short time so that the couple gets used to each other, and the cat gets comfortable in an unusual place. It happens that a cat doesn’t want a guest: it won’t work to excite him or force him to make love, it’s worth introducing him to another partner.
Settling the cat
Experienced breeders control all stages of the female’s fertilization process. The ritual of interaction in a couple is such that the British man holds the cat by the scruff of the neck during intercourse (rutting in cats). A young cat may grab the partner's fur above or below the optimal position. The partner may also lean to the side and avoid proper mounting. The cat owner must monitor signs of deviations and help the animal choose the right position. In this case, you need to maintain silence so as not to disturb the intimate atmosphere and not alienate the partners from each other.
How does a cat behave after mating? If the mating was productive, the female will fall to the side, purr and spin on her back. Before returning the cat to the owner, the cat's owner must make sure that at least three boardings have been carried out in accordance with all the rules.
Pain syndrome. Why do cats scream during sex with a cat? The cat's penis entering the partner's vagina causes pain because it is covered with many hard teeth with points. Such sensations are inextricably linked with ovulation, and therefore are an indispensable condition for a fruitful union.
Duration of mating
How long do British cats have intercourse, how many days do they copulate? Direct contact, the act of a male and a female, takes a matter of minutes. It takes five to ten seconds for a cat to ejaculate. During the day, the couple makes several such contacts, mating at intervals of 15-20 minutes.
The optimal duration of communication between a parent couple (how long to knit, bring together) is two or three days. A long period of intercourse can lead to the birth of kittens, the time of conception of which varies greatly, so that part of the litter will be born prematurely. A short period of communication will upset the female, who will continue to call for the male, even after being fertilized.
Mating problems
- The difference is in the size of the partners. If the bride is larger than the groom, then the cat will not be able to hold her friend by the withers and at the same time get his penis into the vagina. The owner can hold the partner, provided that the kitty is sufficiently phlegmatic.
- If the cat has not sufficiently mastered the function of grabbing a friend (poorly untied), the owner can help with choosing the right direction;
- When the pussy falls to the side, the owner of the groom will have to immobilize and support the lady in an upright position;
- In the case where the bride categorically does not accept the gentleman (does not let him in), the owners will have to look for a new partner. If there is an urgent need to breed a particular pair, you should leave the animals together for a certain period of time or invite a veterinarian for a medical solution to the problem.
- The stressful state of the partner can lead to the stopping of the symptoms of sexual heat (does not want a cat). To correct the situation, you need to give the animals time to get used to each other.
How to determine whether mating was successful
It is impossible to assess the success of the event immediately after mating. A week after intercourse, the pet will show the following signs:
- Feels sleepy;
- Aggression towards cats;
- Preference for liquid foods.
After three weeks after mating, the fertilized female's nipples will swell and turn pink and her belly will begin to grow.
Reasons for unsuccessful mating:
- sexual failure of the male;
- overweight or underweight;
- hormonal disbalance;
- stressful state;
- viral infection;
- avitaminosis;
- mineral deficiency;
- error when choosing the time for mating.
Preparing for mating
An experienced cat owner is looking for a mate through an organization of felinologists. If the bride is purebred, the lady’s owner should check the groom’s package of documents: titles, judge’s scores, medical reports on the absence of infections and genetic pathologies. The bride must have permission to breed and have a vaccination record (at least a month before the date of the meeting with the groom). If you vaccinate the pussy immediately before fertilization, this can lead to the birth of sick offspring. Preventative treatment against worms should be carried out and the tips of the claws should be trimmed to avoid injury. Bathing procedures should not be carried out.