At what age can a cat become pregnant for the first time, when can she give birth?

What is needed for childbirth

It is necessary to prepare everything for childbirth in advance. Here is a complete list of what may be needed in case of emergency, although it is quite possible that nothing else will be needed besides the box, because almost every cat gives birth on its own.

Soft and cozy box.
Sterile gloves.
A syringe to remove discharge from the kitten's nose and mouth.
Clean cloths and towel. You can use toilet paper.
Scissors.
Antiseptic drug.
Telephone for urgent calls to the doctor in case of complications in a giving birth cat.
You may also need a cat milk replacer.

How to determine the number of future kittens?

Some breeders claim that the exact number of future cubs is indicated by the number of milk nipples in the mother. However, the reliability of this method has not been proven.

Veterinarians sometimes palpate a cat’s belly to determine the size of the litter, but this technique cannot be called safe for the health of the animal. Palpation is most often carried out at 20 - 21 days or 49 - 55 days after mating. The timing is due to the fact that after the 21st day the uterus fills with amniotic fluid, which complicates diagnosis.

Ultrasound examination of the uterus is considered the safest and most informative method. An ultrasound can be performed to determine the number of future kittens starting from the 21st day after mating. By this period of pregnancy, you can determine the number of babies in the mother’s womb and listen to their heartbeat.

A serious and responsible breeder is always puzzled by the question of the number of kittens in a cat’s litter. This information allows him to competently approach the birth process and resolve the issue of selling young animals in advance. Understanding the causes and factors influencing a cat’s fertility and knowledge in the field of genetics will allow you to choose the right inseminator for your mustachioed pet and follow the rules of feeding and keeping her during pregnancy.

If the owner asks such questions, it means that his pet is growing up and may soon produce offspring. But owners do not always get animals for the purpose of breeding them. This means that you need to take care of contraception in advance or find out about the optimal age for breeding offspring, signs of pregnancy, and the peculiarities of its course. So, let's arm ourselves with valuable theoretical knowledge.

How many kittens can a cat give birth to?

Cats reach sexual maturity at approximately 8-9 months. And before the age of 1 year, she is already able to become pregnant and bear offspring. However, experienced breeders understand that this is quite early, and consider such births to be risk factors, since the body is still too young.

Note to the owner! It is not recommended to breed domestic cats under 1 year of age, although in the case of backyard dwellers we cannot in any way influence this fact. It is advisable to wait until the cat is one and a half years old, when the cat’s body is stronger and ready to bear healthy offspring.

Primiparous cats usually give birth to a small litter: 1-3 babies. This is explained by the reproductive system not yet fully formed. Overmature felines also give birth to few kittens, since their reproductive function is already fading. Cats, healthy, well-groomed, in their prime, usually give birth to up to 6 kittens.

Nature has endowed a cat with only 8 nipples. This means that she can feed no more than 8 cubs at a time. But sometimes there are exceptions: cases have been recorded when a cat gave birth to more than 10 or even 12 kittens.

The maximum number that a domestic cat can give birth is difficult to determine. Some breeders believe that this depends on the number of nipples the cat has. If you count them and subtract the number 2 from the sum, the resulting number will indicate the maximum number of kittens that a cat can have. However, this method of determination cannot be called absolutely reliable, although it can be adopted for yourself.

Physiologically, the number of offspring is determined by the number of attachment sites of fertilized eggs to the walls of the uterus, which in cats consists of 2 horns. This is why young and older females give birth to fewer kittens than cats at optimal reproductive age.

It has been proven that street stray cats produce more offspring than domestic cats. Experts explain this fact by relaxation of the genetic apparatus in cats living in comfortable conditions. Representatives of the streets and courtyards are forced to leave behind numerous offspring in order to preserve the cat family.

When can this happen to a cat?

A cat can become pregnant when it reaches sexual maturity. But there is no need to rush into mating. The female is fully ready for mating only at the age of 14-15 months, and it is better to skip the first two heats. The cat must be healthy and strong before pregnancy, because bearing and feeding offspring requires a lot of effort. Early mating can have a negative impact on the health of the female and lead to the birth of sick kittens. Timely and healthy offspring can be expected with proper planning of the mating process. The male and female need to undergo a preliminary examination, receive anti-worm medications and vaccinations according to age.

How long does a cat's pregnancy last?

Let's figure out how many months or days a cat stays pregnant.

A cat's gestation period can vary up to 9 weeks. This is approximately 2 months. It is noteworthy that short-haired individuals usually bear babies for 58-68 days, long-haired ones - 63-72.

The course of pregnancy also depends on the number of kittens: if there are fewer than five, the “maternity leave” may be delayed; if there are more, the cat may give birth earlier.

The normal delay in labor is no more than a week. It is more dangerous if kittens are born a week ahead of schedule - they may die.

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Timing and stages of pregnancy

Gestation of kittens lasts from 58 to 78 days. It depends on the size of the animal and the breed. For example, Siamese cats bear offspring faster. After about three weeks, the nipples become enlarged, and it becomes possible to feel the babies in the tummy. At this time, the cat must be provided with adequate nutrition. It is best if it is special food for pregnant and lactating women.

When there are 1-2 days left before giving birth, the expectant mother becomes restless. She clings to her owner, looks for a secluded corner, meows. Now it’s best to equip her with a nest. A cat attached to its owner will want to give birth in his bed, and a very independent lady will try to leave the house for this. A cozy nest will help you avoid these extremes.

When do you need veterinary help?

In most cases, the cat copes with the birth of kittens on her own. But there are times when the help of a loving owner is extremely necessary. Sometimes, due to fatigue and pain, a cat can “squeeze” a cub that is only halfway out. Most often, this happens if the kitten walks forward with its hind legs.

Such situations require immediate intervention. The easiest way to help is to grab the cat by the scruff of the neck so that it stands upright on its hind legs.

By switching to a new stimulus, the woman in labor will relax the vaginal muscles and the kitten will be born. If this does not help, then more radical measures should be taken. You need to carefully take the kitten with a gauze cloth (a clean cloth or a gynecological glove) and pull it out with light, rocking movements. This should be done at those moments when the cat begins to struggle.

Normal birth in British cats does not require specialist intervention. However, owners should observe how the cat behaves after giving birth. If certain symptoms occur, you should immediately call your nearest veterinary clinic.

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• labor does not begin more than 70 days after conception;

• there are signs of fever and increased temperature in cats before giving birth;

• fever in cats after birth;

• the appearance of bright red discharge from the vagina, lasting more than 10 minutes;

• unpleasant and pungent odor from the vagina;

• contractions in cats without continuation of labor for a long time (more than an hour);

• restless behavior of the cat after the termination of labor.

Is it possible to increase the number of kittens in a litter?

This question is usually of interest to breeders involved in breeding kittens for sale, since the expected profit depends on the number of offspring, as well as covering the financial resources spent on mating (treatment, testing, raising, feeding).

Depending on the regalia of the inseminating cat, the cost of mating can reach up to 10 thousand rubles. At the same time, owners of males are often not interested in the number of offspring. They receive money for mating, and the rest does not concern them. This position is fundamentally wrong: both parties should be interested in a good offspring. Before you give money for mating, ask:

how often the cat is used;
is he eating well? whether he has diseases of the genitourinary system;
how many kittens are usually born from a male cat;
Does the cat suffer from cryptorchidism?

To increase fertility, experts recommend injecting cats with the following drugs before breeding:

Ovariovit: a homeopathic medicine that restores ovarian function, regulates the sexual cycle and increases fertility.
Gamavit: anti-stress, immunostimulating drug, supports the vitality of the body, has a positive effect on eggs.
Vitamin E: has a beneficial effect on the reproductive system, prevents infertility.

There is a special scheme designed for 10 days, which is often used for cats:

Ovarium: 0.5 cc is administered subcutaneously once a day.
Ortilin: 1 tablet twice a day.
Ovariovit: 1 tablet 2 times a day.
Vitamin E: 1 capsule twice a day.
Gamavit: 1 cube per day subcutaneously.
Catozal: 1 cube per day subcutaneously.

Treatment worsens signs of estrus and increases hormone levels. At the same time, the cat becomes more active and attractive to the inseminator.

Attention! Please consult your veterinarian before using this regimen for your cat.

You can also stimulate a cat by administering B vitamins to it for 2-3 days before mating, which have a positive effect on the activity and endurance of the male’s body.

Preparing for childbirth

If according to signs the cat is expected to give birth within the next 24 hours, then you definitely need to prepare for this. It’s better to do this in advance, a few days in advance, so that everything is at hand. All preparation is carried out in several stages.

The expectant mother must get used to the parenting place in advance. Therefore, the box in which the birth will take place should appear in the house at least a week before the significant event. If this is not done, the pet will choose its own place. This could be a closet or just a secluded corner. At the same time, it is almost impossible to convince the pet to move into the box in this case.

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Box requirements:

the cat should be able to stretch out to its full height inside, and at the same time there should be enough space for the kittens;
the height of the container should be approximately half a meter;
the exit must be made in such a way that the mother can calmly get out and go back in, but the kittens cannot;
A small soft pillow should be placed on the bottom, which should be wrapped in a waterproof cloth, and an absorbent cloth should be placed on top.

If before giving birth the cat did not enter the prepared house on its own, then it should be carried and placed inside. At the same time, she needs to be stroked and calmed down, and made to understand that it is better to give birth to offspring here.

How often can a cat give birth?

Without control of sexual behavior, a cat is capable of giving birth up to four to five times during the year. A lactating female retains the opportunity to become pregnant again. At the same time, frequent childbirth has a bad effect on the cat’s body. The optimal mating frequency is once every six months or less. The duration of the rehabilitation period between births should be more than five months. The reproductive period lasts from the first estrus until old age. In the cat family there is no such thing as menopause. It is not recommended to give birth to cats over 7 years old. At this age, it is too difficult to bear offspring, and the kittens may be weakened or sick. Reasonable organization of pregnancy and rest periods will ensure the cat a long, healthy life.

Age at which a cat can become pregnant

Many people wonder at what age a cat can become pregnant for the first time. Puberty can begin between 4 and 12 months of age during the first heat cycle. In individuals of different breeds and body types, the first heat does not appear at the same time. In the case of long-haired and large cats, it occurs when their age reaches 10-12 months. These cats include Norwegian, Siberian and Maine Coon. Small cats with short hair have an earlier development. They become sexually mature at the age of 4-5 months. Representatives of shorthairs are “British”, Siamese and Burmese cats.

Estrus is the name given to discharge from an animal's genitals. The following signs may indicate that heat is approaching:

the pet's desire to receive more affection;
friction against the owner's legs;
rolling on the floor;
tail wagging.

Important! Outdoor cats go into estrus 2 times a year in spring and autumn, and domestic cats - every month. The pet's body weight increases by 2-2.5 kg. Females are characterized by various external changes

However, people who got a cat for breeding should know that the onset of puberty does not mean that the female can already mate to produce offspring. The body of a cat less than 10 months old will not be able to bear and give birth to kittens for physiological reasons.

The pet's body weight increases by 2-2.5 kg. Females are characterized by various external changes. However, people who got a cat for breeding should know that the onset of puberty does not mean that the female can already mate to produce offspring. The body of a cat less than 10 months old will not be able to bear and give birth to kittens for physiological reasons.

After the onset of heat, the following behavioral and physiological changes are also noticeable in females:

long and loud meowing. A cat may make loud noises all day long;
frequent licking. This way the cat removes clear secretions;
enlargement of the genitals. This will be indicated by a change in gait and frequent trips to the litter box;
adopting a mating position. The female's readiness to continue the race is indicated by the lowering of the front part of the body and raising of the back. At the same time, she moves her tail to the side;
marking the territory. This is a method of attracting cats that are sensitive to pheromones that are released from urine;
excessive affection or aggressiveness. The animal tries to gain more attention from the owner, wants to be petted, or begins to react aggressively to the owner’s affection;
desire to go for a walk. During the sexual hunt, the cat every time tries to get out into the street through a door or window.

A meowing cat can irritate its owner

The period of active sexual hunting usually takes no more than 5-7 days.

Contraindications

Cats are capable of giving birth to kittens until old age, since their reproductive function continues until the death of the cat. But not every elderly cat’s body is capable of bearing and feeding its offspring without consequences.

To ensure that constant childbirth does not harm the cat’s health, after she reaches 7 years of age, it is advised to control her mating:

Do not allow your pet to mate uncontrollably
Sterilize a cat
Use contraceptives according to age

The first point is not so easy to accomplish if the cat is constantly walking on its own. Therefore, the remaining options are either sterilization or contraception. Sterilization in old age is difficult for cats to tolerate, so it is most rational to choose contraceptive drugs that protect against unwanted mating and pregnancy. The most popular contraceptives today:

Counter sex
Stopbarrier
Stopintim
Gestrenol
libidomin

Before your cat takes contraception, you should consult your veterinarian.

Nuances and possible complications

During pregnancy, cats can experience complications that can be caused by infections, genetic diseases, and even external factors. The life and health of your pet will depend on timely detection of the problem and contacting a doctor.

False pregnancy

If the mating was not successful, or the embryos did not attach to the uterus, a false pregnancy may occur. In this condition, the cat appears all the signs of pregnancy: reddening of the nipples, increased appetite and body weight, drowsiness and search for a secluded place. But at the appointed time there will be no labor activity, as well as fetal movement.

It is impossible to independently determine whether a cat is pregnant or a false pregnancy has occurred. This is the task of a veterinarian. Only an ultrasound of the abdominal cavity or its palpation can clarify the situation.

Most often, false pregnancy is provoked by the following factors:

overweight cat;
mating with a castrated or too young cat;
hereditary predisposition (the Oriental breed, Cornish Rex and Sphynx are prone to it);
close proximity to pregnant cats;
severe stressful situations.

False pregnancy is dangerous if it is characterized by a long course or occurs several matings in a row. The condition leads to depletion of the body and can provoke mastitis, pyometra and other dangerous diseases.

Preventive measures will help prevent its occurrence:

proper and balanced diet;
calm atmosphere in the house;
early diagnosis by a veterinarian;
mating with a healthy, proven cat.

To stop this pathological process, the doctor may prescribe sedatives, as well as drugs to stop the production of cat milk.

Frozen pregnancy

Sometimes a cat may experience a frozen pregnancy. Stopping embryo development occurs for a number of reasons:

unsuccessful previous pregnancies;
hormonal imbalances;
some infectious diseases;
pathologies of uterine development.

Such changes lead to the death of one or more embryos. Consulting a veterinarian will allow you to assess the situation and prevent dangerous consequences. After all, if left in the womb for a long time, a frozen fetus can begin to rot, infect healthy fruits and harm the cat itself.

In this situation, the doctor will help you make the right decision: wait for a natural birth so that the embryo comes out with healthy kittens, or begin to immediately stimulate labor. If all the embryos freeze, a miscarriage occurs.

Superfetation

An unusual phenomenon in cats is parallel pregnancy or superfetation. This term implies the conception and gestation of two broods at different stages of maturation. The process is observed if the cat is bred again when she is already pregnant. In this case, embryos develop in the uterus with a significant difference in time. The gestational age usually does not increase.

Superfetation most often ends in the death of late fruits. When labor occurs, they are pushed out. It is much less common for cats to give birth twice when the remaining kittens are successfully carried to term. When diagnosing a parallel pregnancy, it is recommended that the birth be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian. This can increase the chances of survival of the younger litter.

What are the dangers of early pregnancy in cats?

The first heat indicates the cat's readiness to become pregnant. This process is individual for each cat and can occur from 6 to 11 months. However, its appearance is not a reason to plan a mating.

Experts tend to believe that it is better to introduce a cat for the first time no earlier than a year. By this time, the animal’s body will be fully strengthened and will be able to bear healthy offspring. And in teenage cats, pathologies of fetal development are often observed.

Optimal age for pregnancy

If a cat does not have free access to the outdoors, the age at which she is suitable for pregnancy is determined by the owner. But the body of a female who has entered her first heat is not yet prepared for pregnancy. The onset of the process only indicates the animal’s physiological readiness for sexual intercourse.

It is believed that the optimal age for a cat to become pregnant is 14 months, after going through two to three heats.

To increase the effectiveness of mating, the time of mating is agreed upon in advance. This is necessary not only to calculate the optimal stage of the cycle, but also to prepare the animals for the process.

What affects the number of offspring?

The cat's lifestyle and its maintenance also affect future offspring. The following factors influence how many babies she can give birth to:

Age. The most fertile period is from 3 to 6 years. Before and after this period, you should not expect that the expectant mother will have more than 3 cubs.
Heredity. If an animal’s family had records for the number of babies born, then you can expect a large offspring.
Hormonal background. Sometimes, due to a failure in the production of eggs, pregnancy occurs less frequently and is not multiple.
Weight. Exhausted or obese animals produce fewer offspring.
Activity and quality of cat sperm. The fact is that ovulation in a cat occurs precisely during the mating process, and it is influenced by the behavior of the male.
Taking contraceptives for animals reduces future fertility.

In addition to all objective reasons, a small number of offspring may simply be an individual characteristic of the mother.

Estrous cycle

The estrous cycle is a physiological change due to the progression of the reproductive cycle. cycle is divided into several stages:

Forerunner
Estrus
Metestrus
Anestrus

The onset of estrus indicates the onset of a hunting cycle, accompanied by estrus and lasting up to three days. Estrus manifests itself as frequent urination, without any obvious discharge. The forerunner is only the beginning of the reproductive cycle; during this period, the cat does not allow males to approach it.

Estrus is the next stage of the cycle, during which arousal and estrus begin to appear . Some cats experience estrus so severe that it is often confused with rabies. During this period, the cat is quite restless, eats poorly, meows shrilly, arches its back, rubs its head against the corners, and lets the male approach for replanting. This stage lasts no more than 8-10 days in cats.

Metestrus, or the so-called post-estrus. It is during this period that mating with the male and pregnancy occur.

Anestrus is the final cycle of the estrous period. Now the cat's behavior is returning to normal, she behaves as before.

What is needed for childbirth

Soft and cozy box.
Sterile gloves.
A syringe to remove discharge from the kitten's nose and mouth.
Clean cloths and towel. You can use toilet paper.
Scissors.
Antiseptic drug.
Telephone for urgent calls to the doctor in case of complications in a giving birth cat.
You may also need a cat milk replacer.

Recommendations for the first mating

Experts in the field of feminology advise considering the first heat cycle not as a reason for breeding animals, but only as a signal that such a process is possible. In order to choose the right time for the first pregnancy and childbirth, the owner must know exactly at what interval the cat’s estrus occurs and how long it lasts. In a healthy female, estrus lasts about a week.

Partners should be mated for the first time at approximately 10 months. The exact age depends on the individual characteristics of the female and her puberty. An experienced (untied) partner should be chosen, then the first meeting will most likely end in successful fertilization.

Pregnancy and childbirth are a serious test for an animal and owners must treat them with full responsibility. Primiparous cats do not understand what changes are happening to their body. They are worried, nervous. Due to stressful situations, first-born cats have a high proportion of pathologies during childbirth.

Caring for a cat during pregnancy

No special care for your cat is required during pregnancy; it is enough to follow a number of rules

Cat pregnancy should occur indoors

Do not allow a pregnant cat to climb to heights

Do not give your pregnant cat medications, vaccinations, deworming, flea collars, etc. unless absolutely necessary and without consulting a veterinarian

Do not overfeed your cat (large fruits complicate childbirth)

Closely monitor the condition of your pregnant cat, take her to the veterinarian at the first suspicion of complications.

Keep your pregnant cat separate from other pets, including other cats.

Avoid mating between male and female cats during pregnancy.

In the last stages of pregnancy, it will be difficult for a cat to lick itself, so it is recommended to wipe the cat daily with a warm, damp cloth, paying special attention to the perineum and nipples

After fluffy balls from a pet are born, owners begin to be interested in the question of how long after a cat can become pregnant after giving birth. Veterinarians and professional breeders know that after lambing a certain amount of time must pass for the body to regain strength during the period of gestation and childbirth. In addition, the cat must properly feed its offspring.

And the lactation period takes a lot of strength from the animal. Even if the cat received adequate nutrition and vitamin supplements, the body simply needs time to restore the reproductive system.

The body of a mother cat incurs colossal energy costs

during the formation of embryos, their growth and the birth process. The main characteristic feature of all cats that give birth is the loss of many essential minerals and vitamin complexes. In most cases, a lack of calcium, magnesium and phosphorus is noted.

In addition to energy costs, the animal’s body experiences severe stress due to hormonal changes. Thus, during the process of estrus, female sex hormones are actively produced - estrogens, which are responsible for the growth and development of follicles. When pregnancy occurs, progesterone begins to be produced, which is responsible for the proper attachment of embryos and the course of pregnancy. The birth process is characterized by the production of large amounts of oxytocin. It is the neuropeptide produced by the hypothalamus that is responsible for contractions of the muscle fibers of the uterus and the preparation of the milk lobes for future feeding. During the onset of the lactation period, the hormone prolactin is produced.

Changes in the animal’s body in a fairly short period of time significantly deplete the body’s strength, leading to hormonal imbalances. That is why it is necessary to strictly ensure that the cat does not become pregnant immediately after giving birth.

. The cat may begin to ask for a cat, and the owner’s main task in this case is to take urgent measures to restore the body.

When is a pet no longer capable of producing kittens?

Many owners, interested in breeding issues, want to know when cats stop giving birth. The peculiarities of the sexual behavior of domestic beauties allow them to continue their feline lineage throughout their lives, until very old age. Older pets usually give birth to fewer kittens than young animals. Nevertheless, pregnancy also occurs in an older cat by cat standards.

The owner must take a responsible approach to breeding issues and not allow mating of animals older than 7 years. Once your pet reaches this age, she should be sterilized. This point of view is shared not only by veterinary specialists, but also by experienced and competent breeders. No self-respecting breeder will produce offspring from a cat older than 6-7 years. And this is justified not only by the problems of obtaining high-quality offspring of a particular breed, but by care and love for the fluffy beauty. After all, pregnancy, childbirth, and feeding kittens do not improve the health of an elderly female.

Features of cat physiology

While the cat is feeding the kittens with milk and taking care of them, she has no time to search for adventures; usually young individuals become mothers twice a year. The older the animal becomes, the longer the recovery period and, accordingly, the cat gives birth less often.

When for some reason a cat loses her cubs, the recovery period after birth is delayed or occurs with complications (for example, inflammation of the mammary glands is possible). In this case, you need to consult a doctor. Usually the veterinarian prescribes injections of hormonal drugs, recommends giving less liquid to drink, and applies a medicinal bandage to the cat.

If the kittens are taken from the mother too early, without allowing her to feed the litter, she may again begin to insistently demand mating.

Pedigree representatives of the cat family are allowed to register up to 2 litters per year. Since a period of 8 months is considered optimal for the restoration of the body, 3 litters within two years are normal.

Thus, the correct answer to the question “Until what age do cats give birth?” sounds like this: an animal is capable of producing kittens until its death. However, to avoid pathological births and defective babies, breeders prefer to castrate or sterilize their pets at the age of 6 or 7 years.