Home » Cats » How long do cats of different breeds live » General information about the age of cats » Childbearing age and at what age do cats get pregnant?
Feline pregnancy is a complex physiological process that is strikingly similar to humans. Animals, just like people, suffer from the same prenatal problems and stress, they have a bad mood due to toxicosis; labor may be delayed or occur earlier.
The process of bearing babies in a cat is easy if the animal has given birth before. If this did not happen, the expectant mother will be nervous, worried, not understanding what exactly is happening to her body.
Primiparous pets have a high risk of developing birth pathologies. This process is new to the body, so often internal organs are slightly damaged or displaced.
The first pregnancy, as well as the first birth, must be supervised by a veterinarian. He is also invited to childbirth, so that if something happens, he can provide obstetric care, neonatal resuscitation, and other medical and health-improving services.
The article will tell you at what age cats give birth, how long this process lasts, and what difficulties await loving owners who decide to take care of a pregnant pet.
Preparing for childbirth
You need to thoroughly prepare for childbirth. To do this, you will need not only to arrange the place where the kittens will appear, but also to prepare some tools and materials that may be needed in case of complications that arise. In addition, you should make sure that you have medications on hand and be sure to write down the veterinarian’s phone number so that you can contact him at any time.
Arrangement of the “nest”
A large box is perfect for temporary housing for the mother and her offspring. To make it easier for the cat to climb into it, one side can be made lower than the rest. It is not recommended to make a slot along the entire height of the box to prevent the kittens from escaping.
Mother cat with her kittens
The bottom of the box can be covered with a rubber or foam mat, or a piece of similar material, oilcloth. This will protect the cardboard from accidental wetness. Place a cloth or disposable diaper on top.
It is advisable for the box to stand in the place chosen by the cat, but, in most cases, mustachioed mothers prefer closets or the owner’s bed. The place where the box will be placed should be quiet, warm, and secluded. You need to gradually accustom your pet to the “nest” by placing drinking water and food nearby. In the end, she will understand what is required of her and will accept the proposed option.
Preparing tools
By the time of birth, items should be prepared that may be needed if the situation takes an unexpected turn:
- scissors;
- sterile rubber gloves;
- Vaseline oil;
- antiseptic (brilliant);
- syringe;
- dishes for clean water;
- cotton buds;
- threads;
- syringes of different sizes;
- disposable diapers;
- pieces of cotton fabric (they must be pre-washed and ironed).
All accessories must be in one place and in “combat readiness”: clean and disinfected.
Medications
In some cases, your mustachioed pet may need medical assistance, so in addition to the tools, you should prepare some medications.
- Oxytocin. It will help with a sudden cessation of contractions or weak labor. Promotes contraction of the uterine walls. Used as injections into the withers area in a dosage of 0.2 ml.
- Travmatin. As soon as the woman in labor begins, you can give an injection of this drug in a dosage of 1 ml. After the end of childbirth, the drug is used for the next three days, one injection per day. Travmatin eliminates pain, prevents the development of the inflammatory process, has an antimicrobial effect, and reduces the likelihood of infectious complications.
- Calcium gluconate. In the form of an injection solution, it is used in a dosage of 1 ml for the normal course of labor and the prevention of eclampsia.
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.
Reproductive function of cats
Puberty in cats occurs at the age of eight months. This period is characterized by such signs as cats trying to leave the house, heart-rending screams, marks left on every corner, puddles of urine, plus carelessness and pugnacity. You can also add attempts to copulate with inanimate objects, such as sofa cushions, soft toys, woolen items.
When a cat in heat appears within a cat's olfactory range, he becomes almost uncontrollably excited, which makes keeping a cat in the house quite difficult, if not impossible. If the owner decides to untie the cat, then its first mating is best done with a cat that has already given birth. At first, breeding cats are used for mating once, at most twice a week, and later - up to twice a week.
Puberty in cats occurs with the first heat.
As for cats, they reach sexual maturity at approximately 5-9 months of age. At this age, they begin to obsessively attract attention to themselves, rubbing against their owner and not only against him, but also against various objects, much more often than usual. In addition, they tremble with excitement, lie on their backs, ask to be free, leave urine marks everywhere, lose their appetite and scream loudly.
The reproductive system includes the ovaries, uterus and mammary glands.
The frequency of estrus in representatives of different breeds can be different and depend on the conditions in which the animal is kept, its habitat and the time of year. According to felinologists, usually in January-February a short estrus occurs, which lasts several days, and in June-July a longer estrus occurs. True, according to the owners, this opinion cannot be considered indisputable.
If a cat is going through heat for the first time, she will most likely be reluctant to accept the cat.
If the cat is nearby, then the heat can end in three days, but if he is not there, then it can last for two weeks. Later, the “unconfident” cat will find a common language with representatives of the stronger sex much easier. The reproductive period in cats is quite long. For example, some cats gave birth at the age of 20!
Females of most animal species suffer from diseases of the reproductive system much more often.
Just like in other animals, sexual behavior in cats is cyclical and regulated by hormonal status. Anaesrus (the period of sexual inactivity) lasts approximately four months and is related to how long the daylight hours are (less than 12-14 hours per day). In apartments where artificial lighting predominates, this period is not so long.
In cats, signs of pregnancy become noticeable only after 3 weeks.
Typically, there are two to three periods of sexual activity within one year.
In the stage of preparation for mating (proestrus), the cat becomes, on the one hand, more affectionate, but at the same time more restless. She does not yet show readiness to mate at this time. The cat's vulva becomes more swollen, although there is no discharge.
After a day or three, the estrus phase begins. The cat begins to purr, meow, and sometimes even scream angrily. All this is accompanied by a characteristic “rolling on the floor.”
In both male and female cats, the reproductive system consists of the primary reproductive organs.
If you pet a cat, it immediately takes a pose with its butt protruding, presses itself to the floor, moves its tail to the side and walks with its hind limbs. At the same time, she loses her appetite, tries to run away from home and leaves her traces everywhere.
In cats, signs of pregnancy become noticeable only after 3 weeks.
The period of “hunting” (estrus) sometimes lasts quite a long time, and in “nymphomaniac” cats it can generally be continuous. And if the smell of a cat in heat reaches the surrounding cats, then cat concerts and cat fights under the window are guaranteed.
If mating is not controlled by the owners, the cat will choose a partner for itself.
If we are talking about targeted breeding, then you will have to resort to the services of breeders and clubs of cat lovers. In this case, inbreeding should be avoided if possible.
With the help of linear crossing, desired qualities can be consolidated in the offspring. If you breed unrelated individuals, you can introduce new properties and characteristics into the breed. According to breeders, it is always better to bring a female into a male’s home, and not vice versa. But it is better to refrain from mating on the first day.
The duration of a cat's reproductive age is almost the entire adult life of the cat.
The best day for conception is considered to be the third day of estrus.
As a rule, two matings (matings) are practiced. When mating, the cat lowers its head, squats excitedly, moves its tail to the side and raises its pelvis. The male climbs onto the female first with his forelimbs and then with his hind limbs, biting her on the back of the head.
Both partners squat on their hind limbs, after which mating (coitus) actually occurs. The male's hind legs rest on the floor, and the female moves closer to the cat to provide the required contact. At the same time, sometimes the female feels irritated, tired and even tries to get rid of her partner.
In animals, reproductive behavior forms a cycle of sequential instinctive actions.
Coitus lasts only a few seconds. It is worth noting that the cat's penis has a rather unusual structure. The reason for this is that it is covered with sharp bristles, which appear on it at about three and a half months of age. And when the cat removes his penis after coitus, the bristles apparently do not give the female a very pleasant sensation. In any case, at this moment they scream loudly and may even attack the cat.
The reproductive behavior of cats is characterized by repeated coitus.
After the penis is removed from the female's body, she turns over on her back. Scientists suggest that adopting this position promotes fertilization. At this time, the animal should be protected from contact with other males to avoid the appearance of outbred kittens.
Reproductive behavior - formation of mating pairs, breeding of offspring, their upbringing.
If mating was successful, ovulation occurs after a day and a half. After this, within 1-2 days the signs of estrus disappear. If there was no mating, estrus can last 10-12 days. At the end of estrus, diestrus begins - a “quiet period”, and after 7-12 days it will again be possible to notice signs of the beginning of a new cycle (proestrus). Consequently, sexual cycles repeat after about three weeks and the older the female, the shorter they are.
Often the first heat occurs suddenly and is a surprise to the cat owner
Approximately 10-12% of cats, and especially representatives of the Siamese breed, may not have diestrus at all, and for about 6-10 weeks they show their passion to the world with the help of inviting cries and demonstrating their readiness to mate.
Puberty in cats depends on nutrition, hereditary factors and breed.
Of course, this nymphomania gives cat owners a lot of unpleasant moments. As for cats, they do not have such pronounced mating seasons, and they can mate all year round, although they are most active in the spring.
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How to understand that a cat is about to give birth
It is very easy to determine that a cat is giving birth in the near future. At this time, her behavior changes radically. This may be evidenced by the following cat behavior:
- Starts to thrash around and meow loudly;
- Constantly licks his genitals;
- Begins to toss and turn, exposing his belly to be stroked;
- Starts to breathe heavily.
If your pet begins to worry, it would be best to take her to the place prepared for childbirth, sit next to her and stroke her.
This is especially important if the cat is emotionally attached to the owner. In this case, his presence will greatly help during the birth process, calming her down.
Until what age can a cat give birth?
In nature, cats give birth until the age when they are completely in estrus. And it ends by the age of 18-20 years of the animal’s life. In wild and outdoor conditions, most cats simply do not live to that age.
Although the reproductive system works for a long time in cats, after 8-10 years the offspring may be born sick and weak. Everything is individual and there are cases when a cat gave birth to wonderful healthy kittens at the age of 15. But still, veterinarians recommend not breeding your pet after 10 years of age. The risk of kittens having pathologies increases every year.
What does (low) multiple pregnancy depend on?
There are both a huge number of hypotheses and scientifically proven facts on this matter. Our topic is not a dissertation for an academic degree, so we will lump all theories and evidence into one common pile.
Proper and nutritious nutrition has an important influence on conception, subsequent pregnancy and childbirth: the worse a cat eats, the less likely it is to become pregnant. There is such a thing as nutritional infertility - in this way nature tries to prevent the appearance of non-viable or sick offspring. The weight of the pet also plays an important role in the production of eggs and subsequent pregnancy.
It is well known that obese females not only do not become pregnant, but they, in principle, do not go into estrus - what kind of multiple pregnancy can we even talk about in this case? Conditions of keeping: comfort, warmth, cleanliness, lack of stress, etc. Hereditary factor: if a cat was born from a low-fertility mother, then the likelihood that she will produce “a little” kittens is very high! A history of infectious diseases that somehow affect the development of reproductive function. Diseases of the reproductive system and injuries also affect the number of eggs produced. The temperament of a cat, no matter how strange it may sound. After all, it is well known that ovulation in cats occurs at the moment of coitus, and the sexier the male is, the more he cares for the bride, the more eggs will be released. Incompatibility with the opposite sex, which also occurs in humans. So, for example, there lived an allegedly infertile cat who was in heat, and they bred her with three different cats, but there was no effect. Until her permanent fiancé appeared in her living space. Apparently, the every minute presence of the cat, its smell, awakened hidden possibilities in the “woman’s” body. Let’s remember once again about cats, or more precisely about the quality of their sperm. The weaker the sperm, the smaller their number, the more underdeveloped among them, the less the chance of getting healthy, and most importantly, multiple offspring from a healthy cat. In turn, the quality of sperm depends on the nutrition of the reproductive system and the frequency of its use (both excessive use and abstinence have a negative impact on reproductive function). Low hormonal levels of the expectant mother, when the follicles produce few eggs ready for fertilization. Long-term use of antisex hormones will not only affect the number of offspring, but also its viability. Most often, a cat mated after such therapy brings 1-2 kittens, while they are weak or not at all capable of life outside the womb. Individual characteristics of the body, size, weight, age, etc., etc. Breed is another factor. For example, outbred cats can give birth to many kittens in the first, subsequent, and very last pregnancies. Whereas animals of blue blood rarely bring more than 5. It is believed that the number of matings affects the number of kittens. Allegedly, after the first mating, the animal brings 1-2 kittens, by the seventh it reaches its natural maximum, and after that the number of offspring decreases again. Another theory, more like nonsense, says: the sooner insemination occurs from the start of estrus, the more kittens will be born.
Features of various breeds
Are there any breed characteristics? Yes, they exist. Firstly, British cats carry their offspring for an average of 65 days. In principle, there are no particularly interesting features in their behavior and the course of pregnancy. Except that these cats are somewhat calmer than other breeds, so you can find out about the success of the mating a little earlier. How long do the Scottish ones take? Experts say that this breed has a range of terms from 58 to 71 days.
In general, there is a more or less clearly manifested relationship between the duration of pregnancy and the length of the coat. The longer the coat, the greater the chance that your pet will lamb closer to the 70th day. On the contrary, short-haired breeds sometimes give birth after 55-56 days, and the kittens are absolutely normal, without signs of underdevelopment. By the way, how many days does a cat carry kittens for the first time? In general, it is during this period that deviations from the norm are most often observed. Some animals carry their offspring for approximately 53 days, while others carry their offspring for more than 60 days.
It should be noted that postmaturity is an order of magnitude more dangerous, since this increases the likelihood of giving birth to defective, sick kittens several times. If the cat just didn’t make it, then, as a rule, there’s nothing wrong with that. The younger generation will be a little weaker than expected, but intensive feeding of the mother during the breastfeeding period will correct everything. This is especially characteristic of the Sphynx breed.
What influences growth rates
The rate of growth and development directly depends on several factors:
- Breed. The main factor influencing the size of an adult cat is its breed. Thus, Maine Coons grow up to 2 years of age, but individuals are recognized as truly adults only by 3 years of age. Representatives of the female half of the Bengal breed reach their maximum size at 9 months, and the male half at 2 years. The physical development of the British, as well as the Scots, continues until 2.5-3 years. Siberian cats grow up to 1.5 years, sphinxes - up to 2 years. Non-pedigreed or, as they are more often called, domestic cats, due to their mixed genotype, do not have developmental norms, therefore some of them stop growing as early as one year, others increase in size up to 3 years.
- Heredity. It is very rare for kittens to grow larger than their parents. Only in rare cases does a small cat grow into a large kitten.
- Gender. Cats are always smaller than cats.
- Food quality. A deficiency of vitamins and important macro- and microelements leads to a slowdown or complete cessation of growth, disproportionate to the development of the body.
- Living conditions. Comfortable room temperature, proper lighting, hygiene, high quality sleep stimulate the proper development of the kitten.
- Diseases and parasites. Diseases of any type (hereditary, infectious, somatic) impair growth. Intestinal parasites, which suck out the vitamins and nutrients required by the pet, also have an adverse effect on the development of the body.
- Lifestyle. Physically active kittens develop faster, their body is proportional in size, and their weight is normal.
- Work of the endocrine system. Hormonal imbalances negatively affect a pet's growth. By the way, stress can also provoke endocrine imbalance, during which certain hormones are produced.
- Sterilization. Cats that are neutered at a later age tend to be larger in size than cats that are not spayed and those that were spayed before the age of one year.
- Mating age. Despite the fact that male cats are considered sexually mature by 8 months, mating at such an early period leads to a slowdown in growth, and sometimes even to its cessation.
How long does this physiological process last?
Pregnancy for felines lasts an average of 9 weeks. In terms of this, this is 2.5-3 months. In days, the duration of gestation is 59-67 days.
Remember that an animal can give birth to healthy offspring ahead of schedule, or it can “transition”, but end up lambing with non-viable or underdeveloped kittens.
It all depends on the level of health of the animal, the presence of identified and hidden chronic diseases, complications with viruses and infections, due to which the body weakens and loses the ability to nourish babies in the womb.
Everyone's responsibility
At first glance, reproduction is a natural phenomenon. Moreover, many believe that childbirth is necessary and important for the health of the animal. But look around. Today there are so many abandoned, unhappy kittens, cats and female cats who need a family that allowing new ones to be born is simply a crime.
Everyone hopes that good hands will be found for every kitten that their pet has. And usually they are found, especially if the litter is spring. Children are taken to the dacha during the summer holidays for children. What happens in the fall? They are abandoned in summer cottages, left at bus stops, or simply thrown into the yard.
Therefore, think very carefully before allowing your pet near the cat. If she is not purebred, then it is best to sterilize her. Some owners, in the old fashioned way, drown newborns and bury them in the garden. Despite the apparent inhumanity, this is better than starvation and painful death.
How long does a cat bear kittens: stages, periods and features
Adding a family is always an important and solemn moment, even if your cat has decided to give birth. The pet needs attention and care throughout the entire pregnancy. By the way, do you know how many months a cat bears kittens? If not, then our article will remove the veil of secrecy from this issue!
Physical and physiological maturity
Theoretically, a cat can give birth already at the age of six months, but at such a time mating occurs only among inhabitants of garbage dumps. No normal breeder will breed a cat before the third heat, since kittens born to such young animals are highly likely to be defective. And the cat itself, having given birth to offspring at the age of only a few weeks, will never become a full-fledged, good producer. Her body will simply spend all its reserves and will no longer be able to recover.
As a rule, that same physiological maturity occurs at approximately the age of five to nine months. We think every cat breeder is familiar with the “symptoms” of its manifestation: the animal becomes nervous, excitable, rushes around the house, screams loudly and heart-rendingly, arches its back and caresses, clearly showing its intentions. Some animals sometimes manage to “roll” on their butts all over the carpets, which does not make the owners too happy. At this time, in no case should you “follow” the cat and let her go to the cats! Now there are many means that suppress sexual desire during the first heat period. Take advantage of them!
Only by the second or third heat does the cat become truly sexually mature and can give birth to normal, healthy kittens. In this case, you can already plan to breed the animal, since the time has come for physical maturity. Please note that the cat's first time
Source
Cat pregnancy is a condition in a cat's body in which a developing fetus (embryo) is located in its reproductive organs.
When can a cat become pregnant?
A cat becomes pregnant as a result of mating with a male cat. During mating, the cat undergoes stimulation of ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries) and fertilization. Ovulation and fertilization are possible only during the cat's estrus period.
As a rule, conception occurs 24-50 hours after mating. Days 3-5 of estrus are considered the most favorable for conception, but it is also possible on other days.
A cat can become pregnant as soon as it reaches puberty. Depending on the breed, this occurs at 6-18 months. However, early pregnancies (up to 1 year) can be extremely dangerous for the health of the cat and its offspring, so professional breeders do not breed cats until they are 12-14 months old.
Sexual activity in cats decreases after 6 years of age; cats continue to mate, but pregnancy, as a rule, does not occur. If, nevertheless, an “older” cat manages to become pregnant (and this is possible even at 10-15 years old), then it usually ends badly - miscarriages occur, kittens are born dead or with defects, the life and health of the cat itself are also at risk. Therefore, breeders spay and neuter cats at 6-7 years of age to prevent unwanted consequences.
A normal cat pregnancy lasts just over 9 weeks (65 days). The duration of pregnancy can vary from 60 to 70 days.
Kittens born before day 60 are considered premature and usually die quickly. Extended pregnancy (more than 70 days) is a sign of pathology of the fetus or illness of the cat itself, so this is an obvious reason to consult a veterinarian.
The duration of pregnancy depends on the number of kittens (1-2 kittens are born
Source
Which period is most important?
Which of these periods is most important for future kittens? Most likely, the first and second: it is at this moment that intensive formation of almost all internal organs occurs, so the cat especially needs high-quality and nutritious nutrition. If her diet does not have a full set of vitamins and microelements, the offspring will most likely be weak and painful. Experts often noted cases where kittens were born 10-15 days before the expected lambing date, but were completely healthy and normal. Of course, they often have virtually no fur, but with careful and adequate feeding, it grows back quickly.
Features of cat pregnancy
A pregnant cat should receive more care and attention. The most common signs of a pregnant cat are:
- coloration and enlargement of the mammary glands. A similar symptom appears during the first pregnancy. The mammary glands are distinguished by a red tint and swelling. They also become hot and increase in size. Usually this can only be seen on the nipples below;
- increase in sleep duration. Normal cat sleep is 14 hours a day. A cat carrying kittens begins to sleep 2-4 hours more than usual;
- increased or decreased cat appetite. From the outside it may look like she is eating for two. Also, her appetite may disappear completely. The cat will not eat solid food, but only drink;
- nausea and vomiting. Most often the urge occurs in the morning. This can happen 3 times a day;
- frequent visits to the toilet;
- manifestation of aggression. The cat experiences hostility towards other felines from the first week from the moment of conception;
- turning into a homebody. The cat increasingly prefers to stay at home;
- weight gain, appearance of a belly.
A pregnant cat becomes apathetic towards others
On average, cats bear kittens for 56-71 days. However, these are not exact numbers, since they can also give birth to kittens premature or post-term. Gestation periods may also vary depending on the breed. Long-haired individuals bear offspring for 62-72 days. The British breed and others related to shorthair spend 58-68 days on this. If there are a lot of kittens, then the gestation period is reduced to 58 days.
You should prepare the place for childbirth by selecting a basket or box. The area should be covered with a sterilized soft cloth. The diet should include special food for gestation of kittens. In the sixth week, feeding your pet should increase to 5 times a day. Continuous monitoring of the cat's body weight is important because overfeeding can cause problems during birth.
Important! In case of pregnancy complications, veterinary intervention is necessary. The use of special medications will help prevent unwanted pregnancy
Owners of purebred animals especially think about this during the rehabilitation period. Known oral contraceptives for domestic cats:
The use of special medications will help prevent unwanted pregnancy. Owners of purebred animals especially think about this during the rehabilitation period. Known oral contraceptives for domestic cats:
- stop-intim;
- counter-sex;
- gestrenol;
- sex barrier;
- libidomin.
All of them can be produced in the form of drops, tablets or suspensions. The drugs suppress libido and prevent ovulation. It is not recommended to abuse them, otherwise the female will get a dangerous disease.
Knowing what age cats give birth will help the owner monitor the behavior of their pet and be on guard. At this crucial moment, the animal may need help that only the owner can provide.
Pregnancy Basics
So, the average duration of a cat's pregnancy is about nine weeks (plus or minus four days). Experts say that you should not pay attention to these “dogmas”: there are often cases when these animals carry kittens for 60-70 days. An experienced breeder will be able to determine that a cat has become pregnant in most cases, since her behavior changes radically: at first she becomes somewhat phlegmatic, sleeps more, and at the end of pregnancy, on the contrary, she increasingly shows signs of anxiety and begins to rush about in search of a good “nest.” for their babies.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
33 comments:
Well, I don’t know, we also tried to bring a cat together at a later age, but she didn’t understand what to do at all - she lay down on her back and began to mewl, not understanding what they wanted from her.
It’s too late, because even if she accepts a cat and gets pregnant, she may not give birth and die during childbirth.
my cat is now 12 years old. A month ago I gave birth to 5 full-term healthy and beautiful kittens. depends on the state of health. mine brings 4-5 kittens at a time twice a year ((((((the whole city is full of her kittens((nowhere to put it))))) so it also depends on the cat’s health, I feed my cat every 3 months I take him to the vet and bathe him once every 2 weeks. The food is stable and varied. so draw your own conclusions))
But why bathe? and 2 times a year is not enough.
2 times a year is the maximum possible. although he wants a cat more often.
My cat is 8 years old and how many times she asked for a cat, so many times they brought her a “groom”, but for some reason she never gave birth? What's wrong with her, can you tell me? Maybe infertile?
mine was 13 years old - giving birth
Well, in my opinion, we are not talking about record holders, but about the health of the cat. And then cats are different.
In order for you to play with the kittens, I would not breed cats, as this could lead to serious complications. Because the cat is not untied until the age of 8! And from frequent parties she may develop cancer, and the risk increases if you tie her up. Sterilize cats and do not torture them. Because empty matings are a huge burden on a cat’s body. Many breeders sterilize cats if they are removed from breeding. And they live a calm and happy life like veterans. You can consult your veterinarian, he will tell you the same thing.
My grandmother has a cat, so she’s 18-19 years old. quite old. Her kittens are born consistently every 3 months. This is such a heroine))))))))
If you really want to, you can try, BUT. Go to a good vet, get tested and undergo other examinations and then decide. And take into account the possibility that the cat is not interested in pregnancy, because this is a certain kind of inconvenience, and then she will also have to take care of the kittens. In any case, I wish you good luck!
At what age can a cat give birth? Mine is 2 years old, I’m thinking about giving birth to her once or sterilizing her right away. Although I feel sorry for her in both cases ((
Klepa Ra, based on physiology, the vets advise either about a year, when the cat is fully formed, or before the first heat, because this significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer. It is advisable to get vaccinated a couple of weeks before sterilization.
I know a cat who gave birth when she was 21. So, go ahead!
#11Maria Glukhareva-Pogrebnaya Thank you for your answer) it turns out that we probably won’t give birth. She started to come into heat at 6 months. I won’t torture her, although my husband is expecting kittens. Our cat can’t get where he needs to go, although they try)))
Has anyone spayed their cats? How do they feel during the first days? They are not given painkillers. I feel very sorry for mine, but she yells even 2 times a month, it doesn’t particularly bother me, but she probably suffers herself. My grandmother had a cat when she was 20 years old, although I think at that age they greatly undermine their health, You have to spend all your energy, but the kittens suck out all the juices.
There are special tablets and drops. Animals should not be tortured by sterilization. I watch my cat, she is so pretty, so gentle when she lies with the kittens. washes them. so cute. Think for yourself, she is as willing as you are. and this is already a mockery... the same thing as if all people had infertility. you don't feel sorry.
Victoria, in animals the maternal instinct lasts 2-3 months after birth. in just half a year, the mother cat will be tumbling around with her kitten son
Klepa Ra, glad to help. I want to sterilize my beauties within a month. The idea stuck especially after I started going out alone (for 4 days), and a week later the second one started going out. The prospect does not make me happy, and I am very confused by the consequences of such festivities, how they affect health. Because We ourselves are preparing for this operation; we have already studied a lot of sources. The main thing is to choose a good vet, follow his instructions (carefully watch the stitches), and not be afraid to ask a lot of questions. My grandmother’s cat (a long-lived woman, she was over 20) also constantly brought kittens.
If you don’t want complications and problems with your cat, then don’t. A cat can give birth up to 8 years old! Of course, it’s up to you, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
MINE IS ALREADY ALMOST 9 YEARS OLD AND STILL WALKS WITH A BELLY!
Until what age can cats give birth?
Cats can reproduce for quite a long time. There are known cases of kittens appearing even in cats that have reached the age of fifteen. But according to the observations of veterinarians, cats no older than eight years old give full-fledged offspring. Therefore, in well-established nurseries, starting from this age, reproduction is stopped, as litters become small in number, kittens are small, and sometimes sick.
Having studied the above information about cat pregnancy and the rules for caring for it during this period, it is not at all difficult to get healthy kittens that will delight you or their new future owners. Moreover, this period does not last long and it is quite possible to pay a little more attention to the pet during this period.
Changes in cat behavior after sterilization
Sterilization does not entail changes in the cat's character. After the operation, manifestations of the reproductive instinct completely disappear. The cat will not have heat, sudden attacks of obsessive affection or aggressiveness. Typically, after sterilization, cats become gentler and more obedient. The hunting instinct, playfulness, and desire to communicate with people and animals are fully preserved.
Changes in hormonal levels as a result of sterilization can lead to an increase in appetite, so you need to ensure that the animal does not gain excess weight, because obesity is also a disease. Therefore, you should provide rationed nutrition, do not overfeed the cat, and also play with it more often.
Now you know everything about such an operation as sterilization of cats: when is the best time to do it, how it is performed and what its results are. So the choice is now yours.
How many days does a cat bear kittens?
Pregnancy in cats lasts from 58 to 72 days. As a rule, labor begins on days 65-68, but you need to focus on the earliest possible date. If the process begins earlier than 2 months, call a veterinarian immediately. It is hardly possible to save the kittens; here we are talking about the life of the mother herself.
Walking around is also dangerous, this may indicate a pathological course of pregnancy; with late birth, very serious complications are likely for both the cat and kittens, who can suffocate, die before birth, be born too weak to develop normally, be injured when passing through birth canal.
The best option is for specialists to monitor the progress of the entire pregnancy and be present during childbirth even in a normal situation. If the need arises, the veterinarian will be able to help, carry out the necessary manipulations or perform a caesarean section to remove the babies.
Reproduction of Cats
This article answers the most frequently asked questions about cat breeding.
At what age do cats go into heat?
Cats usually reach sexual maturity when they weigh about 4.5 – 7.0 pounds
(2.3 – 3.2 kg) or at five to nine months of age. However, even
four month old kittens may go into heat and become pregnant! Also,
Domestic short-haired and long-haired cats can reach puberty
maturity earlier than purebred cats, and stray cats can reach
maturity earlier than domestic ones.
How long does heat last?
The duration of estrus (heat) is different for each cat. On average, estrus lasts
seven days, but sometimes can reach 21 days. If the cat does not mate and
How many times a year does a cat get pregnant?
A pet is capable of producing offspring 2-4 times a year, but such a rate of reproduction is defined by veterinarians, animal rights activists and breeders as irrational and cruel.
An animal that does not have time to give birth immediately begins to bear a “new batch” of kittens and suffers from serious diseases of the reproductive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
Processes in the pet’s body slow down, respiratory and nervous function are inhibited, tissues gradually become thinner and die. Necrosis and liver disease (hepatitis) occur. All organs function in a mode of increased fatigue and wear out quickly.