Breeding or multiplying? About how many times a cat can give birth

Owners of purebred cats often ask veterinarians how many times a year a pet can kitten. Kittens give birth every 1-2 days. at 12 months. But between pregnancies a recovery period is needed (8-12 months), after which you can breed the cat again. To regulate offspring, various hormonal agents are used that dull sexual desire. But you should not abuse them, so as not to disrupt the functioning of your pet’s body.

Duration of pregnancy

A cat's pregnancy lasts on average about 9 weeks. A more accurate period depends on many factors such as age, weight and breed characteristics. For example, owners have found that the process of bearing offspring in short-haired females lasts 58-68 days, in cats with long and medium-length hair it lasts 63-72 days.

How many kittens can a cat give birth to?

The length of pregnancy is also affected by the number of babies inside the womb. The more there are, the earlier the due date will come. Females bearing one to two kittens are able to walk for as long as possible before giving birth. In addition, their health depends on the number of cubs. Statistics show that babies from multiple litters are weaker and sicker.

For your information! In one litter, a female can bring from 2 to 8 kittens, the exact number of which depends on many factors.

This is interesting: The cat itches until it hurts and at the same time its hair falls out

Necessary preparation

After successful conception, the formation of future kittens begins, which takes 60-65 days. During this time, it is recommended to find a veterinarian who is ready to provide emergency medical care at home in case of complications.

Arrangement of the place

During and after birth, the cat will need a secluded corner. It is better to prepare it in advance. Otherwise, the pet will hide under the sofa, which will prevent free access to her and the kittens. To build and equip a “maternity hospital” you will need:

• Big box. Make sure that it will accommodate not only the new mother, but also her offspring.
• Soft bedding or blanket. Place a disposable baby diaper under them to prevent the cardboard from getting wet.
• Bowls for water and food. You also need to add a tray. After giving birth, the cat should rest and not run to the other end of the house to relieve itself.

The constructed space must be accessible and spacious. Isolate it from possible threats (children, other pets, drafts) by choosing the quietest and most secure room in the house.

What materials, tools and medications may be needed

A week before the onset of a responsible time, prepare an “alarm suitcase”. He must be kept close until contractions begin. The content should be as follows:

• antiseptics and Oxytocin;
• small syringe;
• cotton pads and gloves;
• water container;
• separate box for newborns;
• clean towels or cotton fabrics;
• sterile threads and napkins;
• warmer;
• pipette and rubber bulb;
• scissors disinfected with alcohol;
• dry milk mixture.

All these things should be stored in one place. The number of tools and materials needed depends on the severity of the lambing.

What not to do

Cats usually give birth when it's late afternoon or even night. During this time, the pet should not be left alone. Take care of completing all the tasks in advance and give your pregnant pet maximum attention.

In case of complications, contact your veterinarian immediately. Trying to fix the problem yourself can kill the animal. Also, avoid using Oxytocin until the last minute. This drug is used to stimulate labor strictly in the presence of certain factors. If the process takes too long, but is not accompanied by complications, be patient. The body will cope with the birth of babies on its own at a pace that is convenient for it.

What determines the number of kittens a cat has?

Can a cat give birth to one kitten or not all at once?

The number of future offspring is influenced by a number of conditions.

One of the factors influencing the number of kittens in a litter is the breed of the mother

Maternity age and number of births

A young cat who becomes pregnant for the first time carries fewer babies compared to a mature female. Usually in her first birth she brings 2-3 kittens. But there may be exceptions, for example, if a cat is pregnant at 5-6 months, she may give birth to 1-2 kittens, which most likely will not be viable.

Each subsequent pregnancy increases the number of fetuses. Once a cat reaches 8 years of age, the number of fetuses gestated decreases, since the elderly body is no longer able to cope with such a load. Veterinarians do not recommend giving birth to cats that have reached this age.

Genetic predisposition

The fertility of the pet is passed on from mother to kitten. Therefore, if a mother cat brought 4-5 kittens at a time in a litter, then her daughter cat will most likely give birth to the same number of babies. Conditions of detention and state of health, of course, should be the same for the mother and her offspring.

Living conditions and food

Animals that have not received a sufficient amount of essential microelements and vitamins during the period of active growth and development are able to bear no more than 3 kittens. The same applies to adults with little or unbalanced nutrition.

Important! Weakened and exhausted females are not able to bear and give birth to viable babies.

How many kittens a cat gives birth to on average also depends on the cat, more precisely on its age and state of health. The presence of cryptorchidism, immune diseases and other problems reduces the number of offspring. The quality of nutrition, quantity and frequency of mating are also important, since frequent mating affects the quality of the seminal fluid.

Is it better to have a little or a lot?

Definitely, every owner wants his purebred pet to produce as many furry babies as possible. But it is important to observe moderation - the more fetuses in the womb of an animal, the higher the likelihood of complications during childbirth. This is especially true for young individuals and those who are already aged.

Even a healthy cat is unlikely to be able to feed a litter that is too large. Not only will the babies squeeze all the juices out of it, but there is also a high probability that there will not be enough mother’s milk for everyone. Too much pregnancy often leads to the death of part of the litter in the womb, because the cat’s body cannot cope with such a colossal load.

If a mother gives birth to only a few babies, this risks one of them getting stuck in the birth canal, from where it is usually pushed out by a whole line ready to be born. The fact is that kittens born alone or with 1-2 brothers are an order of magnitude larger than usual. If such an incident occurs, the mother needs an urgent caesarean section, otherwise she may die along with the baby. Excess milk in the glands can also lead to unfavorable events - for example, mastitis.

Of course, the golden mean is the ideal option. It is much better if a pet gives birth to 4-6 healthy ones than 10 weak babies that she cannot even feed. For the most purebred representatives, their own health is much more important than the excessive number of litters - after all, if any serious problems arise, there may be no offspring at all.

Mother cat - how many times a year can she have kittens?

How many times a cat gives birth a year depends on the conditions of its existence (for “wild ones”) and the characteristics of its maintenance (for domestic ones). If she “walks on her own,” then she obeys the call of nature and often engages in sexual intercourse. On average, cats produce 2-4 litters per year. Maximum - 5 times. They carry their offspring for 9 weeks (from 58 to 72 days).

On a note! Theoretically, a cat can become pregnant 2 weeks after giving birth. In practice, there are individuals that are ready for fertilization already on the third day. If they live in rhythm with nature, they can give birth every 2 months. But this is extremely undesirable!

Responsible owners control the mating of a domestic cat and organize mating no more than 1-2 times within one year (every other heat).

On a note! With age, the intervals between births should be longer, because the animal needs more time to restore its body after bearing and giving birth to babies!

Recommendations for breeding animals

To avoid the negative consequences of frequent births, experienced felinologists advise thinking carefully about the reproduction process and calculating the mating time in advance. Many cat owners organize mating 1-2 times a year, after about one heat. However, cats have a hard time with an unsuccessful estrus, and this also has a bad effect on their well-being.

Therefore, the best option is to breed animals 3-4 times a year. Then the pregnancy will not be so stressful, and the break between births will give you the opportunity to gain strength for the next round. The older the animal gets, the longer it takes for the body to recover after birth.

Experts believe that the normal interval between births should last from 8 to 14 months. With high reproductive activity, the body quickly becomes exhausted, the animal becomes weakened, and is susceptible to various diseases. Therefore, a cat can give birth 1-2 times a year. Sometimes a cat gives birth 3-4 times a year. During one lambing, the female is capable of producing from 2 to 8 cubs. If a cat does not become pregnant after mating, she is diagnosed with infertility.

How to determine the number of cubs

Why does a cat hide kittens - take them to different places and what to do

Today, there are three methods by which you can determine how many kittens a pregnant cat gives birth to:

• The genetic method is based on the fertility of the pregnant female's mother. If a mother cat on average gave birth to 5-6 kittens per litter, then her female cubs will also bear 5-6 babies. If a female gave birth to 2-3 kittens, then the future offspring are unlikely to have a larger litter.
• The folk method is based on many years of observation of owners of cats of various breeds. The number of cubs is equal to the difference between the swollen mammary glands of the female during pregnancy minus two. The result is not 100% guaranteed, but in most cases it turns out to be correct
• The scientific method is considered the most accurate of all existing ones and is carried out a week or two before the upcoming birth using ultrasound equipment.

The most accurate method for determining the number of kittens is ultrasound

Important! It is strongly not recommended to palpate the belly of a future mother, as such actions can damage the soft bones of unborn kittens and put the cat in a stressful state.

This is interesting: Why doesn't the cat grow?

Features of some genera

Knowing only in general terms how cats give birth is not enough. For effective home care, it is recommended to delve into the possible nuances of different animals.

In purebred cats

British and Scottish women cannot do without veterinary care. These representatives often encounter problems when trying to push out an overly large fetus on their own. Veterinary obstetric assistance is required for safe passage through the birth canal.

In a primiparous cat

The first time a cat gives birth takes longer and is more difficult. It will not work to sit on the sidelines, reducing all help to approving words and strokes. The young pet experiences more than its owner. The first birth of a cat is characterized by weak contractions with a long break between them.

Premature birth

If kittens were born prematurely (50-55 days), then this is considered normal only for long-haired breeds. Early contractions in other representatives are caused by serious problems:

• non-viability of offspring;
• internal injuries;
• placental abruption.

In these situations, some babies are stillborn. If the number of stillborns is no more than one, then there is a chance to save the remaining fetuses. To do this, it is recommended to undergo a full examination at a veterinary clinic.

Late labor

The absence of labor for more than 70 days is caused by a false or frozen pregnancy. In the second case, the entire litter dies inside the womb. Advanced decomposition processes are fraught with infection and damage to the uterus. The animal requires urgent surgery.

How do you know if your cat is pregnant?

The fact that the cat had sexual intercourse also says that she will soon become a mother. The owner cannot independently diagnose pregnancy, due to his lack of the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills.

Owners may only notice a visual increase in the abdomen, but by this time the pet is already preparing to give birth.

A veterinarian at your nearest clinic can determine the presence of fetuses in the early stages using laboratory diagnostic methods.

Remember! Even a veterinary clinic will not be able to help you immediately after sexual intercourse. Only after 20-25 days after mating can you seek help from a veterinarian.

In the later stages, palpation, ultrasound, and radiographic diagnostic methods are used to diagnose pregnancy.

Is there any way to increase the number of kittens in a litter?

Owners of purebred cats who bear 1-3 kittens at a time may face a similar question. The number of kittens can be influenced with the help of medications.

For example, in advance of the planned mating and pregnancy, special preparations of a hormonal or homeopathic nature are added to the pet’s diet. Hormonal medications are prescribed only by a veterinarian after a thorough examination of the cat’s health.

It is important to follow the regimen and dosage of taking hormones, otherwise you can provoke a hormonal imbalance in the female’s body. Homeopathic medicines such as “Gamavit” and “Ovariovit” allow the ovaries to recover and produce healthy, high-quality eggs in greater quantities than before starting the course of taking the drug.

Vitamin E and selenium in small doses have a positive effect on the reproduction of the cat's body.

Important to consider! Only a veterinarian can calculate the correct dosage, taking into account the physical characteristics of the cat, so it is not recommended to do this yourself, so as not to harm the health of the pet.

Lambing four times a year! Why is this dangerous?

Many felinologists believe that the optimal interval between births in cats should be 8-14 months. When pregnancies follow one after another, the animal begins to lose weight. The cat's body wears out quickly. This leads to early aging and a decrease in overall life expectancy.

Dangers of high fertility in cats:

• sudden depletion of the animal's body;
• decreased immunity;
• exposure to infectious diseases;
• the risk of developing various diseases (necrosis, goethitis), pathologies of the respiratory system, reproductive system;
• nervous system disorder;
• rachiocampsis.

Short intervals between births have a bad effect not only on the health of the furry mother. One litter can have 2-8 cubs. If a cat becomes pregnant every time she comes into heat, there is a danger that the kittens will be born weak. Some of them do not survive, while others are susceptible to disease.

How to regulate animal reproduction

During pregnancy, the owner should pay maximum attention to the condition of his pet. It is important to provide proper care for the expectant mother, especially if giving birth for the first time. Taking into account her well-being, a further strategy for reproductive behavior is developed.

If a cat easily tolerates pregnancy and childbirth and, conversely, suffers from empty heat, it is worth giving her the opportunity to give birth more often. When childbirth is difficult, and pregnancies are accompanied by pathologies, it is better to resort to sterilization. This gentle option will avoid unnecessary worry and suffering for the animal. In addition, a simple operation helps prevent the development of malignant tumors on the reproductive organs. The cat becomes calmer, its health improves.

A cat gives birth for the first and second time: how many kittens will there be?

It is usually important for owners to know how many kittens will be in the litter. Thanks to a preliminary forecast, you can immediately solve a lot of practical problems.

The place, with what parameters to prepare for a cat with kittens, what kind of assistance should be provided to a woman in labor during the lambing process, how many kittens should be distributed.

It is almost impossible to find out exactly how many kittens a cat gives birth to the first time and the second time. There are unspoken “calculators”, but they rarely work.

On average, the first and second litter can produce from 4 to 6 kittens.

The number of kittens can be more than 10 or less than 4 - it all depends on many factors:

• Too young, old cats produce up to 4 babies in one lambing. The maximum number of offspring is between the ages of 3 and 6 years.
• Heredity and the breed of the animal significantly influence the number of kittens. The rarer the breed, the fewer kittens the female will give birth to at one time.
• The conditions in which the female is kept, nutrition and care all significantly affect pregnancy and the process of conception.
• Male genetics, sperm quantity, quality of sexual intercourse.
• Hormonal background of the female at the time of conception, previous diseases.

Several of the above conditions may simultaneously affect the quality and quantity of future offspring.

The cat gives birth too quickly

When kittens are born too quickly, the birth is called precipitate. Note that rapid labor is more dangerous than prolonged labor, although it passes much faster. Usually, with rapid labor, all kittens are born in less than 1 hour.

The cause of rapid labor may be stress or miscarriage. In rare cases, rapid labor is a hereditary factor. When labor progresses too quickly, the cat experiences severe pain as the intervals between contractions become shorter. Hormones are released into the animal's blood, allowing the cervix to dilate as quickly as possible and expel the litter.

In rapid labor, kittens are born literally one by one, the cat does not pay attention to licking the babies, often does not gnaw the umbilical cord, but can eat the placenta...or the kittens themselves. This picture indicates the non-viability of the offspring, which often occurs during a miscarriage. Your task is to open the bubbles as quickly as possible, remove liquid from the kittens’ respiratory tract and wipe them with towels.

Some cats, even after a rapid birth (if the kittens survive), accept and begin to feed the babies. Wait until the pet comes to its senses a little and try placing the kittens on the nipples. Carefully monitor your cat's behavior; if she growls and hisses when she hears kittens squeaking, do not try to place them under her nipples! The only way out in this case is artificial feeding... but you must understand that the kittens' chances of survival are minimal.

Source

Is it possible to sterilize a cat after giving birth?

Sterilization is carried out no earlier than 2-4 months after lambing. During this period, blood circulation in the pelvis is normalized and the uterus gradually returns to its original size.

Exceptions are allowed if emergency intervention is necessary, typical for:

• uterine ruptures;
• the appearance of malignant tumors on the external or internal genital organs;
• abnormal location or damage to the placenta;
• postpartum hemorrhage.

In such situations, surgical intervention is justified. The danger of postoperative risks is inferior to possible complications.

Providing first aid for lambing is much easier in practice than in theory. The missing experience comes over time, so each time the process becomes easier. For the first time, it is recommended to agree with the treating veterinarian on the date and time of lambing. In this case, you will be insured in case of complications.

The article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!

How often can you give birth?

A sensitive issue that worries good owners concerns how often a cat can give birth. There are several opinions that differ significantly.

Note! When making a decision, it is worth considering the cat's health characteristics.

Veterinarians and professional breeders of certain breeds give different recommendations regarding the frequency of lambing.

Fans adhere to completely different norms, dosing cats with hormonal pills at the time of estrus to stop the process.

How often can a cat give birth:

How to come to an agreement with nature? Ways to regulate a cat's basic instinct

When the time comes, the cat doesn’t just ask for a cat, she demands it. The cat literally goes crazy and does not allow all the inhabitants of the house to live in peace. If the owners for some reason do not want her to become a mother, then they will have to resort to medication.

To suppress sexual desire, but not harm the cat’s health, use (after consulting a doctor!) non-hormonal products that contain herbs (thyme, mint, oregano). These drugs include: Stop - stress, Kot Bayun, Mating-minus. They calm the animal and reduce sexual desire.

If having kittens is not part of your plans, but you want to keep your pet healthy, then do not give her contraceptives that grossly interfere with the hormonal balance and disrupt it (Contrasex, Ex, Sex Barrier).

• How long do Persian cats live at home?
• How long do Scottish straight-eared and fold-eared cats live?

When determining the frequency of birth in a cat, focus on its well-being and listen to the opinion of the veterinarian. It is optimal if she gives birth once or twice within 12 months. But if your pet experiences difficulties during delivery, recovers slowly after the birth of kittens, or gives birth to non-viable offspring, then it is better to take pity on her and sterilize her!

Regulation of reproduction

Your pet's heat cannot simply be ignored. This leads to the development of pathologies of the reproductive system and negatively affects her mental state. To suppress sexual desire, cats often use hormonal agents: “Cat Bayun”, “Stop-stress”. Such medications contain natural ingredients and calm the cat. But if the owners do not plan to breed animals or see that the pet does not tolerate pregnancy well, then it is better to sterilize it.

Source

Number of heats per year

Estrus in an animal is a natural and individual process for each individual. The duration of estrus and the frequency of cycles per year depend on a number of factors:

• hereditary characteristics;

• breed affiliation;

• complete nutrition;

• features of keeping (presence of a male);

• light mode.

The average duration of estrus is 1 - 2 weeks, sometimes the process can drag on for up to 3 weeks. The period consists of proestrus (preparation for mating). At this moment, the cat’s body is preparing for the upcoming fertilization: the external genitalia swell, the hormonal status and behavior of the pet changes, it becomes more affectionate and sociable.

After 1 - 3 days, the estrus (estrus) phase begins. This period is characterized by the characteristic behavior of the animal. The cat screams loudly, loses its appetite, tries to leave the room, leaves marks on furniture and objects, and takes a characteristic pose. If mating does not occur, this phase lasts 10 - 12 days. Then comes a period of calm (intersestrus), the animal’s behavior returns to normal.

The duration also depends on the breed. For example, in Maine Coons the phase takes 3 - 4 months, and in Abyssinians only 3 - 4 days.

In the event that estrus is empty, interestrus is significantly reduced, and the period between estrus can be only a few days. In this case, the animal may come into heat every 3 weeks. This greatly exhausts the pet.

The duration of the resting period is influenced by the length of daylight hours. Thus, in the autumn-winter period, hormonal activity fades and estrus becomes less frequent. In the spring-summer period, as the duration of daylight increases, the interval between heats decreases. However, in apartment conditions with artificial lighting, this factor is of little importance.

Cat pregnancy: physiological characteristics and duration

A pet's first heat can begin as early as 6 months of age. It is advisable not to mate animals during this period, as this may harm the cat's health.

It is better to breed purebred cats starting from 1 year of age, when several heats have already passed and the pet’s body and psyche have become stronger. Domestic cats usually retain the ability to give birth until they are 15 years old, but it is better to stop mating already at the 8th year of life: the older the animal becomes, the weaker its kittens are and the greater the likelihood of diseases in the offspring. It is impossible to diagnose pregnancy immediately; for this you need to wait 20-25 days. A veterinarian will help you accurately determine that your pet is pregnant after an examination at the veterinary clinic.

Abyssinians carry slightly smaller offspring than long-haired beauties.

Cats that walk outside have a higher chance of becoming pregnant than other pets. But owners who want to breed kittens recommend monitoring the mating: casual sexual intercourse leads to a deterioration in the genetics of the offspring, and kittens are born with congenital pathologies. Pregnancy lasts on average up to 9 weeks, but the duration depends on the cat breed: short-haired individuals (Abyssinian, Russian Blue) bear kittens for 58-68 days, and long-haired individuals (Persian, Siberian) - 63-72 days. During this time, the animal should be given special dry food for pregnant cats and a complex of vitamins.

Your pet's food should contain the following nutrients:

• proteins;
• amino acids;
• carbohydrates;
• vitamins.

Reproductive age

In order for a beloved animal to delight with its presence for as long as possible, the owner must understand that the cat’s reproductive age must be limited. A young female should be mated no earlier than 7–8 months, and a purebred female should be mated even later, at the age of 1–1.5 years. By this point, 2-3 heats will have passed, the hormonal status will reach the optimal level, the animal will become physically stronger, and the psyche will become resistant to stress. Pregnancy, childbirth, and feeding newborns do not pass without leaving a mark on the cat’s physical condition, so you should not breed her during her first heat.

The duration of reproductive age is a very individual indicator. Some individuals retain the ability for fertilization, normal gestation and childbirth without complications for 15 to 20 years. But this is rather an exception to the rule. Most animals accumulate health problems as they age, and pregnancy and childbirth aggravate the situation.

However, a cat continues to go into heat throughout her life, but the interval between them increases. Therefore, the animal retains the ability to fertilize and can give birth until a very old age.

What to do if your cat is kittening at an advanced age? Experienced and responsible breeders recommend finishing the reproductive function of a pet at the age of 7-8 years and removing it from breeding. By this age, the genetic load increases, the likelihood of obtaining low-quality offspring appears, and the chance of complications increases sharply. If an animal is not valuable for breeding work, it is advisable to castrate it and not subject it to unnecessary testing.

How does childbirth take place and how many hours?

In order for your cat to lamb without complications and for all the kittens to be alive and healthy, you need to help your pet.

Every pet owner should provide assistance correctly and efficiently, and know the main stages and features of childbirth.

To cope with childbirth in a cat, it is enough to familiarize yourself with the process using special literature.

If an animal develops complications before or during birth, you should definitely call a veterinarian.

How does childbirth occur in a cat?

• The first stage is determined by the beginning.
  Contractions can be determined in accordance with the behavior of the animal. The female begins to look for a suitable place, constantly hangs around the owners and becomes noticeably nervous, experiencing painful sensations.
• After the end of the first stage, which lasts from 12 to 24 hours, the time comes for the second.
  At this moment the attempts begin. The cat no longer moves, the amniotic fluid is leaking. At this moment, it is advisable to stay near the pet for as long as possible.
• The cat does not need help during the birth process.
  It is enough to accept the kittens and lay them down so that the new mother cannot crush or injure the babies. If the kitten walks not with its head, but with its legs forward, then the animal needs help: slightly pull the kitten by the paw forward, and then down.

Lambing will end in about 1-3 hours. The young mother will begin to lick and feed her offspring. To prevent the animal from getting up again, you need to place food and drink nearby.

For the first 3 days, it is worth closely monitoring the health of the female and the offspring. During this time, problems or pathologies will appear that may affect the further quality of life.

Useful video

Obstetrics

Childbirth begins with contractions, weak at first - when the cat’s cervix opens and the kittens “line up”, taking the necessary positions. During this period, a cat (especially a primiparous cat) may begin to frequently run to the litter box.

Now is the time to give your cat injections:

• Gamavit injections. Gamavit is a complex of biologically active substances, which, in this case, works as a stimulator of the birth process. It is injected into the withers, subcutaneously, in an amount of 1 ml, 1-2 times during childbirth.
• If the cat is weak, hyperexcited, afraid, screaming, then inject her with the homeopathic drug Travmatin - it anesthetizes the birth process and regulates the strength of pushing. It is also injected into the withers, the dosage is the same - approximately 1 ml (depending on the size of the cat).
• Calcium gluconate injections. During pregnancy, the calcium content in a cat's body decreases greatly (it goes into the structure of the kittens' skeletons and milk production), which can lead to inertia of the uterus during childbirth and even to an acute nervous disease - eclampsia. Calcium gluconate is injected intramuscularly into the hind leg, always in a warmed state (to body temperature), carefully and slowly inserting a needle into the muscle - 1 ml.

The amniotic fluid recedes and pushing begins - wave-like contractions of the abdominal muscles, pushing the kitten out. Usually, the kitten goes in a bubble and, under no circumstances, should the cat be allowed to bite through it. The kitten can come out in 2 positions - head first (diver position) or hind legs forward. If the kitten has a hard time coming out, you can help him. If the kitten walks with its legs, wait until the body is pushed out as much as possible and tightly grasp the body and legs with a gloved hand or a rag and hold it so that they do not go inside again when the fight ends. Next, wait for the next attempt and try to stretch the body as far as possible, be careful with the birth of the head, it is the largest, and the cat must give birth to it itself. If the kitten walks with its head, then you should wait until the cat gives birth to its head and only then grab the head and shoulders (or by the scruff of the neck) and then independently pull out the body. During the period when the pushing stops, stop pulling the kitten, just hold it so that it does not go back into the birth canal.

Take the born kitten in your hand, placing it vertically, and break the bubble above its nose, free it from the membranes and cut the umbilical cord at a distance of approximately 3 cm, having previously pushed its contents back into the tummy with your fingers, and burn it with brilliant green. Then take the kitten’s body in your hands, clasping the head with your thumb and forefinger, shake it like a thermometer, holding the head, clean the mucus from the mouth and nose with a soft napkin (or gauze), open its mouth slightly and take a light breath into the nose to open the lungs. Rub the baby with a soft cloth, lightly massage his chest and give it to the cat so she can lick him - this is also a massage. If the cat is experienced and has already given birth, she can adopt the kitten herself - gnaw the umbilical cord and lick it. If the kitten is weak, born without signs of life, we rub it thoroughly again, massage the chest, it helps a lot to put it in a warm (40-50 degrees) bath for a second or two. A placenta comes out behind the kitten, one or two should be given to the cat so that she can eat them - they contain substances that stimulate labor and the flow of milk to the mammary glands, make sure that the number of placentas matches the number of kittens.

Now - about oxytocin. This hormonal drug has saved more than one cat from caesarean section. But it must be handled very carefully, it causes strong contractions of the uterus and, if the kitten is in the wrong position, it can jam the entire birth process, again leading to a caesarean section.

It is used in cases where labor pains are weak and the cat cannot push the kitten out of her. But it can be injected only after the birth of the first kitten, when it is obvious that the uterus is already open or when the kitten’s head or paws are already visible in the loop, in this case, injecting oxytocin (at the withers - 0.2-0.3 ml) gives a positive The result is that after 2-3 attempts the kitten comes out. If labor is weak, the injection can be repeated after 20-30 minutes.

After the birth of the first kitten, as a rule, the cat rests - place the born baby on her nipples.

When repeated attempts begin, put the born babies aside in a warm place (preferably on a heating pad) so that the cat does not crush them.

The normal period between the birth of kittens is considered to be up to 12 hours; after this period the situation can be considered pathological. In general, each cat can have its own, specific break in the birth of kittens, sometimes they are born almost immediately, one after the other, after 20-30 minutes, and sometimes the cat gives birth to each next one after 4-5 hours, and oxytocin injections have no effect .

How many times a year does a cat give birth to kittens?

So, how many times a year does a cat give birth? Adult cats that have reached childbearing age at 1-2 years, due to their physiological and anatomical-morphological characteristics, are capable of giving birth up to 3-4 times a year.

It is a proven fact: purebred animals living in an apartment, basking on warm radiators, give birth more often than outbred stray brothers, who are forced to look for food and shelter from the cold and unfavorable environmental conditions.

After reading this information, do not rush to breed your pet immediately after birth. The desire of owners to get more purebred offspring from cats is understandable and predictable, but fundamentally wrong.

At such rates of reproduction, the animal’s body is exposed to a considerable number of stresses, the level of metabolic processes is disrupted, tissue permeability and blood supply deteriorate. The tissues become thinner, and pathologies of the internal organs arise.

Therefore, after giving birth, it is necessary to allow the pet to rest, restore the body’s strength and resources, and prepare for a new reproduction. Normally, between births there should be from 8 to 13-14 months.

This is not a forced necessity, but rather a recommended period of recovery. Animals that give birth excessively often become seriously ill within 2-3 years of this rate.

The number of babies that pets are able to bear and give birth to at one time varies from 2 to 9.

The average is only 4-6 kittens.

The number of newborns is largely determined primarily by specific breed and individual characteristics.

Also, the number of kittens is directly influenced by the day of ovulation, when sexual intercourse occurred. At the initial stages of ovulation, fertility is higher, and when it ends, the number of cat “babies” is small - 1-2 individuals.