Tips for Cat Breeding and Reproduction
Kittens soon grow into cats, with growth comes sexual maturity which leads to the natural course of mating. Cat mating is can occur at different times of the night or day and if you’ve chosen to sterilize your cats at home, a sudden pregnancy is bound to occur. Conscious family planning applies to you kitty family too and if you’re open to giving your home to a new little kitten or a few, it’s worth developing some knowledge around cat breeding for their safety and wellbeing.
The Best Time for Cat Breeding
Female cats (queens) enter a state of estrus after reaching physical maturity as they grow from an infant kitten to a prime adult cat. Depending on the breed of your cat, their age of maturity will vary, and some cats reach this point after just five months of growth. At this point, seasonal estrus cycles will begin. Depending on where you are in the world, your cat will experience estrus cycles during the seasons that are typically warmer with longer daylight hours. In some locations, it’s breeding season all year round.
Recognizing your sweet cat’s estrus cycle is important, signs of heat will come in different behavioral changes. Subtle changes like reduction of appetite and increased urination levels are signs to look out for. Another endearing habit will see your cat rub her body on you affectionately, she will also roll on the ground and rub her stomach against the ground. If your cat shows a combination of these actions, it’s highly likely they are in heat.
For male studs, a slightly colder reaction will be expected as they become a little more sensitive at home and will want their own space in the coming days. Loss of appetite and sudden spraying may also accompany their state of estrus. If a female is in the vicinity, her scent will be picked up and her calls will be heard. Spraying is a direct reaction to this as the male entices the female to make contact.
Let’s Date Before We Mate
Female cats have specific fertility windows and cats who have only observed a single estrus cycle are deemed too immature to birth and raise kittens. Pregnancy in young queens can lead to birth complications and general agnostic behavior in relation to maternal instinct. Multiple cycles are recommended to enhance maturity for both body and mind to prepare your queen for pregnancy, birth and raising her sweet kittens to be.
Males will generally be adequate studs after growth of a couple of years. Their mating abilities will develop with experience, novice studs are advised to have their first mating sessions with an experienced female and vice versa.
Matchmaking is no easy task, and chemistry is important before any mating can occur. An introduction or ‘blind date’ session at the stud’s residence is recommended. A queen will embark on a temporary stay at the residence of their prospective stud for a few days. Provide enough food and litter for their stay which will normally be for a duration of around 2-3 days before successful mating.
If a pair of cats don’t seem to get along, there is no need to force the issue. It’s risky to impose breeding conditions between a queen and stud who experience conflict, sudden “war” can break out between the pair. Changing of breeding partner is possible but if multiple studs are brushed off, your queen may not be in a state of estrus or has elevated standards.
Some Facts About Cat Reproduction
Cats have an ovulation cycle that normally occurs a day after successful mating, the egg releases for fertilization by the stud’s sperm. Aligning this timing is a little difficult and multiple mating session will be needed over a course of up to 5 days.
When a queen experiences estrus, she remains in a state of excitement as she seeks to mate with a partner. Her appetite will become a secondary priority as a result. To make up for this loss in appetite, be sure to provide highly nutritious quality foods and an abundance of drinking water to maintain hydration levels against increased urination levels.
Female cats that do not mate will cycle on an average for three weeks, but the length of time spent in a state of estrus is influenced by several factors including age and breed. Maintaining a state of estrus is stressful on the body and can sometimes impact health and growth. If you don’t intend to let your cat mate, consider spaying or neutering as soon as possible.