Female domestic cats reach sexual maturity at 6-7 months, while male cats reach sexual maturity at 9-10 months. This depends on the season, breed, and individual characteristics. By this age, the animal has not yet reached physiological maturity and is unable to produce full-term offspring. The optimal age for reproduction is one and a half years. Therefore, mating during the cat's first heat is not recommended. A female domestic cat can mate and give birth to kittens 2-3 times a year.
Heat begins in February and March, with the next heat cycle occurring in the summer months. Heat cycles repeat after two weeks if mating does not result in pregnancy. When breeding purebred animals, mating after the age of 8 is not recommended.
How to tell if a cat is pregnant?
The duration of a cat's pregnancy ranges from 58 to 72 daysIs it possible to determine the exact time of mating based on external signs? Not always. If the mating session lasted several days, it will be impossible to determine the exact day of mating.
Behavioral signs of pregnancy
A cat's behavior changes with the onset of pregnancy. After mating all signs of hunting cease:
the guttural rumble and inviting purr stops;- the animal sleeps more than usual;
- she may become more aggressive, or, on the contrary, require increased attention and affection;
- often hides, looks for shelter;
- At the beginning of pregnancy, a cat may experience vomiting or refusal of familiar and favorite food:
- A pregnant cat can show care for her unrelated offspring by taking other people's kittens under her care.
the guttural rumble and inviting purr stops;These indirect signs are not sufficient to determine the animal's physiological state. Exactly the same symptoms are observed during a false pregnancy, which sometimes indicates hormonal imbalancesA false pregnancy can lead to lactation, which can lead to mastitis. This condition requires treatment.
How can you tell if a cat is pregnant? An ultrasound scan, available at any veterinary clinic, can provide a definitive diagnosis. Consultation is recommended 2-3 weeks after mating. When visiting the veterinary clinic, the cat should be held or transported in a carrier. Clean bedding is essential. There is a risk of ringworm infection, which will require lengthy treatment.
External signs of pregnancy
Three weeks after fertilization You can more accurately determine whether a cat is pregnant:
- the mammary glands, as well as the external genitalia, enlarge, swell slightly and acquire an intense pink color;
- In the first half of pregnancy, there is a slight increase in body weight, the belly is not yet visible;
- In the second half of pregnancy, the animal noticeably gains weight, the belly grows and becomes rounder.
About a week before the birth, the search for a quiet shelter begins. It's important to plan ahead for a birthing location, just in case the event doesn't happen in a linen closet or on an expensive sofa. It's a good idea to prepare waterproof bedding (such as oilcloth), clean cloth, and a box for the cat to get used to beforehand. The bottom of the box can be lined with several layers of newspaper. In most cases, the cat chooses the birthing location herself.
Pregnant cat able to take care of herself and doesn't require any special care. Stress and jumping from heights are dangerous for her. Owners should train themselves to watch their step carefully to avoid accidentally hitting their pet.
How to know when lambing is approaching?
Just before lambing, the cat's belly drops toward her hips, and she becomes noticeably more restless, especially if she's a first-time mother. Her body temperature can drop to 37°C. She screams, calls for her owner, tears up the paper in the prepared box, or hides in secluded places. At this point, she should not be left unattended. Her owner requires affection and patience. You can tell that labor is approaching by the nipples, which begin to secrete milk.
Lambing begins with the discharge of amniotic fluid and can last up to 24 hoursThe first kitten is born approximately an hour after contractions. The rest are born at 10-minute intervals. A litter of 2 to 7 kittens is born. If contractions continue for a long time—3 to 5 hours or more—a veterinarian should be called. After labor has ceased, the mother carefully palpates the kittens' abdomen to ensure all kittens have been born. The kittens should be placed in a warm, draft-free nest with their mother. The mother often hides her newborns in secluded corners until they begin to move around on their own.
Feeding during pregnancy
A pregnant cat requires improved nutrition. The normal development of kittens depends on the mother's nutritional needs. The diet should be balanced Calories, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. Failure to comply with these requirements can lead to embryo death and the birth of weakened kittens.
Nutrients in the cat's body are stored as a reserve. She will need them while nursing her offspring. A pregnant cat's caloric and nutrient needs increase by 20% during the first half of pregnancy and by 50% during the second.
The cat should always have access to clean drinking water.
In the first half of pregnancy food should be plentifulFish is avoided because it promotes the destruction of B vitamins, which can lead to miscarriage. In the second half of the pregnancy, portions are reduced, and the periods between feedings are shortened.
Lean beef, cottage cheese, and fresh eggs are introduced into the diet.
A pregnant cat should not be given anthelmintics or antibiotics. Flea treatments are also prohibited during this period. All necessary vaccinations should be completed before mating.
