To properly care for and breed pets, it's important to understand their developmental stages. In this article, we'll explore the stages of puberty in cats, provide advice on mating, and discuss how often cats can give birth.
When do cats reach sexual maturity?
The reproductive organs become functionally ready for pregnancy, bearing, and nursing offspring between 6 and 10 months of age. The timing may vary slightly, depending on the breed, heredity, habitat, and individual characteristics of the animal.
Incidentally, male cats mature earlier than female cats. Typically, males begin asking for a female cat as early as 6-7 months. Moreover, male cats are ready to mate year-round.
Signs of puberty
During this period, follicles grow in the ovaries, the mammary glands and uterus actively develop, and the production of sex hormones increases.
Behavioral reactions of a cat characteristic of the onset of estrus:
demands affection or becomes aggressive;
rubs against legs and furniture;
rolling on the floor;
eats poorly;
tries to run out into the street;
meows with a voice altered by hormones;
marks territory to attract cats;
assumes a mating pose when stroked on the back.
Stages of the cat's reproductive cycle
1. Proestrus (1 to 3 days) is the preparatory stage. It is characterized by swelling of the external genitalia and scanty discharge. Sexual desire is absent.
2. Estrus (from 5 to 10 days) – maximum sexual desire.
3. Metaestrus (1-3 days) – aggression towards the male.
4. Anestrus (1.5-3 months) – the resting stage. The female cat does not allow the male cat to approach.
When can you have sex with a cat?
A cat can become pregnant upon reaching sexual maturity. However, there's no need to rush into mating. A female is only fully ready for mating at 14-15 months of age, and it's best to skip her first two heat cycles. A cat should be healthy and strong before pregnancy, as carrying and nursing a litter requires a lot of energy. Early mating can negatively impact the female's health and result in the birth of sick kittens.
Timely and healthy offspring can be expected with proper mating planning. Both male and female dogs should undergo a preliminary examination, receive deworming medications, and receive age-appropriate vaccinations.
How often can a cat give birth?
Without control over her sexual behavior, a cat can give birth up to four to five times a year. A nursing female retains the ability to become pregnant again. However, frequent births are harmful to the cat's health. The optimal mating frequency is once every six months or less. The recovery period between births should be at least five months.
The reproductive period lasts from the first heat to old age. Cats don't have a concept called menopause. It's not recommended for cats to give birth after they've reached 7 years of age. At this age, it's too difficult to bear kittens, and the kittens may be weak or sick.
Sensible organization of pregnancy and rest periods will ensure a long healthy life for your cat.
