If a young cat has appeared in your home, then today you need to think about how you plan to protect her from unwanted pregnancies. Many people think it’s too early to think about this, because in front of you is a playful kitten. In fact, time flies very quickly. Every owner should know at what age a cat can become pregnant, because forewarned is forearmed.
First things first
Of course, the numbers will be averaged, because each animal develops differently. The cat family is distinguished by its fertility and early maturity. The age at which a cat can become pregnant for the first time will be influenced by several factors:
- Breed.
- Genotype.
- Other features.
On average, a cat's first heat occurs at 6–8 months. It also marks the possibility of getting pregnant. Usually a young female is in no hurry to set off on an adventure. But the likelihood of having offspring will be higher if you also have a cat.
Breed Features
The larger the pet, the longer it takes to develop. Therefore, Maine Coons and similar animals most often become sexually mature a little later. The first heat, and with it the opportunity to become a mother, usually occurs at 12–14 months. This also includes those with long coats. These are bobtails, Siberian and Norwegian cats. Shorthairs can mature before 6 months; in some, the first heat occurs at 4–5 months. This must be taken into account if you take home a young female. After all, without knowing at what age a cat can become pregnant, you can allow the birth of unwanted offspring.
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!
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.
Is there a chance to save a kitten during a caesarean section?
In a situation where it becomes necessary to perform a caesarean section on a pet, there are no guarantees that the babies will be born safely.
One of the reasons for this is that kittens stay in the womb for too long. In this case, they may suffer from hypoxia. In such a situation, the operation is performed not for the sake of the children, but to save the life of the pet.
Even if there is a need for surgery, it is not always possible. In order for a cat to survive surgery, all systems of its body must work at the proper level. If there are problems with the respiratory system or cardiac activity, this means that the mother may die as a result of the operation.
It is necessary to distinguish between two different situations that may arise:
- the kittens are alive and can be helped to be born;
- they are dead and are about to begin, or have already begun, to decompose.
In the first case, a caesarean section can completely correct the existing problem. As a result, the babies will be born, and the mother will gradually heal the marks of surgical intervention.
The result of any lambing is newborn kittens, which the mother strives to immediately feed
In the second case, we are talking about removing the uterus and ovaries. This is necessary because necrotic changes will spread to the tissue. During such an operation there is a high risk of septic complications, which can lead to death.
During birth, the cat and her babies need support and care. If complications arise, help should be provided as quickly as possible in order to save the health and life of the pet.
Features of physiology
Every owner should understand at least a little about these issues. Where his experience and knowledge are lacking, a veterinarian is needed. Today we’ll talk about the age at which a cat can become pregnant. From the moment of her first heat, she is physiologically ready to become a mother. This ability is sometimes retained until old age. There is no such thing as menopause in cats. That is, the reproductive age lasts from the first estrus until death. This must be communicated to the owners even before the furry beauty crosses the threshold of their home.
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.
Preparing for childbirth
If according to signs the cat is expected to give birth within the next 24 hours, then you definitely need to prepare for this. It’s better to do this in advance, a few days in advance, so that everything is at hand. All preparation is carried out in several stages.
The expectant mother must get used to the parenting place in advance. Therefore, the box in which the birth will take place should appear in the house at least a week before the significant event. If this is not done, the pet will choose its own place. This could be a closet or just a secluded corner. At the same time, it is almost impossible to convince the pet to move into the box in this case.
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Box requirements:
- the cat should be able to stretch out to its full height inside, and at the same time there should be enough space for the kittens;
- the height of the container should be approximately half a meter;
- the exit must be made in such a way that the mother can calmly get out and go back in, but the kittens cannot;
- A small soft pillow should be placed on the bottom, which should be wrapped in a waterproof cloth, and an absorbent cloth should be placed on top.
If before giving birth the cat did not enter the prepared house on its own, then it should be carried and placed inside. At the same time, she needs to be stroked and calmed down, and made to understand that it is better to give birth to offspring here.
When can you date a cat?
If you have firmly decided to have offspring and know well how you will look for a new home for your babies, then you need to first of all make sure that the expectant mother’s body is fully prepared for such stress. Knowing at what age a cat can become pregnant for the first time, you need to carefully protect her from accidental mating. After all, this is similar to how an 11-year-old girl who got her period for the first time would become pregnant and give birth to a child.
The owner's task is to maintain the health of the pet. This is what should be the priority. The onset of the first estrus only indicates physiological readiness to reproduce. But the owner must think about the other side of the issue. Both male and female cats should be examined by a veterinarian before mating. They are prescribed an examination for hidden infections, treatment for worms and other parasites, as well as vaccination.
Both breeders and veterinarians agree on the age at which a cat can become pregnant for the first time. To ensure that bearing offspring does not have a negative impact on the expectant mother, it is necessary to skip 2 or 3 heats, starting with the first. Pregnancy is a very energy-intensive event. Therefore, before the first conception, the female must be absolutely healthy and in excellent physical shape.
Here it is necessary to say once again that a caring owner should first of all think about the health of his pet. The myths that a cat needs to give birth constantly are unfounded. If your beauty is not the best representative of the breed, a winner of numerous exhibitions and a valuable carrier of the gene pool, then it is best to sterilize her upon reaching puberty.
At what age is pregnancy no longer dangerous for a cat?
The onset of estrus does not mean that the animal is physiologically ready to bear offspring - its body is still developing. Early pregnancy can undermine the health of the pet, lead to miscarriage or the birth of sick and dead kittens.
Fertility in cats continues into old age, but pregnancy can be dangerous for older pets. Bearing offspring and giving birth for them is a large, sometimes unbearable burden on the body. After reaching the age of 6, it is not recommended to breed females - in such cats, childbirth is difficult, pathologies often arise during gestation, and they give birth to sick offspring.
How long after it can be repeated
By about one and a half months, kittens become completely independent and are ready to move to a new home. It's time for owners to think about when a cat can get pregnant again. Usually just when she starts her next heat. But this does not mean that her body is ready for such a turn.
You can plan a pregnancy no earlier than in 5–6 months. And even if the previous lambing passed without complications, the animal must regain its strength. Bearing kittens, giving birth, feeding - all this is associated with a huge loss of nutrients and minerals. Mommy spends a lot of calcium, phosphorus and vitamins. All these substances go towards the development of fruits. Therefore, it is necessary to give her the opportunity to regain weight and normalize hormonal levels. This will take at least 3–4 months. It is believed that a cat should not have more than two litters per year. Otherwise, it wears out the mother’s body.
What is needed for childbirth
It is necessary to prepare everything for childbirth in advance. Here is a complete list of what may be needed in case of emergency, although it is quite possible that nothing else will be needed besides the box, because almost every cat gives birth on its own.
- Soft and cozy box.
- Sterile gloves.
- A syringe to remove discharge from the kitten's nose and mouth.
- Clean cloths and towel. You can use toilet paper.
- Scissors.
- Antiseptic drug.
- Telephone for urgent calls to the doctor in case of complications in a giving birth cat.
- You may also need a cat milk replacer.
How often can a cat give birth?
This is another important question that veterinarians are also often asked. Now we know what time a cat can become pregnant, but we still need to understand how to be careful during the year. If her living conditions are good and her nutrition is adequate, estrus will occur with enviable regularity, and you will be faced with the problem of placing the offspring in good hands.
Of course, this frequency is typical for animals that have free access to the street. If there are cats living next door, then surprises cannot be avoided. In this case, it is extremely important to consider how many months a cat can become pregnant. After all, the offspring of a young female will most likely not be viable.
Even if your beauty is still nursing her babies, she may go into heat, and if there is a male nearby, she may become pregnant. This leads to exhaustion, weight loss, inflammatory diseases and other problems. As we said above, if the owner approaches breeding responsibly, then he must exclude such a possibility.
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.
The onset of old age
First heat is the age at which a cat can become pregnant for the first time. After this, throughout adult life, the owner needs to ensure that mating occurs no more than twice a year. If pregnancy is, in principle, not desirable, then it is best to coordinate the sterilization procedure with your veterinarian. They do it throughout their lives. True, there are also contraindications for health reasons.
In this regard, many are interested in when does a pet stop giving birth to kittens? Features of sexual behavior allow them to continue their race until old age. Therefore, you should not hope that after a certain number of years it will be possible to loosen control over the animal. In old age, they give birth to fewer kittens, but this does not fundamentally solve the problem.
The owner must approach this issue responsibly and not allow animals older than 7 years to be bred. When a cat reaches this age, it is easier to sterilize her so as not to create problems for herself and her. None of the professional nurseries will receive offspring from an animal that is 6–7 years old. Late childbirth will not add health to an elderly female, but her life is a fundamental value.
What is needed for childbirth
It is necessary to prepare everything for childbirth in advance. Here is a complete list of what may be needed in case of emergency, although it is quite possible that nothing else will be needed besides the box, because almost every cat gives birth on its own.
- Soft and cozy box.
- Sterile gloves.
- A syringe to remove discharge from the kitten's nose and mouth.
- Clean cloths and towel. You can use toilet paper.
- Scissors.
- Antiseptic drug.
- Telephone for urgent calls to the doctor in case of complications in a giving birth cat.
- You may also need a cat milk replacer.
What drugs can be used
Above we have already touched upon the issue of contraception. Since birth control is necessary, it means that special medications are needed that can prevent mating. Moreover, given the age at which a cat can become pregnant, they should be used from a very young age. This issue is acute for owners of purebred animals during the rehabilitation period. Today there is a large selection of contraceptives for pets on the market. The following are especially popular: “Sex barrier”, “Stop-intim”, “Counter-sex”, “Gestrenol”, “Libidomin”.
Caring for an animal in position
Pregnant pets require increased attention at all stages of their existence. They are kept away from danger, fed properly, their coat taken care of, and comfortable living conditions are created.
Animals in position are fed nourishingly and unobtrusively, with food balanced in terms of vitamin and mineral balance. You should not radically change your usual feeding routine - this can cause allergies and rejection in your pet. It is considered sufficient to add the necessary components, checking a professionally prepared diet. You can purchase specialized food for pregnant cats, but your pet should be switched to it gradually and carefully.
The animals are combed out carefully, with gentle, stroking movements. In the later stages, it is better to abandon this procedure altogether.
Bathing pregnant animals is allowed only in the early stages, up to 20-25 days of pregnancy. After crossing this line, they refuse to swim so that the stressful situation does not provoke a miscarriage and premature birth.
In the later stages, 1-2 weeks before birth, it is recommended to limit the animal’s traumatic mobility, do not allow it to jump onto high window sills and shelves, or jump down from them.
