How many days does a cat walk and how often does this happen - this question is often asked with great panic in the voice by new owners of grown-up cats and female cats who haven’t thought much about what will happen longer when the fluffy kitten grows up.
First, let's understand the concepts and separate walks from festivities. Cats can walk all year round, because at this moment the animal hunts, basks in the sun, explores the territory and simply behaves naturally.
Cats from private homes or those accustomed to harnesses especially love this. The cat usually spends the day in such promenades, coming periodically to eat, bring in the caught mouse and sleep in the house in its usual place.
What is estrus
The period during which the behavior of an animal changes dramatically is called estrus, or estrus. At this moment, the process of ovulation begins in the eggs, and conception becomes real.
The following signs signal the beginning of the cat's walking period:
- There are sudden changes in mood. The cat can be overly affectionate, and a few minutes later aggressive;
- The pet meows loudly, calling for a male;
- Transparent discharge appears, the cat licks itself more often;
- Goes to the toilet more;
- Appetite decreases, some cats may refuse food altogether;
- Due to the reproductive instinct, many cats strive to get out of the room, so during the period of heat it is important to close all doors and windows;
- Gait changes appear. The cat bends its front paws and lifts its tail high.
The listed signs during estrus can be observed individually or in combination.
The process of communicating with a cat
If the date took place on the second or third day of a Bengal, Scottish, or British cat’s heat, the acquaintance will be fruitful. Usually at this time the cat seeks contact and releases a scent that attracts the groom. The stress factor when moving can play a negative role and slow down the dating process. The cat's owner should stimulate the process by stroking the cat. If you run your hand along the pussy's back, the animal will relax, and then the reproductive instinct will do its job.
If the bride shows character: hisses and does not make contact, you should leave the animals alone for a short time so that the couple gets used to each other, and the cat gets comfortable in an unusual place. It happens that a cat doesn’t want a guest: it won’t work to excite him or force him to make love, it’s worth introducing him to another partner.
Settling the cat
Experienced breeders control all stages of the female’s fertilization process. The ritual of interaction in a couple is such that the British man holds the cat by the scruff of the neck during intercourse (rutting in cats). A young cat may grab the partner's fur above or below the optimal position. The partner may also lean to the side and avoid proper mounting. The cat owner must monitor signs of deviations and help the animal choose the right position. In this case, you need to maintain silence so as not to disturb the intimate atmosphere and not alienate the partners from each other.
How does a cat behave after mating? If the mating was productive, the female will fall to the side, purr and spin on her back. Before returning the cat to the owner, the cat's owner must make sure that at least three boardings have been carried out in accordance with all the rules.
Pain syndrome. Why do cats scream during sex with a cat? The cat's penis entering the partner's vagina causes pain because it is covered with many hard teeth with points. Such sensations are inextricably linked with ovulation, and therefore are an indispensable condition for a fruitful union.
Duration of mating
How long do British cats have intercourse, how many days do they copulate? Direct contact, the act of a male and a female, takes a matter of minutes. It takes five to ten seconds for a cat to ejaculate. During the day, the couple makes several such contacts, mating at intervals of 15-20 minutes.
The optimal duration of communication between a parent couple (how long to knit, bring together) is two or three days. A long period of intercourse can lead to the birth of kittens, the time of conception of which varies greatly, so that part of the litter will be born prematurely. A short period of communication will upset the female, who will continue to call for the male, even after being fertilized.
Mating problems
- The difference is in the size of the partners. If the bride is larger than the groom, then the cat will not be able to hold her friend by the withers and at the same time get his penis into the vagina. The owner can hold the partner, provided that the kitty is sufficiently phlegmatic.
- If the cat has not sufficiently mastered the function of grabbing a friend (poorly untied), the owner can help with choosing the right direction;
- When the pussy falls to the side, the owner of the groom will have to immobilize and support the lady in an upright position;
- In the case where the bride categorically does not accept the gentleman (does not let him in), the owners will have to look for a new partner. If there is an urgent need to breed a particular pair, you should leave the animals together for a certain period of time or invite a veterinarian for a medical solution to the problem.
- The stressful state of the partner can lead to the stopping of the symptoms of sexual heat (does not want a cat). To correct the situation, you need to give the animals time to get used to each other.
How to determine whether mating was successful
It is impossible to assess the success of the event immediately after mating. A week after intercourse, the pet will show the following signs:
- Feels sleepy;
- Aggression towards cats;
- Preference for liquid foods.
After three weeks after mating, the fertilized female's nipples will swell and turn pink and her belly will begin to grow.
Reasons for unsuccessful mating:
- sexual failure of the male;
- overweight or underweight;
- hormonal disbalance;
- stressful state;
- viral infection;
- avitaminosis;
- mineral deficiency;
- error when choosing the time for mating.
When cats start walking
The main question that worries cat breeders is at what age does a pet go into heat for the first time?
Several factors influence when a cat matures:
- Breed;
- Finding a male nearby;
- Dimensions of the animal;
- Cat color;
- Season.
On average, a cat begins to go into heat for the first time at 6-8 months . However, the process is quite individual and may not start for longer. The start of estrus before one year is considered the norm.
If your pet does not go into heat before the age of 1 year, this is a deviation and you should immediately seek the help of a veterinarian.
The phenomenon known as “erased estrus” is common. In this case, the process of sexual interest is almost not manifested. Most often occurs in unhealthy cats.
Preparing for mating
An experienced cat owner is looking for a mate through an organization of felinologists. If the bride is purebred, the lady’s owner should check the groom’s package of documents: titles, judge’s scores, medical reports on the absence of infections and genetic pathologies. The bride must have permission to breed and have a vaccination record (at least a month before the date of the meeting with the groom). If you vaccinate the pussy immediately before fertilization, this can lead to the birth of sick offspring. Preventative treatment against worms should be carried out and the tips of the claws should be trimmed to avoid injury. Bathing procedures should not be carried out.
Stages of estrus in cats
There are 4 stages of estrus in cats, each of which is characterized by specific behavior. It should be remembered that it is advisable to match a cat with a male at the second stage, that is, 5-7 days from the start of estrus.
- Proestrus . The initial stage, characterized by restless behavior of the animal (it begins to rub against furniture, bend its front paws). Duration is up to 3 days.
- Estrus . Actually the estrus itself, which can last up to 10 days. During this period, all signs of estrus appear, sexual hunting occurs and the search for a male for fertilization occurs.
- Interestrus . At this stage, there is a decrease in sexual activity, especially if mating has occurred. The cat has a neutral attitude towards cats, perhaps even with aggression. In some cases, a false pregnancy may occur due to the physiological characteristics of the female.
- Anestrus . The final stage, when the instincts fade and the cat returns to its previous life.
Use of hormone-based medications
Mustachioed pets cope with this difficult time in different ways. Some need a little affection and attention to survive this period, while others suffer from unsatisfied desire, despite the efforts of their owners. If the usual methods of calming down are powerless, you will have to turn to special means, tablets, drops, options that help relieve tension. When mating is not planned, sterilization is the right option.
The principle of operation of drugs of this type
Only hormones, natural or synthesized, can effectively influence the onset of sexual heat. Progesterone enters the body during pregnancy. A dose of progestin preparations administered during the rest period suppresses the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone. Estrogen, which provokes sexual desire, does not enter the blood, and the period of sexual desire is blocked. If hormonal medications are used incorrectly, your pet may die.
Types of drugs
Hormonal preparations of this type are available in tablet form, as drops for internal use or application to the withers. An effective, high-quality product contains a complex of hormones. Veterinarians often prescribe the following:
- “Stop-intim”, drops based on megestrol acetate, a synthetic analogue of progesterol, given orally with a treat, sugar or forcibly;
- “Contrasex”, drops, tablets containing synthetic hormones acetomepregenol, ethinyl estradiol;
- “Gestrenol” is a complex biohormonal preparation in the form of drops and tablets;
- “Sex barrier” - mepregenol acetate plus ethinyl estradiol, liquid, tablets;
- “Ovostop” is a complex of megestrol, proroxan, melatonin, drops on the withers.
Such drugs cannot be considered harmless drugs. Before starting use, you must carefully read the instructions.
Features of application
For health and safety reasons, it is best to consult your veterinarian first. Hormones are prescribed only to healthy animals; they are administered in strict accordance with the instructions. Progestins have many contraindications; a non-specialist cannot determine them by eye. You should not skip a dose or increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose of medication.
Non-extended-release medications must be taken for the entire prescribed period. Determining the dosage is the task of the veterinarian. Spontaneous use of hormonal contraceptives is unacceptable. It is forbidden to use progestin preparations during sexual heat, this is after the end of the active phase.
Hormones do not replace the sterilization procedure; their purpose is:
- delay the onset of the active phase if pregnancy is contraindicated for your pet for some time, after recent childbirth, cesarean section, gynecological problems;
- adjust the mating time, for example, until a suitable male is found;
- prevent pregnancy if immediate sterilization is contraindicated.
Within 24 hours after an unwanted mating, progestins can prevent unplanned pregnancy.
How to determine the right day
Taking hormonal drugs in the active phase will be a disaster for the cat. The third day of the period is considered critical; the process enters the active phase. Many females experience a quiet, mild estrus, which begins almost asymptomatically.
An inexperienced owner may not pay attention to the signs: Murka becomes thoughtful and affectionate. An important point is the behavior when stroking the sacrum. The pet characteristically arches, throws back its tail, sexual activity is in full swing, progestins cannot be given. When there is no such reaction, the use of the medicine is acceptable.
Hormonal injections
The veterinarian sometimes recommends a hormone injection using a long-acting drug. Usually it is Covinan or Depo-Provera. The first is based on proligestone (synthetic progesterone), a steroid that inhibits the processes in the animal’s body that cause sexual desire, reducing the concentration of luteinizing hormone.
After discontinuation of the drug, fertility is restored. Injections are given according to a strict schedule to minimize side effects. If diarrhea, vomiting, or undesirable effects occur, the drug is discontinued.
Depo-Provera was originally developed as a female contraceptive, but has found use in veterinary medicine. The basis of the drug is medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic substance that can suppress ovulation. Available in the form of suspension and tablets. These medications should absolutely not be used during estrus. At the end of use, the ability to produce offspring is restored.
How many days does a cat walk?
One of the main questions that arises for cat owners is how long do they walk? There is no clear answer to this question, since many factors influence the duration of estrus .
The duration of the period depends on:
- Age;
- Time spent without a cat;
- Living conditions;
- Environment, weather, time of year;
- Nutritional features;
- The physical condition of the cat;
- The nature of the pet's body.
In pets, estrus most often lasts from 5 to 10 days. The first estrus may be short-lived . With age, the duration increases, as the pet’s hormonal background forms and changes. In different breeds, a duration of up to 20 days can be observed.
Estrus requires constant monitoring by the breeder. You need to know how long your pet normally goes into heat.
If deviations occur and the heat lasts too long, this may indicate the presence of an ovarian cyst or tumor. A visit to the veterinarian is required to undergo an ultrasound examination.
Mistakes of owners in methods of calming down
The pet behaves unusually at this time, the owner needs to react correctly. You cannot respond to aggression with punishment or try to silence it with a shout. It is better to leave an irritated animal alone and give it time to recover.
Murka must have her own place, it is necessary to provide her with the opportunity to retire, especially if there is a dog or other pets in the house. You need to react in a similar way to any changes in behavior, for example, if she shits anywhere. Gradually, the body will return to normal, the correct habits will be restored.
Some people mistakenly consider valerian to be a sedative, but for fluffies it is a stimulant that increases sexual desire. Contact with valerian is undesirable during the rest period; during the active phase, the pathogen will cause harm; the drug must be removed out of reach.
You should not try to use Corvalol, Valocordin, glycine, motherwort, or “human” medications to calm the baby, without a veterinarian’s prescription; special feline homeopathy is preferable.
Catnip is used as a sedative, but it is a pathogen that acts much more mildly than valerian. Suitable for correcting the behavior of cats; use the product carefully during sexual activity. Sometimes there is a need to vaccinate, i.e. vaccinate or worm the cat during estrus. There are no significant contraindications for this, but permission from a veterinarian is required.
A terrible mistake would be uncontrolled, too long-term use of hormonal drugs. Using alternative sedatives is a temporary measure. Even if it is possible to relieve the symptoms, complications from empty heats are almost inevitable. The cat must be regularly mated with a male cat or sterilized.
How many times a year does a cat walk?
The frequency of estrus depends on whether the cat has given birth or not. As a rule, cats after giving birth go for walks once every two months, and sometimes once a year. It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of how long after giving birth the estrus will begin. As a rule, this happens after a month, but it all depends on the specific breed and the nature of the birth.
If the cat has not given birth, estrus occurs quite often - once every two weeks or month. If the owner wants to reduce the frequency of festivities, you can allow the animal to reproduce, or contact a veterinarian to prescribe hormonal medications.
Duration of estrus in different cat breeds
The duration of estrus directly depends on the breed of the pet.
British women are known for the rarest periods of festivities. The first heat occurs at the age of 7 months. Over time, the regularity of ovulation and its duration are disrupted;
Scottish women are famous for their early puberty - at 5 months. The duration of estrus is up to 6 days, the frequency is several times a year.
How to calm an animal
If the owner does not mate, there are several options for behavior:
Sterilization
A surgical intervention that results in the removal of the ovaries and uterus. After this, the cat becomes infertile. The procedure should be carried out at the age of 6 months before the first estrus. If the operation is performed on an adult female, the estrus will continue, although the female will not be able to become pregnant. The benefits and harms of sterilization are assessed in two ways. Side effects of the procedure include obesity, dysfunction of various organs, and hormonal imbalance. Since surgical intervention is carried out under local anesthesia, a weak body may not be able to withstand it, and death is possible.
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Hormonal drugs
The method is advisable to use if you plan to breed offspring in the future. The drugs control estrus for a certain period of time, usually six months. The action is aimed at reducing libido by correcting hormones. Available in the form of drops, tablets, and injection solutions. The most common option is drops that can be added to food or placed in the nose. A veterinarian should be involved in selecting suitable medications and determining the dosage. The most commonly prescribed medications are Sex Barrier, Gestrenol, and Covinan. There are also side effects and contraindications.
There is no point in raising or scolding a cat during heat. Her psyche is already disturbed at the moment. The correct model of behavior is to be patient and choose effective methods of pacifying sexual activity.
What to do if your cat doesn't walk
One of the deviations is the absence of estrus in a mature cat. Besides a visit to the veterinarian, there are several ways to help your pet:
- If there is a pet in the neighborhood who is in heat, he needs to be housed. As a rule, cats leak at the same time.
- If there is a cat nearby, it is also advisable to bring the animals closer together. If there is a male, the maturation of the egg will occur faster.
- If the cat is healthy, you can give vitamins and homeopathic remedies.
Negative consequences
The pussy cannot tell its owner about its problems. Therefore, the owner must be extremely attentive to symptoms that may indicate the onset or worsening of the disease.
Idle cats in heat are fraught with purulent inflammation of the uterus, leading to rapid death. If there is a hormonal imbalance, it is better to have the pussy castrated immediately, even at an early age.
The increased duration of the period of sexual heat (longer than a week) cannot be stopped by taking hormonal drugs. Menstruation in cats, unlike menstruation in women, is not painful. There are only two ways out of this situation: mating or castration.
Painful discharge or vomiting is a real reason to seek help from a doctor.
What to do if there is no heat
In order to breed a purebred cat, you need to ensure that the female is ready for fertilization. Measures that breeders recommend to prepare a cat for mating:
- make a girlfriend. Pussies often show readiness to mate at the same time.
- invite a cat to visit. The smell of a sexually mature cat awakens the reproductive instinct.
- Use homeopathic remedies and vitamins. You can induce a healthy female to mate by including drugs in the diet: vitamin E, catozal, gamavit, ovariovit, ortilin.
Recovery period between births
To prepare for the next pregnancy and bearing offspring, the animal’s body must recover after childbirth. A purebred cat can give birth no more often than once or twice in a year to a year and a half; at least 6 months must pass between litters. Yard cats breed every time they come into heat, and intercourse is very frequent. The first two months after giving birth, the mother cat devotes herself entirely to feeding her kittens. At the end of this period, the cat is again ready for mating. The following cases are exceptions:
- previous births were complicated;
- the pet’s body is exhausted;
- pussy suffered a serious illness;
- the last litter included stillborn babies.
In healthy cats, all biological processes occur regularly, so the owner can prepare in advance for the pregnancy of his furry pet. A potential father of the family must be found long before mating begins. During an empty heat, the cat should take sedatives and receive attention in the form of a massage or play. Females not intended for breeding should be neutered.
