Puberty of cats: at what age can a cat become pregnant?

Preparing for childbirth

You need to thoroughly prepare for childbirth. To do this, you will need not only to arrange the place where the kittens will appear, but also to prepare some tools and materials that may be needed in case of complications that arise. In addition, you should make sure that you have medications on hand and be sure to write down the veterinarian’s phone number so that you can contact him at any time.

Arrangement of the “nest”

A large box is perfect for temporary housing for the mother and her offspring. To make it easier for the cat to climb into it, one side can be made lower than the rest. It is not recommended to make a slot along the entire height of the box to prevent the kittens from escaping.

Mother cat with her kittens

The bottom of the box can be covered with a rubber or foam mat, or a piece of similar material, oilcloth. This will protect the cardboard from accidental wetness. Place a cloth or disposable diaper on top.

It is advisable for the box to stand in the place chosen by the cat, but, in most cases, mustachioed mothers prefer closets or the owner’s bed. The place where the box will be placed should be quiet, warm, and secluded. You need to gradually accustom your pet to the “nest” by placing drinking water and food nearby. In the end, she will understand what is required of her and will accept the proposed option.

Preparing tools

By the time of birth, items should be prepared that may be needed if the situation takes an unexpected turn:

scissors;
sterile rubber gloves;
Vaseline oil;
antiseptic (brilliant);
syringe;
dishes for clean water;
cotton buds;
threads;
syringes of different sizes;
disposable diapers;
pieces of cotton fabric (they must be pre-washed and ironed).

All accessories must be in one place and in “combat readiness”: clean and disinfected.

Medications

In some cases, your mustachioed pet may need medical assistance, so in addition to the tools, you should prepare some medications.

Oxytocin. It will help with a sudden cessation of contractions or weak labor. Promotes contraction of the uterine walls. Used as injections into the withers area in a dosage of 0.2 ml.
Travmatin. As soon as the woman in labor begins, you can give an injection of this drug in a dosage of 1 ml. After the end of childbirth, the drug is used for the next three days, one injection per day. Travmatin eliminates pain, prevents the development of the inflammatory process, has an antimicrobial effect, and reduces the likelihood of infectious complications.
Calcium gluconate. In the form of an injection solution, it is used in a dosage of 1 ml for the normal course of labor and the prevention of eclampsia.

Preparing a place for a pregnant cat

It is better to prepare the place for childbirth in advance. No one knows how long a cat's pregnancy will last. In addition, she needs to get to know the new home and determine whether it is suitable for having kittens. There are many options for a birthing place. The simplest of them is a cardboard box. It is enough to cover its bottom with a warm cloth. Closer to childbirth, you can use disposable diapers. They will help keep the place clean.

In the store you can buy a basket with a soft mattress. But this option is not always suitable for cats, since they try to choose a secluded place for childbirth.

A large cage may also be a good option. It can easily accommodate a sleeping area, food and water bowls, and a cat litter box. But at the same time, it will be inconvenient for the owner to control the birth.

Interesting to know
Experienced breeders consider playpens to be the most convenient place for childbirth.

When arranging a place for a cat, owners are advised to take into account some features.

The location should be:

warm, cozy and protected from drafts
safe for kittens
quiet and secluded
convenient for cleaning

Taking these tips into account, the owner will be able to create a comfortable place for childbirth.

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.

How long does this physiological process last?

Pregnancy for felines lasts an average of 9 weeks. In terms of this, this is 2.5-3 months. In days, the duration of gestation is 59-67 days.

Remember that an animal can give birth to healthy offspring ahead of schedule, or it can “transition”, but end up lambing with non-viable or underdeveloped kittens.

It all depends on the level of health of the animal, the presence of identified and hidden chronic diseases, complications with viruses and infections, due to which the body weakens and loses the ability to nourish babies in the womb.

How to understand that a cat is about to give birth

It is very easy to determine that a cat is giving birth in the near future. At this time, her behavior changes radically. This may be evidenced by the following cat behavior:

Starts to thrash around and meow loudly;
Constantly licks his genitals;
Begins to toss and turn, exposing his belly to be stroked;
Starts to breathe heavily.

If your pet begins to worry, it would be best to take her to the place prepared for childbirth, sit next to her and stroke her.

This is especially important if the cat is emotionally attached to the owner. In this case, his presence will greatly help during the birth process, calming her down.

How to care for newborn kittens

A newborn kitten has little fur and freezes quickly. A lamp installed above the box can help retain heat. If the cat refuses to stay with the newborns, a warm heating pad will help replace it.

If a cat stops lactating, kittens should be fed formula. Your veterinarian will help you choose the right milk replacer.

In other situations, the cat is able to independently deliver newborn kittens. The older offspring also learn basic skills from their mother, including using a litter box.

Important
Cat's milk cannot be replaced with cow's milk. Otherwise, kittens experience acute intestinal upset.

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.

Caring for the health of a pregnant cat

During cat pregnancy, many owners worry about the health of the expectant mother and kittens. With proper care, the expectant mother will produce healthy offspring. The main thing is to provide your pet with peace and proper nutrition.

It is recommended to ensure sufficient amounts of clean drinking water, since pregnancy is often accompanied by thirst. Paying attention to the cat is also very important; the expectant mother needs love and affection.

The cat's litter box should always be clean. This is necessary to avoid the development of infections in the animal’s body.

What influences growth rates

The rate of growth and development directly depends on several factors:

Breed. The main factor influencing the size of an adult cat is its breed. Thus, Maine Coons grow up to 2 years of age, but individuals are recognized as truly adults only by 3 years of age. Representatives of the female half of the Bengal breed reach their maximum size at 9 months, and the male half at 2 years. The physical development of the British, as well as the Scots, continues until 2.5-3 years. Siberian cats grow up to 1.5 years, sphinxes - up to 2 years. Non-pedigreed or, as they are more often called, domestic cats, due to their mixed genotype, do not have developmental norms, therefore some of them stop growing as early as one year, others increase in size up to 3 years.
Heredity. It is very rare for kittens to grow larger than their parents. Only in rare cases does a small cat grow into a large kitten.
Gender. Cats are always smaller than cats.
Food quality. A deficiency of vitamins and important macro- and microelements leads to a slowdown or complete cessation of growth, disproportionate to the development of the body.

Living conditions. Comfortable room temperature, proper lighting, hygiene, high quality sleep stimulate the proper development of the kitten.
Diseases and parasites. Diseases of any type (hereditary, infectious, somatic) impair growth. Intestinal parasites, which suck out the vitamins and nutrients required by the pet, also have an adverse effect on the development of the body.
Lifestyle. Physically active kittens develop faster, their body is proportional in size, and their weight is normal.
Work of the endocrine system. Hormonal imbalances negatively affect a pet's growth. By the way, stress can also provoke endocrine imbalance, during which certain hormones are produced.
Sterilization. Cats that are neutered at a later age tend to be larger in size than cats that are not spayed and those that were spayed before the age of one year.
Mating age. Despite the fact that male cats are considered sexually mature by 8 months, mating at such an early period leads to a slowdown in growth, and sometimes even to its cessation.

Puberty in cats

The onset of puberty in cats, like in cats, is characterized by the onset of sexual heat. Males usually mature at the age of 8-9 months - at this age they form full-fledged sperm capable of fertilizing an egg; the testes must be lowered into the scrotum. There are also frequent cases of earlier (4-5 months) puberty and associated sexual behavior.

As the testes of cats mature, the level of testosterone in the blood increases. Externally this manifests itself as follows:

the cat becomes aggressive and can tear up furniture and wallpaper;
the cat makes loud screams;
the cat marks the territory;
urine acquires a strong, unpleasant odor.

The state of puberty in cats continues throughout their lives, therefore, as in the case of cats, if the cat is not of breeding value, doctors recommend castration.

Puberty in cats - video interview with a veterinarian:

(c) Veterinary center for the treatment and rehabilitation of animals “Zoostatus”. Varshavskoe highway, 125 building 1. tel.
8 (499) 372-27-37

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.

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.

How long does a cat bear kittens: stages, periods and features

Adding a family is always an important and solemn moment, even if your cat has decided to give birth. The pet needs attention and care throughout the entire pregnancy. By the way, do you know how many months a cat bears kittens? If not, then our article will remove the veil of secrecy from this issue!

Physical and physiological maturity

Theoretically, a cat can give birth already at the age of six months, but at such a time mating occurs only among inhabitants of garbage dumps. No normal breeder will breed a cat before the third heat, since kittens born to such young animals are highly likely to be defective. And the cat itself, having given birth to offspring at the age of only a few weeks, will never become a full-fledged, good producer. Her body will simply spend all its reserves and will no longer be able to recover.

As a rule, that same physiological maturity occurs at approximately the age of five to nine months. We think every cat breeder is familiar with the “symptoms” of its manifestation: the animal becomes nervous, excitable, rushes around the house, screams loudly and heart-rendingly, arches its back and caresses, clearly showing its intentions. Some animals sometimes manage to “roll” on their butts all over the carpets, which does not make the owners too happy. At this time, in no case should you “follow” the cat and let her go to the cats! Now there are many means that suppress sexual desire during the first heat period. Take advantage of them!

Only by the second or third heat does the cat become truly sexually mature and can give birth to normal, healthy kittens. In this case, you can already plan to breed the animal, since the time has come for physical maturity. Please note that the cat's first time

Source

Cat pregnancy is a condition in a cat's body in which a developing fetus (embryo) is located in its reproductive organs.

When can a cat become pregnant?

A cat becomes pregnant as a result of mating with a male cat. During mating, the cat undergoes stimulation of ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovaries) and fertilization. Ovulation and fertilization are possible only during the cat's estrus period.

As a rule, conception occurs 24-50 hours after mating. Days 3-5 of estrus are considered the most favorable for conception, but it is also possible on other days.

A cat can become pregnant as soon as it reaches puberty. Depending on the breed, this occurs at 6-18 months. However, early pregnancies (up to 1 year) can be extremely dangerous for the health of the cat and its offspring, so professional breeders do not breed cats until they are 12-14 months old.

Sexual activity in cats decreases after 6 years of age; cats continue to mate, but pregnancy, as a rule, does not occur. If, nevertheless, an “older” cat manages to become pregnant (and this is possible even at 10-15 years old), then it usually ends badly - miscarriages occur, kittens are born dead or with defects, the life and health of the cat itself are also at risk. Therefore, breeders spay and neuter cats at 6-7 years of age to prevent unwanted consequences.

A normal cat pregnancy lasts just over 9 weeks (65 days). The duration of pregnancy can vary from 60 to 70 days.

Kittens born before day 60 are considered premature and usually die quickly. Extended pregnancy (more than 70 days) is a sign of pathology of the fetus or illness of the cat itself, so this is an obvious reason to consult a veterinarian.

The duration of pregnancy depends on the number of kittens (1-2 kittens are born

Source

When can this happen to a cat?

A cat can become pregnant when it reaches sexual maturity. But there is no need to rush into mating. The female is fully ready for mating only at the age of 14-15 months, and it is better to skip the first two heats. The cat must be healthy and strong before pregnancy, because bearing and feeding offspring requires a lot of effort. Early mating can have a negative impact on the health of the female and lead to the birth of sick kittens. Timely and healthy offspring can be expected with proper planning of the mating process. The male and female need to undergo a preliminary examination, receive anti-worm medications and vaccinations according to age.

Features of cat pregnancy

A pregnant cat should receive more care and attention. The most common signs of a pregnant cat are:

coloration and enlargement of the mammary glands. A similar symptom appears during the first pregnancy. The mammary glands are distinguished by a red tint and swelling. They also become hot and increase in size. Usually this can only be seen on the nipples below;
increase in sleep duration. Normal cat sleep is 14 hours a day. A cat carrying kittens begins to sleep 2-4 hours more than usual;
increased or decreased cat appetite. From the outside it may look like she is eating for two. Also, her appetite may disappear completely. The cat will not eat solid food, but only drink;
nausea and vomiting. Most often the urge occurs in the morning. This can happen 3 times a day;
frequent visits to the toilet;
manifestation of aggression. The cat experiences hostility towards other felines from the first week from the moment of conception;
turning into a homebody. The cat increasingly prefers to stay at home;
weight gain, appearance of a belly.

A pregnant cat becomes apathetic towards others

On average, cats bear kittens for 56-71 days. However, these are not exact numbers, since they can also give birth to kittens premature or post-term. Gestation periods may also vary depending on the breed. Long-haired individuals bear offspring for 62-72 days. The British breed and others related to shorthair spend 58-68 days on this. If there are a lot of kittens, then the gestation period is reduced to 58 days.

You should prepare the place for childbirth by selecting a basket or box. The area should be covered with a sterilized soft cloth. The diet should include special food for gestation of kittens. In the sixth week, feeding your pet should increase to 5 times a day. Continuous monitoring of the cat's body weight is important because overfeeding can cause problems during birth.

Important! In case of pregnancy complications, veterinary intervention is necessary. The use of special medications will help prevent unwanted pregnancy

Owners of purebred animals especially think about this during the rehabilitation period. Known oral contraceptives for domestic cats:

The use of special medications will help prevent unwanted pregnancy. Owners of purebred animals especially think about this during the rehabilitation period. Known oral contraceptives for domestic cats:

stop-intim;
counter-sex;
gestrenol;
sex barrier;
libidomin.

All of them can be produced in the form of drops, tablets or suspensions. The drugs suppress libido and prevent ovulation. It is not recommended to abuse them, otherwise the female will get a dangerous disease.

Knowing what age cats give birth will help the owner monitor the behavior of their pet and be on guard. At this crucial moment, the animal may need help that only the owner can provide.

Photo of pregnancy in a cat

The pregnant cat in the photograph has characteristic visual signs: enlarged nipples, a rounded belly.

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!

Recommendations for organizing childbirth in a cat

Healthy cats usually give birth on their own and require only attention and support from the owner. But some purebred pets may require human assistance and supervision of the birth of kittens.

First birth

A cat that is about to give birth for the first time can make many mistakes due to its inexperience. In addition, labor takes longer, and contractions are much weaker and longer lasting. Therefore, a person is recommended to be present during childbirth and monitor the process.

A cat giving birth for the first time is very tired. For this reason, when giving birth to the last kittens, she may accidentally crush the previous ones. But if the owner or veterinarian supervises the delivery process, the kittens will be safe.

A young cat sometimes does not remove the birth bladder from the kitten well, and it suffocates. To organize assistance in such a situation, the owner is recommended to keep sterile gloves, scissors and a dry cloth on hand. The goal of the assistance is to free the baby’s face from the birth bladder as quickly as possible. Then the kitten will not have time to suffocate.

Start of labor

Before the onset of labor, the cat begins to behave restlessly, often lick itself, and scream. The cat’s water also breaks and contractions begin.

The birth process occurs in stages. In the intervals between the birth of kittens, the first and second stages are repeated, and the third indicates the end of labor.

Contractions. After the cat's water breaks, contractions begin, which help dilate the cervix. The period lasts on average from 3 to 6 hours. At this time, the cat breathes rapidly, looks for a suitable place and nests. The help that a person can provide is moral support and encouragement.
Attempts and the appearance of kittens. During this period, contractions are usually at their most painful, so the owner can help the cat with stroking and affection. Normally, during the process of pushing, the amniotic sac bursts, releasing a small amount of fluid. After this, the first kitten is born.
The appearance of the placenta. The placenta comes out with the born kitten or immediately after. A sign of the end of labor is characterized by calmness and even breathing of the cat. Contractions gradually stop, and the animal's abdominal cavity becomes soft.

It is important to know
The average duration of labor in cats is 4-12 hours. If labor lasts for a day or more, be sure to seek help from a veterinary clinic.

Assistance during childbirth

The help of the owner or veterinarian depends on how difficult the cat's birth is. It is impossible to predict how the natural process will unfold, so it is recommended to be prepared for anything and act according to the situation.

In the case of an easy birth, practically no human assistance is required. It is enough to ensure that the cat does not accidentally crush the born kittens. You can also count the number of kittens and placenta; normally, the number should match.

Typically, cats chew the umbilical cord on their own, eat the afterbirth, and lick the mucus from the kittens. If the cat does not do this, a person should intervene in the process.

To begin with, it is recommended to rid the kitten of mucus and clean the nasal passages and mouth using a pipette. Then carefully cut off the umbilical cord 4 centimeters from the abdomen, rewind it with thread and process it. Don't let your cat eat more than two afterbirths. Despite containing beneficial microelements, they cause stomach upsets.

In cases of difficult childbirth, human assistance is essential. Stopping labor can happen when kittens get stuck or several are pushed out at the same time. In this case, you can help remove the stuck fruit. To do this, it is recommended to wear sterile gloves, lubricate your fingers with Vaseline and place them in the cat's vagina. Then very carefully feel the kitten’s withers and try to pull it out with progressive movements. It is strictly forbidden to pull the baby by the paws, head or tail.

Important!
If the owner is not confident in his abilities, it is better to seek help from a veterinarian.

Until what age can cats give birth?

Cats can reproduce for quite a long time. There are known cases of kittens appearing even in cats that have reached the age of fifteen. But according to the observations of veterinarians, cats no older than eight years old give full-fledged offspring. Therefore, in well-established nurseries, starting from this age, reproduction is stopped, as litters become small in number, kittens are small, and sometimes sick.

Having studied the above information about cat pregnancy and the rules for caring for it during this period, it is not at all difficult to get healthy kittens that will delight you or their new future owners. Moreover, this period does not last long and it is quite possible to pay a little more attention to the pet during this period.

Cat pregnancy calendar by week

The onset of pregnancy in cats is accompanied by behavioral characteristics each week. Active development of embryos begins at the end of the second week after conception.

1 week (0-7 days)

During this period, the fertilized egg divides. It is almost impossible to determine the presence of pregnancy.

2 week (8-14 days)

During this period, fertilized eggs are implanted in the uterus. The process of formation of the placenta and embryos begins.

Week 3 (15-21 days)

This week the embryos develop internal organs.

Week 4 (22-29 days)

During the ultrasound, you can already hear the kittens' heartbeat. During this period, it is recommended to be as careful as possible with a pregnant cat: do not pick it up unnecessarily, do not put pressure on the belly.

Week 5 (30-37 days)

Allows you to determine the number of kittens. At the beginning of this week, kittens have already formed paws, pads and soft nails.

6-7 week (38-52 days)

Owners should carefully monitor the nutrition and psychological comfort of their pet, since during these weeks the nervous system of the embryos is formed. X-rays show the complete skeleton of kittens. At the end of the week, the babies are covered with soft fur.

Week 8 (53-60 days)

At this stage, kittens of some breeds are already ready to be born.

9-10 week (61-75 days)

The kittens are already fully formed and ready to be born.

It is quite difficult to calculate exactly how many kittens a cat will bear. It should be taken into account that the offspring is ready for life outside the womb after the 58th day of pregnancy.

How many days does a cat bear kittens?

Pregnancy in cats lasts from 58 to 72 days. As a rule, labor begins on days 65-68, but you need to focus on the earliest possible date. If the process begins earlier than 2 months, call a veterinarian immediately. It is hardly possible to save the kittens; here we are talking about the life of the mother herself.

Walking around is also dangerous, this may indicate a pathological course of pregnancy; with late birth, very serious complications are likely for both the cat and kittens, who can suffocate, die before birth, be born too weak to develop normally, be injured when passing through birth canal.

The best option is for specialists to monitor the progress of the entire pregnancy and be present during childbirth even in a normal situation. If the need arises, the veterinarian will be able to help, carry out the necessary manipulations or perform a caesarean section to remove the babies.

Caring for a pregnant cat

A pregnant cat needs proper care from the owner. Experienced breeders know that the health of her offspring depends on the quality of care for the expectant mother. At all stages of pregnancy, veterinary supervision is recommended. This is necessary to prevent or detect pathologies.

Features of feeding

Proper feeding of a pregnant cat should take into account the peculiarities of physiological changes at different stages of gestation of kittens.

In the first half, the expectant mother's appetite increases, which leads to an increase in her body weight. During this period, it is important to prevent the animal from becoming obese.

The second half of pregnancy with an incorrect diet, on the contrary, is fraught with exhaustion of the cat. Appetite decreases, essential microelements are supplied to the embryos, and the mother’s body suffers from a lack of calories and essential nutrients.

With a lack of minerals, the bone tissue of a pregnant cat weakens. This can lead to the development of joint problems. For embryos, this problem threatens rickets.

Salt metabolism disorders and calcium deficiency have a bad effect on dental health. And inadequate intake of vitamins often leads to pathologies in the development of kittens in the womb. That is why owners of a pregnant cat need to ensure that the diet is balanced.

In the first two to three weeks after mating, it is recommended to increase the total daily feeding portion by 10%. The frequency of feedings should be on average 4-5 times a day.

After the third week, daily feeding should be increased by another 50%. Owners may be faced with the desire of a pregnant pet to beg for a piece from the table. But you don’t need to give in to this, because the cat quickly gains weight, and obesity has a bad effect on the course of childbirth.

At the end of pregnancy, the kittens that have grown in the womb begin to put pressure on the mother’s belly. This causes loss of appetite. The correct solution in this situation is split meals with a feeding frequency of at least 6 times a day. At the same time, the total daily norm should remain the same.

A week before the expected birth, veterinarians recommend returning to the standard daily pre-pregnancy feeding rate. Typically, the frequency of feedings does not exceed three times a day. The diet depends on what food the cat is accustomed to. If this is natural food, then the owner is recommended to pay attention to the following products:

Meat. Rich in protein content. It is better to give it boiled.
Fish. Rich in phosphorus and proteins. It should be given exclusively in boiled form, no more than once every 10 days.
Cottage cheese. Rich in calcium. Include no more than 50 grams per week in your diet.
Vegetables. Rich in vitamins. From mid-pregnancy you can include up to 80 grams per day in your diet.

Interesting to know
If the cat refuses to eat vegetables, chop them in boiled form and mix with meat puree.

The owner of a pregnant dry food lover is advised to choose a quality product. Many manufacturers produce dry food specifically for pregnant animals. But if your usual brand doesn’t have such a line, kitten food is perfect. Many breeders note that dry food for kittens ideally meets all the needs of a pregnant cat.

Regardless of the nutritional option, the expectant mother will benefit from taking vitamins. But it is not advisable for the owner to select them himself. It is much better to seek help from a veterinarian.

Is it possible to get vaccinated?

Veterinarians advise vaccination before planning pregnancy, and do not recommend during. If the owner has not had time to get all the necessary vaccinations, then it is better to wait until the end of pregnancy.

Pregnant cats do not tolerate vaccination well, and kittens in the womb do it even worse. Some drugs can cause birth defects in offspring, while others can cause miscarriage.

Is it possible to give medications?

It is not advisable to give medications to a cat during pregnancy. An exception may be the treatment of diseases during pregnancy and homeopathy, but strictly under the supervision of a veterinarian. The following medications and substances are strictly prohibited:

Tetracycline
sulfonamides
Levomycetin
female and male sex hormones
glucocorticoids
anticonvulsants

Pregnant cats can also be harmed by consuming certain herbs. For example, motherwort and raspberry leaves cause uterine contractions, while clover and licorice cause serious hormonal imbalances.

Is it possible to pick up a cat?

In the early stages of pregnancy, it is better not to handle the animal. If the cat itself asks for this, you should be careful not to put pressure on the abdominal area and support the pet from below.

Some cats that bear offspring prefer a vertical position in their arms. To do this, the owner can hold the animal by the paws with one hand and support it from below with the other. This way the cat is in a comfortable sitting position.

How many times a year does a cat get pregnant?

A pet is capable of producing offspring 2-4 times a year, but such a rate of reproduction is defined by veterinarians, animal rights activists and breeders as irrational and cruel.

An animal that does not have time to give birth immediately begins to bear a “new batch” of kittens and suffers from serious diseases of the reproductive, cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.

Processes in the pet’s body slow down, respiratory and nervous function are inhibited, tissues gradually become thinner and die. Necrosis and liver disease (hepatitis) occur. All organs function in a mode of increased fatigue and wear out quickly.

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.

Is there a chance to save a kitten during a caesarean section?

The doctor cannot guarantee that unborn kittens can be saved by caesarean section. Since it is possible that the fetuses died due to hypoxia due to their prolonged stay in the uterus. The operation is more necessary for the cat itself to save its life.

Sometimes surgical intervention cannot be performed urgently due to contraindications. This is due to the fact that the operation requires stable operation of all body systems, but if the animal has a violation of cardiac and respiratory functions, it may not withstand the load and die.

Be sure to read:

Pregnancy of a Scottish Fold cat: how long they walk, behavior, what to feed, childbirth

If the kittens suffocated in the womb, and the decomposition process has already begun, performing a cesarean section is pointless, since necrotic changes spread to the uterine cavity.

This requires surgery to remove the organ and ovaries, since there is a high risk of developing septic complications and death.

A little physiology

If a cat feeds her kittens with milk, then she has no time to look for adventures, so on average, young individuals become mothers twice a year. The older the animal becomes, the longer the recovery period and, accordingly, the cat gives birth less often. When for some reason a cat loses her cubs, the recovery period after birth is delayed or occurs with complications (for example, inflammation of the mammary glands is possible). In this case, you need to consult a doctor. Usually the veterinarian prescribes injections of hormonal drugs, recommends giving less liquid to drink, and applies a medicinal bandage to the cat.

If the kittens are taken from the mother too early, without allowing her to feed the litter, she may again begin to insistently demand mating.

Pedigree representatives of the cat family are allowed to register up to 2 litters per year. Since a period of 8 months is considered optimal for the restoration of the body, 3 litters within two years are normal.

Thus, the correct answer to the question “Until what age do cats give birth?” sounds like this: an animal is capable of producing kittens until its death. However, to avoid pathological births and defective babies, breeders prefer to castrate or sterilize their pets at the age of 6 or 7 years.

What determines the color of born kittens?

Without knowing at least the basics of cat genetics, it is very difficult to independently determine the color of future kittens. It is best to use a table for calculating the color of offspring or a color calculator for future kittens, which can be found on the Internet or in specialized literature. They need to include the color of the future parents and their carriers of the gene (chocolate, diluted, tabby, tortoiseshell and others). As a result, you can get the percentage probability of the color of the future offspring, separately for female and male kittens. This allows you, with a high degree of probability, to plan the desired coat color of future pets by selecting parents of the appropriate color for mating, or to determine the color of the kittens from your cat and her partner.

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”.

A little math

Animals whose behavior their owners do not control will give birth until they are very old. But this is not the best news, since after reaching 7-8 years of age, the quality of the offspring may deteriorate. If owners abuse the natural functions of their pets’ bodies in order to obtain more kittens for sale, they will have to spend a lot of money on veterinarian fees.

Due to the fact that the pregnancy cycle from conception to the appearance of kittens lasts on average 60 days, and after 2.5 weeks a new estrus occurs, a kitty can give birth 4 times within one year. However, the animal’s body after such stress requires a long recovery.

So, at what age do cats give birth? On average, ordinary pets are capable of producing healthy babies up to 12 years of age, but in this case the mother requires especially careful care.

If the fetus is in the birth canal, what to do?

Sometimes the fetus gets stuck in the birth canal due to its large size or incorrect position, sometimes difficulties arise due to lack of lubrication or insufficient strength of uterine contractions.

In this case, there is a high risk of death for him and the kittens remaining in the uterus. If a situation arises, you must immediately call a veterinarian or take the cat to a veterinary hospital.

Attention! You should not try to help the cat yourself, especially if you do not have enough experience in obstetric care. It is strictly forbidden to pull the fetus by the limbs: unprofessional actions can lead to rupture of the vagina and kill the kitten.