Cat Reproduction

Question 1

Myth: I can make lots of money selling kittens

Answer 1

Few responsible breeders make money

Question 2

Myth: My children should see the miracle of birth

Answer 2

Many animals give birth at night. Queens can delay parturition somewhat, so they may wait until people are not around

Question 3

Myth: I will get another cat just like this queen

Answer 3

Each animal is a unique individual and may not resemble the mother

Question 4

Myth: I can find a good home for the kittens

Answer 4

There are not enough homes for all the kittens produced

Question 5

Myth: Related cats won’t mate with each other

Answer 5

Cats don’t recognize relationships

Question 6

Myth: Queens should have a litter before being spayed

Answer 6

Queen is healthier if spay is done before having a litter

Question 7

Why it is best to alter your cat

Answer 7

• Females yowl and wander
• Males spray, get into fights, leave home for days
• Altering makes both sexes less likely to roam
• With proper diet, weight can be controlled
• Parts of Europe think this is mutilation - some countries outlaw it

Question 8

Puberty

Answer 8

Normally queen reaches puberty between 7 and 12 months
Toms about 9 months and start showing Flehmen response

Question 9

Female Cycle

Answer 9

Cats are seasonally polyestrous - one cycle after another (long day breeders):
* Cycle about every 2-3 weeks
* Normally start breeding 20 days after the winter solstice (shortest day light period), thought temperature can also have an effect

Around fall, a long anestrous period (stops cycling)

Some cats cycle year-round (with indoor lighting for example bc exposed to lighting artificially)

Question 10

Behavioral Changes with Estrus

Answer 10

• Constant calling (especially Siamese)
• Rolling, rubbing against objects
• May spray urine
• Licks genital area
• Crouching position (lordosis) - with reference to at you may see term “swayback”
• Lasts an average of 9 days

Question 11

Induced Ovulation

Answer 11

• Queen must be induced to ovulate (don’t suffer from aplastic anemia)
• Physical act of mating causes this
• Multiple matings will increase LH surge
• If mating does not occur, follicles will regress

Question 12

If you elect to breed your cat

Answer 12

• Best choice is selective breeding
• Animals selected for breeding should be excellent representatives of the breed, free of hereditary defects
• May still be in estrus when you get her home, so be careful
• Can have kittens from different toms in the same litter - not unusual

Question 13

Artificial insemination

Answer 13

Not common in domestic cats

Question 14

Signs of Pregnancy (early to mid gestation)

Answer 14

• Cycles stop (annoying noises stop)
• “Pinking-up” reddening of nipples in about 3 weeks
• Weight gain up to 2 lbs. Not unusual
• Swollen abdomen

Question 15

Care of Pregnant Queen

Answer 15

• Handle gently, especially instruct children on this
• Feed pregnant cat well (but don’t overdo) and allow ample exercise
• A few days before birthing the queen will search for a nest

Question 16

BIRTHING (kittening)

Answer 16

• Prepare a box - line with rags, old towel or shredded paper
• Should be in dark, warm place, out of traffic
• If these conditions are not provided she will likely move them
• Gestation can be from 58-70 days (from mating)
• Best to leave her alone, but if she has not delivered any kittens after 4 hours of labor call a vet (may need Cesarean birth) - the queen will normally do just fine
• Be sure that each kitten born is followed by its placenta (mother will eat the placentas)
• Process normally takes less than 6 hours

Question 17

Symptoms when ready to give birth

Answer 17

• Nesting
• Milk leaking from nipples
• Restless pacing, panting, excessive grooming
• Temperature drop
• Contractions

Question 18

Colostrum

Answer 18

Important because of passive immunity - passes maternal antibodies

Question 19

Care of New Mother

Answer 19

• Feed the queen as much as she wants while nursing
• Little or no care is required for queen will clean the kittens and take care of their waste

Question 20

Kitten Development

Answer 20

• Kittens will open their eyes in about 10 days - altricial
• Double their weight in first 2 weeks
• Ears will open in week 3 - will become more erect
• Teeth may start to come in

Start to move around week 3 or 4 - some ppl will start litter training here
Can offer feed, queen may start weaning kittens

Often deworm at 6 weeks
7 weeks - first vaccinations are common

Question 21

Importance of socialization

Answer 21

Weeks 5 and 6 - a lot of socialization between kittens, and with humans
* Very important (to have tamer adults)

Expose kitten to many different things
Teach good habits
* Don’t allow biting, scratching hands

Spend time with the kittens

Question 22

Age to spay/neuter

Answer 22

Can be done before 4 months of age
Some suggest 5-7 months
* Easier for anesthesia
* Risk of early pregnancy