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Queens, Toms, and Kittens Oh My..... (Understanding Cat Reproduction: A Fun Guide for Veterinary Clients)

Jan 31

4 min read

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Kittens reach reproductive maturity quicker than many people expect, and they can become pregnant earlier than you'd think. Whether you're considering breeding your cat or not, it's important to understand when your kitten will reach this stage. Being aware of this can help you make informed decisions about your cat's health, whether you're aiming for a healthy pregnancy, preventing pregnancies, or opting to spay or neuter your pet.


When do Kittens Go Into Heat?

A "heat" cycle is part of your cat's estrus process, which is similar to the menstrual cycle in humans. If your female cat isn’t spayed, she can enter heat as early as 4 months old, though it typically happens around 6 months.


Some Thing to Know about "Heat"

  • Cats can go into heat every 2 to 3 weeks, and this cycle can occur throughout the year. Getting pregnant during her first heat cycle is possible. Heat symptoms can last from a few days to two weeks.

  • Spring and Summer are the typical "heat months", but cats can have kittens anytime of the year.

  • Cats don’t experience menopause, so they’ll keep going into heat even in their senior years.

  • Vaginal discharge can occur, but as cats are so good at keeping themselves clean this isn't always observed.

  • While a vet can confirm if a cat is in heat through tests, the most obvious signs are usually behavioral changes. Here are some things you may notice:

    • Attempts to find a mate:

      • Vocalization. Your cat will make meowing and yowling noise, these can be quite loud

      • Attemps to escape from the house can increase

      • Increased urination and/or odor. They may also "mark" which you'll see as urinating outside the box.

    • Affectionate or clingy behavior.

    • Rolling on the floor.

    • Elevating their backside in the air.


The Boys Part (and Neutering Benefits)

The male cats will reach sexual maturity around four to twelve months (if not neutered). Signs you might notice that they have reached this milestone are:

  • Urine marking or spraying. This urine can have a very strong odor to it.

  • Escape attempts from the house can increase as well

  • May become more pushy, demanding, and start fighting with other cats more

  • May start Yowling to look for a mate as well.

  • What Benefits can come from neutering?

    • Reduce urine marking or spraying

    • Minimizes yowling, roaming, and aggression

    • Reduces feral cat numbers and unwanted pregnancies

    • Reduces health issues like: testicular cancer, prostate issues, perianal hernias or tumors, fewers bites and injuries due to fighting behaviors.


What does pregnancy look like in cats?


Pregnancy last 63-65 days on average for cats. Queens (female cats) can have 3-6, and up to 10 kittens per litter. Also note, nursing does not protect a queen from going back into heat, and they can get pregnanct a few weeks after giving birth. This means a Queen can have up to five litters a year. The most kittens one cat has been known to produce in it's lifetime was Dusty who mothered 420 kittens. Signs of pregnacny can include:

  • Nesting behaviors may emerge as the delivery date approaches.

  • Changes in personality (can hide more or become more affectionate)

  • Appetite changes (often increasead, but can decrease)

  • Enlarged mammary glands or nipples

  • Weight gain and an enlarged belly

  • More tired than normal

  • Cats can give birth to kittens from different fathers at the same time! This is called ‘superfecundation’. It happens when a female cat mates with different male cats.


What benefits are their to spaying female cats?

  • Preventing unwanted preganies

  • Decreased risks of reproductive and mammary cancer, and uterine infections

  • Less roaming and escaping

  • Less vocal, more stable behavior, less marking behaviors


What does surgery look like at Creekside Veterinary Clinic?

  • The surgical team at Creekside Veterinary Clinic includes:

    • One surgeon (DVM) and one Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) assisting the surgeon and a second CVT monitoring and maintaining the appropriate depth of anesthesia for your pet.

    • Depending on your pets needs there may be a Veterinary Assistant as well as part of the team who can assist the CVT's and DVM as needed.

    • These jobs are critical and we are proud to say at Creekside Vet we have standout surgical team ready to assist your pet.

  • We will always do presurgical examination and anesthesia protocols are choosen in an individualized manner for your pet.

  • We offer pre anesthesia bloodwork to be sure there are not any underlying health issues that may effect the surgical procedure or safety of anesthesia.

    • If we find an issue it doesn't mean surgery isn't an option, but it will mean we carefully selected the correct medications for your pet and may have additional staff available for the surgery.

  • We have a seperate "prep area" where we shave and clean your pet up for surgery and a stand alone surgery room where the procedures are performed.

  • Your pet will then recovery in one of species specific recovery suites.

  • If you'd like to tour our surgical suite just give us a call at (608) 767-1400 and we'd be more than happy to accomdate you!



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Jan 31

4 min read

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