Cat Breeding and Birth

Overview and Facts

Overview

• When a Cat is in Heat
The number of days a cat is in heat, the phase of the reproductive cycle when the queen (female cat) is receptive to the tom (male cat), varies.

Read More ›

Facts

• Reproduction in Cats
Cats are truly prolific when it comes to reproduction, and since ancient times when the Egyptians worshipped cats as a fertility symbol, the queen has been associated with fecundity.

Read More ›

Need to Know

Choosing a Program

• Breeding Your Cat
Any responsible breeding program will require complete medical check-ups for all breeding pairs. These check-ups include blood tests, x-rays, and tests for sexually transmitted diseases. All cats involved in the breeding program should have a well documented medical history, and preferably the medical history of their parents and siblings. The breeding program should also pay particular attention to the cat’s genetic background as well.

Read More ›

Helpful Tips

• Care for a Dog or Cat During Pregnancy and Birth
• What to do If Your Pet Is Having Trouble Giving Birth
• Benefits and Risks of a Cat Breast Feeding
Once a cat has kittens, breast feeding the kittens is the best way to ensure that the kittens are receiving all of their nutritional requirements. While there are risks that can occur when a cat breast feeds her litter, the benefits of breast feeding far outweigh the risks.

Read More ›
• Caring for Kittens Until They Are Weaned
In the first 4 weeks the mother provides all the nutrition that they need. If for some reason she is not producing enough milk, you will hear the kittens crying, they will be restless or weak, may have a weak suckle reflex, and will not be gaining weight.

Read More ›