For some owners, heterosexual pets living together often breed without assistance. The owner only after the fact learns about mating cats on a rounded tummy in a female. However, the responsible breeder before the mating, during and after it, follows certain rules that help to acquire healthy kittens. We will talk about this.
When can I knit a cat?
In order not to harm your health, the first thing you need to figure out is when you can knit a cat for the first time. In living beings, puberty occurs earlier than physical. You should focus on the latter, since pregnancy and childbirth are a big risk for an incompletely formed organism.
In females, the first estrus occurs in 6–9 months (although there are cases when in 4–5 months), but for the first time it is possible to reduce “groom” only at the age of 11–15 months. Ideally, a third estrus. Cats reach puberty by about 8-10 months, but mate them only at 14-18.
Remember: if you value your cat, do not mate more than twice a year.
To get healthy offspring, you need to know on which day of estrus it is best to knit a cat. Usually it lasts up to 10 days. Experienced breeders recommend sending the female to the house of the “groom” on the 3rd day after the appearance of signs of sexual hunting.
Signs of estrus:
frequent purring, meowing and rumbling;
discharge from the genitals;
a sharp change of mood (the animal takes on the owner, and then suddenly begins to bite), signs of excitement;
head and body rubbing against people and objects;
loss of appetite;
turning the tail to the side when stroking in the area of the croup;
sometimes marking the territory.
Basic rules for breeding cats
For help or just for advice, it is always better to contact experienced breeders, since each breed has its own characteristics. However, for the mating of any feline, the following rules apply:
You can find a cat or a cat for mating through ads on the Internet, at exhibitions or through a club.
Producers must fully comply with breed standards, have confirming diplomas from exhibitions and test results for genetic diseases.
Both parents must be healthy and must be vaccinated. Before mating, it is forbidden to use any hormonal preparations. Two weeks before the “wedding”, anthelmintic is given to prospective parents.
The female is not recommended to bathe, as the bright aroma of shampoo interrupts the smell of pheromones, attracting the male.
On the eve of the “cat's wedding,” both pets have their claws trimmed so they don’t hurt each other.
Together with the expectant mother, a tray, a bowl, and food are transferred to the male’s dwelling. In order to make her better at home in a temporary house (she will stay there for 1-3 days), she should also take her favorite things: toys (link to an article about toys for cats), a scratching post.
During the first meeting, at least one owner must be present in order to separate the animals in the event of a fight. Only after reconciliation "newlyweds" are left alone.
The female is taken home when the male loses interest in her.
How does a cat behave after mating?
In cats, sexual intercourse lasts only about 20 seconds, but during the day there are about 15. It depends on the temperament of the animals.
After mating, the female often hits the male with his paw and fidgets on the floor. For several days, she continues to behave uneasily or aggressively, takes her tail away when stroking. This is normal behavior. Transparent highlighting is also possible. Soon estrus stops and these symptoms go away.
Sometimes some time later a second estrus occurs, but a second mating cannot be done if less than 70 days have passed since the first one. Otherwise, embryos of unequal age may be in the uterus.
3 weeks after a productive mating, signs of pregnancy are usually already noticeable:
changes in behavior, the animal becomes more careful and / or affectionate;
on palpation, the uterus is felt enlarged;
swelling of the nipples and mammary glands;
Rounding the abdomen.
At about 5-6 weeks, kittens can already be counted if you gently touch the stomach.
After mating, give your pet more attention, feed exclusively high-quality food. After all, nutritious food should be enough not only for mom, but also for the emerging offspring. And prepare a place for childbirth in advance.