Breeding a cat involves a complex and fascinating process, from understanding the reproductive cycles of both males and females to the intricacies of mating itself. Before embarking on breeding, it’s crucial for owners to be well-informed about what’s involved in reproduction and the delivery of healthy kittens. Sometimes, breeding may not be the ideal choice for every cat owner.
Understanding the Male Cat (The Tom)
A male cat, known as a tomcat, reaches sexual maturity and is capable of fertilizing a female cat around 6 to 8 months of age. The reproductive lifespan of a tomcat can extend for 14 years or more. For those considering breeding their male cat, it’s important that he originates from a healthy litter of good size, and that his mother had no difficulties during birth or while raising her kittens. The reproductive health of the male feline tract is essential for successful breeding.
Understanding the Female Cat (The Queen)
The breeding season for cats typically begins in January or February and continues through October or November. During this period, the female cat, called the queen, experiences heat cycles multiple times. These cycles are significantly influenced by the ratio of daylight to darkness and ambient temperature. For instance, in cat colonies with approximately 14 hours of light and 10 hours of darkness, along with consistent temperatures, female cats may remain in the breeding cycle year-round.
A female cat can become fertile as early as 7 to 9 months of age and can remain fertile for another 7 to 9 years. While exceptions exist, most cats are no longer capable of bearing kittens after this period. Similar to males, females intended for breeding should come from a healthy litter of good size, with a mother who delivered easily and exhibited regular heat cycles. Obtaining a thorough history and conducting a complete physical examination are vital steps in detecting potential genetic disorders or illnesses.
In approximately 20 percent of females, the actual heat cycle is preceded by a period of up to two days. During this time, the cat may exhibit behaviors such as rubbing against objects, persistent meowing, treading in place, and rolling on the floor. However, she will not permit the male cat to mount her. Unsuspecting owners might mistake these hormonal surges for pain. The heat cycle in a cat typically lasts between three to 20 days, with an average of 5 to 8 days. The interval between the end of one heat cycle and the beginning of the next generally ranges from 3 to 14 days, averaging around 10 days. Consequently, a female cat cycles roughly every 12 to 20 days during the breeding season.
Hormonal changes occur in the cycling queen until mating takes place. Estrogen is responsible for initiating the heat cycle, while progesterone is necessary for maintaining pregnancy. When estrogen levels rise, the queen enters heat, and when they fall, the heat cycle concludes. This fluctuation of estrogen continues until the queen is mated.
The Mating Process: Key Details
As the female is less sensitive to environmental changes when in heat, she is typically brought to the male cat for breeding. Once together, the mating process itself is quite brief, lasting anywhere from half a minute to about 4 minutes. Initially, the male will bite the female’s neck, mount her, and position himself on top. He then thrusts his pelvis to achieve penetration, which usually lasts for approximately 4 seconds.
During this final stage or shortly after, the female may vocalize loudly (scream) and attempt to disengage by turning, rolling, or striking the male with her paw. Following the act, she will experience an “after-reaction,” which may involve rolling, thrashing, and grooming herself, and can last up to 9 minutes. The intervals between subsequent matings can be as short as 5 minutes or as long as half an hour. A female cat may allow up to 30 matings, and research indicates that if only a single mating is permitted, only about 50 percent of queens will become pregnant. Female cats are not overly particular and may mate with various males, which can result in kittens within the same litter having different fathers. Each kitten, however, has only one biological father.
Understanding Cat Pregnancy
The duration of pregnancy in cats is typically between 64 to 69 days. Pregnancy can be diagnosed by palpating the queen’s abdomen or through ultrasound. An experienced individual can often feel the pregnant uterus as early as day 16 of gestation, at which point it may feel like a string of pearls. After the 20th day of pregnancy, fetuses are usually palpable in a relaxed queen.
Ultrasound is a valuable tool for confirming pregnancy, monitoring fetal development, and assessing fetal heart rates, and can be performed from day 26 of gestation until birth. Some queens may exhibit enlarged and pink-tinged mammary glands as early as the 18th day of pregnancy. For those interested in adopting a kitten, there are many shelters and rescues where you can find a perfect companion.
Conclusion
The domestic cat mating process is a complex biological event requiring a thorough understanding of feline reproductive cycles and behaviors. Responsible breeding involves careful selection of breeding pairs, awareness of the mating process, and attentive care during pregnancy. By staying informed, owners can ensure the well-being of their cats throughout the reproductive journey.
