Age at first mating
Most often, the first heat in Maine Coon cats occurs at the age of 7 months, but at this time it is not recommended to breed a pet with a cat - mating at such an early age can negatively affect the health of the furry pet and future offspring.
If a cat is experiencing early puberty, she should be bred during her third heat, usually between 10 months and one and a half years. Otherwise, the animal may develop health problems such as hormonal imbalance or even uterine inflammation.
Mating of animals when they reach early puberty is carried out only after examination and obtaining permission from a veterinarian - this minimizes the risk of the owner’s name being included in the list of violators of the Maine Coon breeding rules.
How to understand that a Maine Coon has been mated
For the first mating, the cat is brought in on the second day of estrus - a little in advance, so that she has time to get used to the environment and get to know her partner. A cat that has given birth can be taken for 3-4 days. You no longer need a lot of time to get to know each other; partners will get down to business right away.
Quite often, contact occurs at night, when nothing disturbs the animals, so the “receiving party” is not always confident in the success of the mating. The fact that the act took place is evidenced by the behavior of the Maine Coons. The cat favorably accepts the caresses of the partner, fawns over him, and purrs contentedly.
Interesting! Maine Coons are capable of mating up to 15 times a day.
During repeated attempts at mating, the cat does not encounter resistance, but it is not advisable to leave the animals together for a long time. A week after the first mating, the cat may ovulate again and conceive again.
All kittens will be born on time, but the litter will be weakened, and those conceived a second time will most likely not be viable.
There is no need to separate animals immediately after contact. It is better to give them the opportunity to be together - during this time the cat’s hormonal levels will change. 2-4 days after the mating is completed, you can take her home.
Mating is considered complete if pregnancy occurs. Sure signs of an “interesting situation” will appear in 3 weeks.
In order to preserve the health of a Maine Coon cat for a long time and its reproductive abilities, it should be bred no more than 3 times in 2 years. A stud cat needs to mate 2–3 times a month.
The reproductive period of Maine Coons lasts up to 8 years. Estrus in cats and interest in the opposite sex in cats may not fade into old age, but it is not worth breeding “elderly” maines.
Cats have an increased risk of complications during birth. In old cats, the seed material may be defective - the possibility of giving birth to an offspring with genetic abnormalities increases.
Breeding purebred cats is not only profitable, but also a very responsible business. Owners of Maine Coons and cats of other breeds should understand that the health of the pet and its comfort are important aspects that need to be paid special attention to. This mostly applies to females.
Matings that are too early or late, frequent births and diseases not detected in time can significantly shorten the life of an animal.
Manifestation of estrus in a cat
Signs of the first heat in a purebred Maine Coon cat:
- causeless excitement;
- poor sleep;
- loss of appetite;
- frequent urination;
- aggressive behavior;
- loud and prolonged meowing.
The estrus cycle consists of 3 stages:
- Proestrus. The pet behaves restlessly and requires affection from its owners.
- Estrus. The middle of the cycle is when your chances of getting pregnant are greatest. The animal arches its back, rolls on the floor and meows regularly.
- Metestrus. The furry pet has a weak appetite and strong thirst. She is losing weight sharply, and her coat is losing its former shine.
Estrus lasts from a week to 12 days - its duration directly depends on hereditary factors, nutrition and the health status of the pet. Then comes anestrus - a time of absence of sexual activity in a Maine Coon cat lasting from 6 to 10 weeks.
Note! During the period of heat, the cat tries to get outside, so it is important to monitor her movements in order to prevent mating with an outdoor cat.
How often does estrus occur and how long does it last?
The duration of estrus depends on the individual characteristics of the animal. If in the wild the body adapts to many external factors - changes in weather, day length and amount of food, which is why their estrus occurs twice a year (spring - summer, summer - autumn), then domestic cats, for example, Maine cats Coons can flow throughout the year until they become pregnant.
The average duration of the estrus period is 7-11 days, and if conception occurs, the cat calms down the next day. The estrous cycle, or the duration between the end of the “empty” period and the beginning of the next estrus, is 1-2 months. Sometimes a phenomenon called nymphomania occurs. In this case, the duration of the period of sexual activity is 4-6 weeks. Then the cat causes a lot of trouble for the owners, and it urgently needs to be bred or sterilized. With such a phenomenon, surgery is permissible.
First heat
Despite the fact that Maine Coons are a slow maturing breed, the first estrus does not depend on psychological age and most often begins at 6-10 months.
Pets can be mated as early as one year old, but it is recommended to skip the first heat.
There is a myth that if animals are bred early, their growth will slow down. Therefore, many breeders do not do this earlier than 2-3 years, and this is wrong, since the sooner the better. Wasted estrus is very undesirable and harmful to the mental and physical health of the pet; the optimal age for mating Maine Coons is 10-15 months, but provided that the cat is not in heat for the first time. If this is delayed, the fluffy may have problems with hormonal imbalance. Therefore, if the owner does not plan to breed kittens, which can only be done by owners of animals with excellent pedigree, the cat needs to be sterilized, and it is advisable to do this before the first heat.
Choosing a partner
When choosing a pair for a Maine Coon, a number of parameters are taken into account:
- coat color;
- pedigree;
- experience in mating;
- participation in exhibitions.
The best option for finding a Maine Coon partner is a feline club. You can find a match for your favorite pet using newspapers or the Internet. When participating in animal shows, it is recommended to exchange contact information in advance with the owners of a potential partner for your furry pet.
Important! If Maine Coons preparing for mating have common relatives, their mating should first be discussed with a specialist. If close family ties are identified, mating must be abandoned - mating can cause the birth of sick offspring.
Where and how does it happen
[ads-pc-1] Mating of Maine Coons usually takes place on the territory of the cat - a familiar environment is especially important for him. Of course, there are cats that are capable of reproducing anywhere and under any conditions, but only a few of them are animals with a stable nervous system. Many cats, finding themselves in an unfamiliar house, get lost and fall into a stupor, seeing the cat not as a potential partner, but as the mistress of someone else’s territory, who can attack the stranger. Of course, there can be no talk of any love - the Maine Coon is only concerned about its own safety.
Preparing animals for mating
The cat must also get used to the unusual place, so it needs to be transported to the cat in advance, a day or two before the intended mating. Animals must get to know and like each other. Of course, for cats this process is not too long, but just in case you need to leave a little time in reserve in case unexpected difficulties arise in communication. Some couples find a common language in a matter of hours, others can spend a whole day searching for mutual understanding.
The female coon is taken to the cat on the second day of heat, and personal items are brought with her - a tray, bowls for food and water, the usual food, as well as a copy of the pedigree. If a cat reacts violently to the appearance of a cat and expresses interest, he most likely liked her. If he is indifferent to her, turns away and leaves, the mating will not work, which means the pet can be taken home. Before mating, it is advisable to shorten the Maine Coon's claws so that they do not scratch each other in the process of sorting out the relationship.
At the first mating, it may take the cat two days to understand what is happening and allow the cat to come near her. Therefore, it is recommended to bring an untied cat only to an experienced stud cat on the second day of estrus. An untied cat can be delivered to the house of the future father of the kittens on the third day - she already understands what’s what and will not waste time. They do the same with an untied cat - an experienced cat is selected for his first mating. The cat does not always become pregnant after the first mating - in this case, the animals meet again, after some time.
Useful to read: Sterilization of a Maine Coon: why, when and how?
Room and setting for a date
Typically, a pair of Maine Coons is placed in an enclosed space; there should be little furniture so that the cat can, if necessary, hide from the cat, but remain in his field of vision. If the room is cluttered with objects, the acquaintance process may be delayed, which will have an adverse effect on mating - it may simply not take place, because the animals will get tired and lose interest in each other.
Some Maine Coons behave noisily when mating, others, on the contrary, are so quiet that the owners cannot immediately understand whether the mating has taken place. The behavior of a cat and a cat can also be different: some animals are affectionate, others are nervous and even aggressive - everything is very individual, but usually the result is not long in coming.
As a rule, Maine Coons do not require assistance during the mating process, but in some cases human intervention is necessary - for example, if the cat takes an uncomfortable position for the cat, it must be supported in a position suitable for mating.
Preparing the premises
Mating is most often carried out in the place where the cat lives - a familiar environment has a beneficial effect on the mating process, since success largely depends on the behavior of the Maine Coon boy.
First, you need to remove all fragile things from the room so that the cat does not break anything and harm itself. It is advisable to leave the maximum amount of free space so that the animals do not get too tired during mating games, otherwise mating may not occur.
During a meeting between pets, you should close the meeting room and not disturb the animals - a calm environment will have a beneficial effect on their acquaintance.
Note! When bringing your pet to a cat’s house for mating, you need to take with you its tray, food, plates for food and water - this will help it quickly adapt to a new place.
How to calm an animal?
If you do not plan to breed Maine Coons, the easiest way to save yourself and your cat from constant stress is sterilization. Some breeders are against the procedure, they consider this operation inhumane, and prefer to give Maine Coons sedative hormonal drugs, but this is extremely risky. Due to such medications, cats may experience hormonal imbalance, which can lead to cancer, multiple cysts and purulent inflammation of the uterus.
Such sedatives can be given to a cat after mating. Having given birth to kittens, the furry kunsha needs rest for 1-2 heats in order to restore the body. For these purposes, sedatives made from herbs are also used; they have less effect on the nervous system and are not addictive. But you should definitely consult a veterinarian. The main thing is to show patience and kindness when your cat is walking. She needs to be picked up more often, stroked, and possibly distracted with games. At night, it is advisable not to leave your pet alone, much less close it. When going outside, you must wear a leash.
Knitting process
When preparing and the actual mating process of Maine Coons, pay attention to the following conditions:
- Before the first mating, it is recommended to bring a young cat to the cat’s house in advance so that the animals can get to know each other. When a cat does not approach, it is better to immediately consider another option, since cats of this breed rarely change their decision.
- If the male pet does not show activity towards the female, but does not try to leave the room, you can help the couple - to do this, lift the tail of the Maine Coon girl and carefully bring it to the cat.
- The duration of mating ranges from 1 to 5 days - during this time the Maine Coon girl cannot be taken from the groom’s home.
- Successful mating is characterized by a contented purr from the cat - she behaves affectionately towards the cat and rolls contentedly on the floor. She is taken away from the cat's home immediately after mating.
From the beginning of estrus to the birth of kittens
Pyometra is a severe infectious disease of the endometrium, accompanied by the accumulation of pus in the uterus, which can be discharged from the vagina.
Most often, the causative agent of pyometra in cats is E.coli, a little less often - staphylococcus and streptococcus. The diagnosis of pyometra is based on the medical history, the pattern of clinical signs and the results of a complete clinical examination. Pyometra can occur in cats of any age, including those who have not given birth. Suspicion of pyometra should not be removed until this diagnosis has been completely excluded in any case of vaginal discharge in a cat.
Ultrasound allows you to most reliably diagnose pyometra
Pyometra can be detected using x-rays. But it is necessary to distinguish it from pregnancy, since in both cases the uterus increases in size.
Common symptoms of pyometra in cats are vaginal discharge, lethargy, anorexia, abdominal enlargement, dehydration and fever. Leukocytosis is also often observed. An enlarged uterus can be observed with an x-ray or ultrasound of the abdominal cavity. If pyometra develops when the cervix is closed, without vaginal discharge, then the volume of the abdominal cavity greatly increases in the cat, and the disease can be very serious. The risk of uterine rupture and septic peritonitis increases. Pyometra can be partial, with an accumulation of pus in one part of the uterus and with the presence of live fetuses in the other.
Treatment methods for pyometra can be varied, and their choice depends on many factors.
If the cat's clinical condition is concerning, the doctor will stabilize it with perfusion therapy, antibiotic therapy, and surgery. Ovariohysterectomy is the best treatment option for most cats with pyometra, especially those in critical condition, although this method itself is not without risks. According to studies, 8% of cats die after surgery or have to be euthanized. In 21% of cases, complications such as anorexia, lethargy, fever and vomiting are observed.
If we are talking about a valuable breeding cat, perhaps, based on the results of a clinical examination, the doctor will be able to suggest a conservative method of treatment. Typically, antibiotics and prostaglandins are used in combination to treat pyometra.
Treatment with prostaglandins promotes fluid evacuation by stimulating contractions of uterine smooth muscle. It can be prescribed to young cats that are in satisfactory condition, without obvious signs of retained placenta or live fetuses based on ultrasound results.
There are various schemes for the use of prostaglandins. Some of them prescribe the administration of high doses to the animal in several doses, others - small doses with frequent use. Treatment with prostaglandins in cats often produces side effects that usually last more than an hour after injection (screaming, shortness of breath, restlessness, intense licking of fur, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea). Treatment (at least the first injections) should be carried out under the supervision of a veterinarian.
In some countries there is a drug on the market whose commercial name is aglepristone. This substance blocks progesterone receptors and is administered parenterally. Sometimes it is used for cats, going beyond its main purpose - an abortifacient. The drug has already proven its effectiveness in the treatment of pyometra in reproductive bitches. The first results of its use in cats are also promising.
After completion of therapy, the cat should be monitored by a doctor for at least two weeks. She can be bred to the next heat after the end of treatment. The effectiveness of treatment depends on the degree of damage to the uterus. Many cats experience relapses. The progressive and recurrent nature of the gastrointestinal tract-pyometra complex justifies the most urgent possible exclusion of affected cats from breeding.
Sexual desire in a sterilized cat
The surgical procedure used to prevent pregnancy is commonly called sterilization. In practice, the animal undergoes one of three operations:
- tubal occlusion: tubal ligation;
- oophorectomy - removal of the ovaries;
- Ovariohysterectomy - simultaneous removal of the uterus and ovaries.
Tubal ligation does not stop the maturation of the follicles, creating an obstacle to the fertilized egg entering the uterus. The hormonal background does not undergo changes, the occurrence of heat in a pet that has been sterilized by tubal ligation is the norm. The cessation of sexual activity occurs as a result of oophorectomy or ovariohysterectomy. These two procedures protect the pet well from inflammation of the uterus, ovarian cancer, polycystic disease, and similar diseases.
Is it possible to sterilize a cat at this time?
Sterilization during the rutting period is strictly prohibited. A gross change in the development of hormonal processes will negatively affect the health of any animal. The procedure is recommended two weeks before or two weeks after the active phase.
Kittens predisposed to the development of mammary gland cancer are sterilized before the first heat, the permissible age is six months or a little more, weight is more than three kilograms. The rest are sterilized after the first heat. The signs are not always obvious; there is a danger of missing the deadline and performing the operation when the pet is in a state of activity, which is strictly contraindicated.
Documents are not only whiskers, paws and tail
In order for everything connected with the birth of kittens to go well, mutual understanding is necessary not only between the future coon parents, but also between their owners. Mating of Maine Coons is usually documented. It is necessary to draw up a mating agreement that specifies the obligations of both parties. While the cat is in the cat’s territory, the owner of the Maine Coon bears full responsibility for it. The contract specifies the names of the Maine Coons, the owners of the animals and their addresses. The document is signed by both parties. It contains information about the health status of Maine Coons, mating conditions, fees for mating, and also discusses the procedure for a failed mating. The contract specifies the costs of keeping kittens and the procedure for their registration and documentation.
Payment
Usually, for mating, the cat owner receives a fixed amount or one kitten from the litter, but he has the right to know all the information about the kittens born as a result of mating. When only one kitten is born, the owner of the coon cat receives half the price of the kitten upon sale.
If mutually desired, animal owners can stipulate a different payment method in the contract. A mating agreement helps to avoid conflict situations that often arise when dividing offspring between owners of parent coons.
Owners of breeding Maine Coons often keep records where they note not only the mating dates and names of the animals, but also the color and behavioral characteristics of the cats. Often this information is indicated in the female's veterinary passport. This is necessary for the optimal selection of pairs from which healthy offspring are born with a sought-after color and well-defined breed characteristics.
Castration of cats
A Maine Coon can be neutered at 5-7 months. The operation is performed for medical reasons (changes in hormonal levels, the occurrence of tumors), or for animals not participating in a breeding career. The life expectancy of Maines is 15 years. After castration of a Maine Coon, the pet lives 5-7 years longer than its relatives (not neutered). The cat becomes calm and less susceptible to urolithiasis. This is due to the lack of stress due to unmet needs and lack of desire for mating.
