Owners of male cats who decide to mate their pets and get offspring have a lot of questions. One of them is how a cat should behave after mating and what signs can be used to determine whether the mating was successful.
The behavior of an animal depends on many factors, but we should not forget that each pet has its own character and temperament, which influences any manifestations of sexual behavior. Nevertheless, there are general standards that owners can follow.
Why does a cat still “flow” after mating?
In fact, everything is natural and natural.
Usually, for several hours and even days after coitus, the female will behave restlessly, continue to purr, roll on the floor and raise her tail when any touch to the rump. The phenomenon is explained simply: during estrus, a huge amount of sex hormones are released into the blood and it takes some time for the body to adjust to the normal regime. Ovulation occurs somewhere 24-36 hours after intercourse, it is quite logical that the animal will still be in heat for at least a day and then it will take another 2-3 days for all the accompanying symptoms to subside.
In such cases, they focus on the cat’s behavior. If he has lost all interest in the imported bride, then ovulation has occurred and the expectant mother can safely be taken home.
Sometimes, even after successful fertilization, the female experiences a repeat (superfetation) and again asks for a cat. The phenomenon is associated with decreased progesterone levels during the current pregnancy. Under no circumstances should repeated mating be allowed, especially if 2 months (65-70 days) have not yet passed since the previous one, otherwise there will be two batches of embryos of different ages in the uterus at once. There are two possible developments:
- timely birth, while the younger litter dies,
- the cat first gives birth to the first litter, and a few weeks later the second.
General advice for novice cat owners
Until the first mating.
You need to think about your boy’s productive abilities even BEFORE purchasing him.
Are you ready to go to exhibitions with him? Are you ready to provide a place for mating? Host “young guys”? And their owners? Are you ready to go to these owners later to choose a kitten from the litter? Will you be able to provide your future child with new owners? Will you be able to give your boy a decent career? From early childhood, your pet needs good nutrition, excellent vitamins, fresh air (possibly in an apartment), excellent upbringing, and so on. Otherwise, you will not be able to provide the future sire with excellent health, which is so necessary for breeding, for the future children of your cat, and for trips to exhibitions. And your boy will need exhibitions from the very beginning: the boy must learn to behave at exhibitions, learn to be an advertisement for himself and his children. (If you are not able to provide your cat with everything listed above, for example, due to lack of time or desire to go to exhibitions, then it is better to think about his timely castration. And do not entertain yourself with the illusion that the cat “doesn’t need anything.” Don’t torment its “nature.” You can read about castration and sterilization, the pros and cons in the relevant sections of our website). Remember that the bride chooses the groom, and not vice versa. At the same time, the groom must apply all his Kotovsky abilities to “producing” excellent children. The better the kids turn out, the faster the fame of your cat will spread among breeders who have brides of your breed. Therefore, try to learn and figure out what matings can lead to culling and in what quantities.
Try not to agree to breed with those cats who are likely to give birth to a significant number of unwanted kittens. The uselessness can be very diverse: with some matings, frankly sick kittens can be obtained, with others - absolutely healthy, but completely “non-commercial” colors, in third cases - unjustified inbreeding, etc. Please note that in felinological circles, the fame of a cat’s productive qualities spreads VERY quickly, and anti-advertising spreads at the speed of light. And no one will figure out who is to blame for the birth of unwanted kittens: the cat or the female cat. Hosts of the brides
They will learn that there is no need to go to your cat, since he gives birth to black-brown or green kittens. Although this will not be the case at all, the “mothers” will then have to deal with the kittens. Therefore, they will go to a weak manufacturer only as a last resort. And your wonderful producer will be undeservedly forgotten and undeservedly suffer from the lack of brides. In any case, before the first mating, your cat must be vaccinated, medically and felinologically checked. That is, to be an excellent student both in terms of health and in terms of compliance with the standards of your breed. It is very good if the bride’s owners ask you for the cat’s veterinary passport. Don't be offended. Be sure to show that the worthy groom is not only absolutely healthy, but also vaccinated on time. Ask to be presented with the bride's passport BEFORE the bride and groom have privacy.
If everything is in order, then ask to move the bride to the “matrimonial room” (this could be the bathroom or kitchen). Open the door of your daughter-in-law's carrier. And leave. Leave the young people alone. At least for a few hours. If you hear a heartbreaking scream from the matrimonial room, do not be alarmed, this is a sign of a completed mating. Take a look, you should see that the cat is rolling around on the floor and vigorously licking itself. This means your boy has become not a boy, but a husband. Call the cat's owner and celebrate the accomplished fact. From this moment, count down the 1.5 days that your cat still needs. And the cat can be given to the owner. As a preliminary formality, discuss with the cat's owner all the conditions for mating: Will you breed for money or for a kitten from the litter? For the best kitten or for two, but not the best? When, who and where will choose the “best”? What to do if there are only two kittens in the litter? What if there is only one? What if it's seven? What if four are born and only one survives? Try to discuss a variety of options and write them down in the mating agreement.
First matings.
For the owner of an inexperienced cat, his first matings are always very exciting. Try to have an experienced cat as your first bride. Then she herself will teach your young man everything. Do not try to immediately transfer all the financial costs that you have invested in exhibitions, in vaccinations, in caring for your cat to the owner of the first bride. You don’t yet imagine the result. In general, the first matings are not always successful. That is, even if the cat, at first glance, coped with its duties, this does not mean that the cat became pregnant. In this case, you must provide re-mating for the “missing” cat for FREE. No matter how inconvenient it may be for you.
It often happens that after the first or first few matings, the cat begins to intensively mark his space. Under no circumstances should you let this behavior of your older man get away with it. I really liked Tatyana Sergun’s article “HOW TO TRAIN A CAT TO MARK TERRITORY.” The essence of the article comes down to the fact that you must prove to the cat that you are the boss of the house, and not him, even though he has matured. I didn't have to use ALL the methods suggested in the article. It was enough to catch the cat at the “scene of the crime” once, grab him by the scruff of the neck like a kitten, lift him so that he literally put his tail between his legs and, constantly looking into his eyes, sternly reprimanding him, take him to the tray. This is the place where the cat is allowed to mark. And he understands this. You just need to remind him of this in time. And remind you so that your beloved and unique never forgets about it.
After the first 5-7 matings, the cat, as a rule, loses quite a lot of weight and sometimes needs 2-3 months to recover. You should take this into account when planning your child’s exhibition career. If, on the contrary, one does not give him the opportunity to realize his sexual needs, then this also leads to hormonal disruptions in the young body. So, as always, we must try to stick to the golden mean. And where it is, this middle, no one except you yourself can tell you. Only you know and feel your boy like no one else. And further. Remember that communication with cats also means communication with their owners. The more polite (without servility) and more competent you communicate with the owners of your “daughters-in-law,” the greater the demand for your cat will be. Three to four weeks after mating, call your “daughter-in-law” and find out how she is feeling. This elementary politeness is not so tiresome, and you will find out whether the cat will become a dad. And any cat breeder will be pleased to communicate with you if interest in the “daughter-in-law”, her health and her pregnancy can be shared with “relatives”.
And one last thing. From the very first mating, keep a journal and meticulously write down everything there: mating with such and such a cat, of such and such breed and color, of such and such age and with such and such behavior, took place (or did not take place) on such and such a date, month, or year . How long did the cat sit, hiding from the cat? How long did it take to knit and how? All these records will be useful to you not only for calculating the date of birth, but also for further analysis and conclusions. After all, there are cats that do not like a certain color or breed. And there are cats that, for one reason or another, give birth to 2 kittens from one cat, and 6 from others. And many, many such notes will help you in the future to more competently choose brides for your “son”.
Experienced "husband".
It’s unlikely that any advice is needed here, because with the experience of the cat comes the experience of the breeder. There is probably no need to remind you that the cat must have permanent vaccinations (that is, vaccinations must be done at least once a year). It is advisable to carry out preventive veterinary control: take tests and check the heart and coat, kidneys and blood. After all, your cat is at increased risk due to frequent meetings with strangers. Keep track of the type (according to the breed standard) of kittens - your children. If you, the buyers and the judges no longer like him, then you need to be able to stop in time and let your cat go to rest. If, at the same time, he does not suffer, great. And if it does, then don’t torture his “nature”, castrate him. You will get a calm, cheerful, satisfied creature. And keep loving him! Sofya Petrovna Krasnoselskaya – owner of the elite cattery “Sweet Way”, WCF expert of the international category for all cat breeds
Sexual viability
The ability to reproduce in representatives of the cat family is called sexual maturity. Females reach this state by 6-8 months, males - 4-5 weeks later. The sexual hunt begins: “girls” go into heat, and “boys” have an increase in testosterone levels, which is manifested by increased aggression and marking of territory.
However, the time has not yet come for the first mating at such a “tender” age. Risk factors for premature mating include:
- slower growth and development;
- deterioration in appearance;
- complications of pregnancy and childbirth;
- the birth of weak or stillborn babies;
- the threat of infertility (for “girls”) and impotence (for “boys”).
For romantic dates, you need to wait for structural formation, physiological and psychological maturity. The optimal age of a cat for the first mating is 14-15 months. At this point, Murka is going through 2-3 heats.
It’s also not worth delaying fertilization. You can’t let your pussy stay “in the girls” for too long. Owners who delay untying their pet for up to one and a half years should be aware of the possible consequences for its health:
- polycystic disease;
- inflammation of the uterus;
- false pregnancies;
- stress;
- exhaustion.
“Grooms” are physiologically ready to perform reproductive functions at the age of 12-13 months.
How do you know when lambing is approaching?
Just before lambing, the belly drops to the hips, the cat becomes noticeably more restless, especially the first-time mother. Body temperature may drop to 37 °C. She screams, calls her owner, tears the paper in the prepared box, or hides in secluded places. At this moment it cannot be ignored. The owner requires affection and patience. You can find out about an imminent birth by the nipples, from which milk begins to be released.
Lambing begins with the loss of amniotic fluid and can last up to 24 hours . The first kitten is born about an hour after contractions. The rest are at intervals of 10 minutes. From 2 to 7 kittens are born. If contractions continue for a long time - 3-5 hours or more, you need to call a veterinarian. After labor has stopped, the abdomen is carefully felt to ensure that all kittens have been born. Born kittens must be placed with their mother in a warm, draft-free nest. Often, a cat hides its newborns in secluded corners until the babies begin to move independently.
After mating, the cat vomits, diarrhea, does she have a fever?
Such symptoms, although quite rare, do occur. Why is this happening?
- Consequences of stress: change of environment, rampant hormones, etc.
- Stomach upset as a result of a sudden change in food, if the owners of the female for some reason forgot to transfer the usual food to the temporary place of residence.
- Food poisoning, which are in no way related to cages, but are a coincidence of two phenomena in time.
Very rarely, if cat owners are negligent about vaccination, a cat can pick up a pathogenic virus in someone else’s home. There have been cases when, after mating, a female became infected with calcivirosis, rhinotracheitis, panleukopenia, rhintotracheitis, etc.
That is why it is so important to check the breeder’s veterinary passport before mating and inquire about the vaccinations given. Even a healthy-looking cat, which is full of strength and energy, can turn out to be an “incubator” (a carrier of the virus) and transmit a terrible and dangerous disease to its lover. By the way, cat owners should also not forget about preventive vaccination.
How to find out if a cat is pregnant after mating7
Unfortunately, there are no pregnancy tests for cats. The owner will have to rely on psychological and physical signs of conception.
Table. Symptoms of pregnancy in a cat
Signs of pregnancy | Detailed description |
Not in heat | From 2 times a month to 1 time every 3 months. If the expected date is approaching, and the animal does not show any signs of readiness to mate with the cat, most likely she will soon become a mother. Do not forget that estrus can also occur during pregnancy - at 3-6 weeks. Therefore, it is not worth judging the occurrence of pregnancy only by this sign. |
Nipples change color | They are usually flesh-colored or slightly darker. During pregnancy, the nipples become bright pink. This is especially noticeable when the cat is preparing to become a mother for the first time. |
Drowsiness, weakness, lack of desire to play or frolic | Just like humans, cats have hormonal changes during pregnancy. Therefore, there is a change in mood, behavior, taste preferences |
Behavior change | The pet becomes overly caring, demands more attention and affection from the owner, begins to spend a lot of time in the same place and arrange it |
Tummy rounding | At the same time, the cat does not look blurry, as is the case with obesity. |
Mating should be carried out after 1 heat. Pregnancy should occur no more than 2 times a year. Since regular childbirth torments the animal.
It is worth noting that before 21 days it is not possible to find out whether a cat will become a mother. The first signs of conception and the possibility of an ultrasound will appear only after the specified period.
Ultrasound
First contact requirements
A partner for a meowing ward is found in advance. They look through advertisements, go to exhibitions, prepare their pet for the decisive meeting.
Rules for mating cats:
- To avoid dangerous pathologies, estrus cannot be stopped with hormonal or other drugs.
- The first mating of cats requires a fully completed vaccination plan (4 weeks must pass after the last immunization).
- Half a month before intercourse, deworming is carried out.
- On the day of the meeting, the “bride” (as well as the “groom”) have their claws trimmed to avoid injury.
- It is wrong to bathe cats before mating: soap and shampoos muffle the smell of pheromones.
- At the crucial hour, they make sure that the female is moderately well-fed, well-groomed, with clean ears, clear eyes, and a shiny nose.
Mating a cat and its conditions:
- The breeder is supposed to be healthy, vaccinated, treated for worms, and externally well-groomed.
- To stimulate sexual activity, it is recommended to enrich the menu with B vitamins a couple of days before intimacy.
- The cat owner, as the owner of the “mating station”, is obliged to ensure that the meeting is successful: organize an acquaintance, competently stimulate the development of sexual relations, and be responsible for the comfort and safety of the furry guest.
The meeting of a pair of virgins is undesirable. It is fraught with psychological or physical damage.
Feeding during pregnancy
A pregnant cat needs improved feeding. The normal development of kittens depends on the adequate nutrition of the pregnant cat. The diet should be balanced in calories, protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Failure to comply with these conditions can lead to the death of embryos and the birth of weakened kittens.
Nutrients in the cat's body are stored in reserve reserves. She will need them while feeding her offspring. The need for calories and nutrients in a pregnant cat increases by 20% in the first half of pregnancy, and by 50% in the second half.
Your cat should always have access to clean drinking water.
In the first half of pregnancy, nutrition should be plentiful . Fish is excluded, as it contributes to the destruction of B vitamins, which can lead to pregnancy failure. In the second half, the portions are reduced, and the periods between feedings are made shorter.
Lean beef, cottage cheese, and fresh eggs are included in the diet.
A pregnant cat should not be given anthelmintics or antibiotics. Flea medications are prohibited during this period. All necessary vaccinations must be completed before mating.
False pregnancy after mating
Unlike dogs, false pregnancies do not occur as often in cats. Its occurrence is preceded by sterile sexual intercourse, that is, when the reproducer has some problems with the seminal fluid, for example:
- low sperm motility,
- complete absence of “little creatures” due to frequent use or inflammation,
- pathological forms of male cells or their non-viability.
Like a normal pregnancy, false pregnancy is accompanied by
- careful behavior,
- nipple enlargement,
- swelling of milk cartons,
- rounded belly,
- After the due date, the cat “gives birth” and produces milk.
It is clear that the imaginary “sickness” is very harmful for the female: the psyche and general condition of the body suffer, and the level of hormones is disrupted.
How to avoid? Before uniting loving hearts, it is necessary to be interested in the male health of the inseminator, the fate of his former partners (in terms of whether they became pregnant or not), and the presence of offspring from other females.
Features of the reproduction process
The main difference between the reproductive process in the cat family is estrus: a physiological state when the hormonal background is optimal for conception. During this period, hormones stimulate not only the functioning of the reproductive organs and the production of eggs, but also affect the animal’s psyche. Like the human menstrual cycle, estrus is strictly periodic and does not depend on the fact of mating and the onset of pregnancy.
Another psychological feature is territorial mating. Under natural conditions, females do not claim territory; they simply live in the territory of the male. Therefore, they do not always choose a partner that is permanent at the moment: after all, there is a possibility that other males are claiming the habitat, and the expectant mother must completely protect herself and her future offspring. Therefore, she mates with all the contenders living nearby. This behavior is dictated by the instinct of self-preservation.
These features make it possible to understand that for a cat the fact of mating is not the reason for the end of the period of sexual heat. The heat will end only when it is supposed to, and, in addition, during this period of time and in this territory, contenders may appear again. These are instincts, and they manifest themselves even in those females who reproduce by planned matings.
And, if we do not consider possible deviations, injuries or pathological symptoms, then three types of female behavior after mating can be distinguished:
- at the beginning of the cycle;
- in the middle of the cycle;
- at the end of the cycle.
What other cases are there?
The signal that the female is ready for mating is estrus. How do you know if your pussy has started sexual intercourse? She experiences obvious “languor”:
- purrs often and loudly;
- fawns or turns into an aggressive touch-me-not;
- rubs vigorously against all sorts of objects;
- takes a characteristic pose when stroking the back: the trembling tail is pulled to the side, the rear is raised, the chest falls to the floor.
The “lady” is sent to the “gentleman” on the third day after such signs appear. The guest comes with her things: food, bowls, litter tray. No one knows how long it will take to breed a cat and a cat. You need to plan for 1-3 days. The first time it may take a week.
Meeting partners rarely takes place in a warm, friendly atmosphere. Mutual ignoring, hissing, fighting are typical manifestations of cat flirting. The owner of the house should monitor the situation to prevent injury to animals.
When the “lady” gets used to it, she herself begins to flirt with the male. After waiting for the aggression to die down, you need to leave the “newlyweds” face-to-face. How long does a coitus session last? Usually “this” occurs in cats for up to 20 seconds, accompanied by heartbreaking screams. How long after can I visit my clients? It’s worth delicately waiting a couple of minutes for the disturbed duo to calm down.
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How to understand that genital contact has occurred? Silence reigns in the room where the “young” remain. After being untied, Murka's behavior changes dramatically: she becomes tolerant of her partner, lies down next to him, rolls around on the floor, her genitals enlarge and turn red.
How many days does mating last for cats? It all depends on the character and experience of the “newlyweds”. Ambitious murki behave aggressively, shy ones huddle in a corner. The boyfriend must be given time to seduce the “lady”.
In veterinary practice, there are a number of specific cases when the sex hormonal background of a sterilized individual was determined by diseases occurring in the thyroid gland. Aligning and adjusting the balance of hormones in this situation is not an easy task, which may include a number of stages:
- Exclusion of hormone-producing tumors;
- Chemical suppression of sex hormones.
Most often, the latter is performed by implanting a special capsule under the skin.
How does mating happen?
On the 2-3rd day of estrus, the cat is brought to the partner, because in its own territory the cat feels more confident and is ready to endure all the whims of the bride.
You should not immediately take the female out of the carrier; she needs to be given time to get used to the new place, smells and presence of the male.
This may take from a couple of hours to half a day. When she stops being nervous and is ready, she will go out to meet the cat herself.
At this time, the partner carefully approaches her, sniffs and makes meowing and purring sounds. Animals should be kept in a separate room so that they are not disturbed by extraneous sounds.
The first mating of a cat and a female cat requires mandatory supervision by the owner of the male. During the courtship process, the cat lets its partner get closer and closer, but then can drive the groom away again with a hiss or a blow of its paw.
The male retreats to a safe distance and begins his courtship again, approaching the bride from one side or the other. The cat periodically accompanies the mating ritual with an inviting meow and takes characteristic poses.
When a cat achieves the female's favor with his courtship, he quickly approaches her and mounts her. He grabs her by the withers with his teeth and clasps her from the sides with his front paws. The cat presses itself to the floor and moves its tail to the side. Sexual intercourse lasts about 10-20 seconds, ejaculation occurs and the cat makes a loud cry.
The cat immediately tries to retreat to the side, because the bride hits him with her paw. After this, the female swings on the floor, and the groom actively licks the genitals. Fertilization of the egg occurs within 24 hours. A cat can make 8-10 such coverings per hour, then a couple gets bored and the animals rest.
One cycle of copulation may not be enough, so the cat remains with the gentleman for 2-3 days so that the mating is guaranteed to be successful.
This is how cats mate for the first time. In the future, this process is not much different from the first time, with the only difference being that an experienced cat feels more confident and calm.
Should there be discharge after mating?
This is where it’s worth going into more detail. The fact is that discharge from the genitals after mating in cats is normal in some cases, but in others it is a very serious signal that there is a pathology in the body.
Usually, clear, watery mucus can be observed for another two or three days after hatching - this is the norm and the result of a still ongoing estrus. This phenomenon should not bother owners.
But the appearance of dirty, brown, viscous discharge mixed with blood and an unpleasant odor is a very bad and unfavorable symptom. What could it mean?
- Abortion.
- Sexual infection.
- Inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs (gynecological diseases).
Abortion can occur at longer periods or within a few days after mating. He can wear
- infectious etiology, the same sexually transmitted infections (brucellosis, chlamydia, toxoplasmosis, plague, brucellosis)
- and non-contagious, when there are abnormalities of intrauterine development, endocrine disorders (reduced secretion of progesterone), intoxication, the use of drugs that affect the functioning of smooth muscles, various injuries or hypothermia.
With different types of abortion there will be different signs. You can indirectly judge an impending miscarriage by the appearance of dark green discharge mixed with blood. In any case, consultation with a specialist and pelvic ultrasound are necessary to make a diagnosis.
Gynecological diseases arise as a result of the influence of various factors, in particular secondary microflora. Opportunistic microorganisms present both on the male penis and in the female vagina are the cause of opportunistic infections that lead to inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs.
For a healthy animal, the presence of these microbes does not pose any danger. If a cat has microtraumas on the reproductive organs, immunity is reduced, then the natural defense weakens, “foreign” bacteria transmitted by the cat during sexual intercourse begin to multiply rapidly, leading to diseases such as vaginitis, metritis, pyometra, endometritis, oophoritis and etc.
In most cases, gynecological diseases are accompanied by discharge and subsequent pregnancy failure, if it occurs at all. Therefore, it is so important to carry out periodic examinations before mating, to treat the animal in a timely manner for any inflammation, in order to be confident in the health of the pet and her ability to bear healthy offspring.
There is no clear answer to this question. Each animal is an individual with its own quirks, temperament, and physical development.
- Some cats can hide in a corner and lie there for several days with an indifferent look or just sleep.
Perhaps it is stress from experienced emotions or simple fatigue. Screams for many days, endless intercourse make themselves felt and the body requires rest. If the cat is sad, but otherwise everything is fine: she eats, drinks water, goes to the toilet and does not have a temperature, then there is no reason to worry.
- Other ladies have an increased appetite, which in principle is also natural. The answer is still the same: the body restores energy lost during sexual games and accumulates new energy for bearing offspring.
November 17, 2015
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Many people are interested in how cats behave after mating, and in order to be 100% sure whether the mating took place, you need to know some features of the behavior of cats after mating. As a rule, in the very last seconds of “amorous affairs”, the cat instantly jumps away from the cat to the side. And this is not without reason, since at this moment the cat is experiencing severe pain, which is why it actually begins to emit a loud, piercing squeal. If the cat does not have time to jump away in time, he will then receive a powerful paw blow from his bride.
Then the cat begins to lick itself, the cat rolls on the floor with short breaks for licking, then rolls on the floor from the pleasure received. The cat sits not far from the cat and closely watches his bride, but is in no hurry to approach, since the cat needs a little time to cool down, especially if it is of a very capricious nature. All this can last several minutes, then another mating follows, and so on until the cat loses interest in the cat.
As a rule, with each mating the cat becomes more and more pliable and affectionate. A cat can mate a cat more than a dozen times in a day, but it all depends on the character of the cat and the temperament of the cat. Some cats can only knit a cat 1-2 times, after which they completely lose interest. I would like to note that the number of matings does not affect the number of offspring, so “the more, the better” does not work here.
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Behavior immediately after mating
Regardless of the timing of mating, there are characteristic behavioral traits. Upon completion of sexual intercourse, the female sharply pushes away the male and shows pronounced aggression towards him. The degree of aggression depends on the character of the animal; it can even fight with the cat; calm behavior is extremely rare.
A little later, the female will definitely begin to lick the belly and genitals.
Normally, estrus lasts from 7 days to two weeks. And if productive mating occurred at the beginning (the first 4-5 days), then estrus will not end there, but will last as long as it should. Many people are surprised by how a cat behaves after mating in the first half of estrus: as if nothing had happened. Moreover, during this time she will be ready for other matings.
Although, in rare cases, after active mating, the female may calm down and behave as if the heat has already passed: this happens after nervous stress or sudden hormonal surges, as well as as a result of multi-day mating.
In this case, everything depends on the condition of the female and the timing of estrus. Typically, if a cat's estrus lasts no more than 10 days, then productive intercourse midterm can calm the cat down. With a longer cycle, the increased hormonal levels take longer to return to normal: the cat screams after mating and behaves as it should during estrus. But there will most likely no longer be an active search for the cat.
At this time, sexual intercourse coincides with a decrease in hormonal levels, and usually in this case the female quickly calms down. The behavior of a cat after mating at the end of estrus depends on its condition and individual characteristics of the body. In general, two types of behavior can be distinguished. Often, due to sudden hormonal changes and nervous stress, females immediately after mating try to rest - they lie motionless in a secluded corner or sleep.
There is no cause for concern if the cat continues to eat and drink normally: it can rest like this for several days. Active behavior is also possible, which is characterized by a sharp increase in appetite: if the mating process occurred during minor hormonal disruptions and was not accompanied by stress, then the female will naturally try to restore her strength.
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Solving problem situations
In the affairs of amorous animals, not everything goes smoothly. In some cases, a couple needs help from:
- The cat hisses at the cat when mating. There is no need to rush animals, especially inexperienced ones. They need more time for foreplay.
- The cat is smaller in size than its partner, as a result of which the cat rests on its back. In this case, it is necessary to send the male.
- The bride falls on her side during sexual intercourse. In such a situation, they support the female.
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How are cats mated?
Since cats often give each other “instinctive” paw strikes when they first meet, the claws of both partners should be trimmed short to avoid unnecessary injury.
There is no need to wash the female before mating; this will neutralize her smell, which attracts a partner.
Mating is usually carried out on the territory of the male, so recreating the necessary conditions for mating lies with the owner of the cat. And the owner of the female, in order to avoid unnecessary stress for his pet, should take her tray and bowl with him.
After getting to know each other and looking at each other, the partners begin the process of flirting. The cat begins to purr for the female, and she, in turn, playfully accepts the advances.
Mating takes place under the control of both owners, and in some cases their help may be needed. For example, when the female falls on her side and, as a result, is unable to continue mating, or when the female is noticeably predominant in size. When the cat is larger than a male, it is necessary to help the male grab the female by the area below the withers so that he can freely mount.
The cat is limping, crying in pain, won’t sit on its butt, what is this?
First of all, it is necessary to examine the female for bites and deep scratches. The cats, in the heat of passion, grab the back of the head, neck, and scruff of the bride with their teeth and scratch her in order to hold her in place during coitus. This is why all breeders recommend trimming their pets’ nails before breeding in order to somehow minimize injuries.
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Every owner of an animal, namely a cat, when purchasing one, should immediately think about whether they will breed it or sterilize it. Most often, purebred cats are bred, titled, with excellent genetics. But this is not categorical, if the owner wants to breed an outbred animal, this is his choice, the main thing is the further demand for kittens.
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Mating for cats is relevant already from 6-7 months; even not yet fully developed females that look like kittens can ask for a cat, but she is not yet considered mature for this. It begins to develop at the 10th month of life, but it should be reduced only to 1.5 years. The best option, which is used in most cases, is to bring the cat home to the cat.
Several matings from 10 to 15 can occur in one day, it all depends on how temperamental the male is and how well the partners suit each other. Even after a high-quality mating, the cat screams for several days after mating, but this does not mean that she did not become pregnant. The cat just thought that he had completely coped with his responsibilities, because the cat stopped emitting a smell that attracted his attention.
After mating, the cat will look very tired, you should take her home and not disturb her, you should not try active games or simply bother her. Sometimes, after mating, you can observe both bites and scratches on both partners; you should examine the cat and, if any, disinfect everything well.
Usually, the cat screams for about three days after mating; this is quite normal. Since the body has not yet realized that everything happened, and the cat walks after mating. Soon the heat stops, and she calms down, stops calling for her partner and becomes the same as before. Within two weeks you can go to the veterinary clinic and make sure that a successful conception has occurred.
This is dangerous primarily for cats, but also for kittens. Therefore, you should completely protect your cat from communicating with cats. If the mating was successful, then you should take care and prepare for the upcoming birth. It is necessary to prepare a separate place in which the cat will be warm and comfortable, where she can give birth and feed her future offspring.
Signs by which you can understand that a cat is pregnant after mating
Sexual maturity in a domestic cat occurs at 6 - 7 months, in a cat at 9 - 10. The period depends on the time of year, breed and individual characteristics of the body. By this age, the animal has not yet reached physiological maturity and will not be able to produce full-fledged offspring. The most suitable age for reproduction is one and a half years. Therefore, it is not advisable to breed during the first heat. A domestic cat is capable of mating and producing kittens 2–3 times a year.
Estrus appears in February - March, the next activity occurs in the summer months. Repeats after 2 weeks if pregnancy does not occur during mating. When breeding purebred animals, mating after reaching 8 years of age is not recommended.
After mating, the cat continues to ask the cat if she is pregnant?
Only after the first mating does the cat’s brain begin to produce the hormone responsible for ovulation.
The process of ovulation in a cat begins only after mating, and sperm fertilize the mature egg after two and a half days. And only after conception the ovaries begin to produce progesterone. This hormone is responsible for pregnancy in mammals. It stops estrus, and therefore the urge to mate, strengthens the uterus and helps the fertilized egg take root in it.
As hormone production begins, the cat calms down.
You can recognize a “good” pregnancy by looking at your belly. But how can you tell if a cat is pregnant if she wants a cat?
Most veterinarians are categorical: a pregnant cat cannot be attracted to a male cat. If she shows signs of desire, then she is not pregnant. Or this, which may occur as a result.
From the mating process itself, a hormone responsible for the maturation of the egg begins to be produced, which, in turn, stimulates the production of progesterone, which is responsible for pregnancy. Then it will begin after a drop in progesterone levels, after 5-7 weeks.
Why, with such a clear answer from veterinarians, does the question of a pregnant cat’s desire to have a cat increasingly arise among pet owners? Progesterone is again to blame.
We all love animals, but cats are not the least important on the list of pets. Yes, such cohabitation has many charms, but sometimes the owners of furry cohabitants have to face the need for sterilization, since their pet actively walks.
This can be explained, first of all, by the reluctance to get offspring and certain inconveniences associated with it. Having decided to perform an operation on their pet, every second owner asks a completely logical question: can a sterilized cat go on a spree?
Estrus is a physiological process caused by nature that is not influenced by either humans or cats. An animal can become pregnant only during estrus, and then only after a few days.
We suggest you read: How to train a cat, training a kitten
Mating a cat with a cat
In the first days, the cat usually does not allow the cat to approach her and mating is physiologically difficult.
The cat asks for the cat
Only after mating does ovulation occur and the egg begins to mature. The level of hormones responsible for the formation of the egg must reach a certain concentration. It takes two and a half days for the egg to mature.
At this time, sperm that have successfully reached the uterus wait until the cell is ready for fertilization.
Mating cats
And so the mating took place, and the cat continues to howl her love songs. Is she pregnant? Is it necessary to re-knit? Unfortunately, there are no tests to determine feline pregnancy. You can try to establish pregnancy using secondary signs.
Theoretically, if an animal is pregnant, the production of the hormone responsible for reproduction stops and is replaced by the production of progesterone, responsible for pregnancy in mammals.
A cat's estrus continues even after fertilization.
But the body does not recognize pregnancy immediately at the moment of fertilization. Estrus lasts exactly as long as nature has provided for a particular animal.
If a given individual’s estrus lasted 7 days before mating, then during mating it will last the prescribed 7 days.
How to make sure that the mating was successful?
One of the signs of a successful mating is the characteristic behavior of the animals: the male loses interest in the female, and the female withdraws from the male and may even behave aggressively towards him. You should not completely rely on this indicator, because all cats have different temperaments, and a pregnant pet can behave very calmly.
These studies are carried out only from the 4th week of the expected pregnancy, and before that you can try to understand whether the mating was successful using the following signs:
- Behavior change. Bearing offspring is accompanied by hormonal changes in the body, which often provokes changes in the cat’s mood and habits. In addition to the fading of signs of estrus (uterine rumbling, loud purring, arching of the back, etc.), the success of mating is indicated by weakness, drowsiness, refusal to play, etc. Subsequently, the cat may develop behavioral manifestations that are atypical for it - aggression or, on the contrary, affection and caring attitude towards other people's kittens.
- Toxicosis. In the first weeks of pregnancy, your cat may experience morning vomiting and decreased appetite when she does not even eat her favorite treats. During this period, you need to carefully monitor your drinking regime to prevent dehydration. Subsequently, the cat's appetite is restored and may even increase, so it is important to provide it with a balanced diet rich in protein, phosphorus and folic acid.
- Change in color and enlargement of the genitals. By the 4th week of pregnancy, the cat's nipples turn pink and swell slightly. As labor approaches, the mammary glands and external genitalia become noticeably enlarged and take on a rich pink color. A few days before giving birth, your cat may start producing milk.
- No heat. The frequency of this process is individual for each cat. Most often it occurs every 3 months, but with regular sexual activity it can occur once every 5-6 months. This is an implicit sign of pregnancy, since estrus is occasionally possible during pregnancy.
- Changing your figure. In the first half of pregnancy, the cat experiences a slight increase in body weight; in the second half, she noticeably gains weight, but does not look bloated. By 4-5 weeks, the pet’s sides begin to develop and on the belly you can see round formations with a diameter of 4-5 cm - developing fruits. It is not recommended to palpate the cat’s belly yourself, so as not to harm the babies and cause a miscarriage.
What to do if a pregnant cat calls for a cat
Opinions on this matter are mixed; some are convinced that if a cat asks for a cat, then she is not pregnant. But how can we explain this behavior of a pet if she is really pregnant and this fact is confirmed by ultrasound.
If the cat is not mated, estrus continues for 7-14 days, and then a new cycle begins. If the female has been mated, estrus repeats every 2-3 months.
It should be noted that cats in heat rarely experience any bleeding, although there is mucous discharge that is not always noticeable. If an animal has bloody discharge, you should be wary. This sign may indicate the presence of a serious disease, for example, pyometra.
If the female is mated, it is not a fact that she is pregnant. A false pregnancy can continue for a month with signs of pregnancy appearing, for example, mammary glands may swell and food preferences may change.
Even in late pregnancy, resorption of the fetus can occur, and as a result, miscarriage. This can happen if environmental conditions are unfavorable (hot summer, smoke from fires) and the body, in defense, gets rid of the fruits. After a miscarriage, the cat may ask for a male cat.
During the first week (7 days) after mating, the egg is fertilized and moves to the uterus. The ability to fertilize is still preserved, and the female can seek the attention of the cat. If another mating occurs during this period, then it can also be successful; there is still time for the eggs to be fertilized by the male’s sperm.
If the cat is truly pregnant but asks for a male cat, then there is a small chance of returning to heat between the 3rd and 6th week of pregnancy. With the onset of a new heat, even if the cat is pregnant, instinct tells her to look for a partner to mate with. Typically, such individuals have a reduced level of progesterone, the hormone responsible for preparing the female’s body for pregnancy. Hormonal imbalance during pregnancy signals the body that there is no pregnancy.
During this period, although rarely, the female can mate. As a result of this mating, the cat bears kittens from the first mating and additional kittens from the second mating, and the fathers may be different. This phenomenon is called superfetation. The nurse will simultaneously give birth to full-term kittens from the first mating and premature, non-viable kittens from the second mating, or she will give birth to healthy kittens from the first mating and then, over time, “give birth” to full-term kittens from the second mating.
Repeated mating should not be allowed if it is not planned (control mating), especially if the pet is clearly pregnant. The female and male should be separated into different rooms, or the male should be sterilized (castrated) if there is no purpose of using him for breeding.
In some cases, mating during pregnancy can lead to serious consequences, including miscarriage and death of the animal.
If a pregnant pet exhibits changes in behavior characteristic of a female in heat, it is recommended to consult a veterinarian, primarily to identify pathologies and determine pregnancy.
Mating a cat with a cat
The cat asks for the cat
Unfortunately, binge drinking after sterilization cannot always be avoided. Cases when a female walks after sterilization are rare, but they do occur. A cat asks for a cat after surgery only as a result of the following factors:
- Poor quality sterilization;
- Hormonal duplication;
- Ectopic ovarian tissue syndrome.
The manifestation of signs of heat and the appearance of estrus is mainly characteristic of females that have been operated on already in adulthood. She walks because the animal’s hormonal background changes significantly after the operation.
Soon after sterilization, it is quite possible that primary signs of estrus will appear and she will most likely ask for a male cat again.
When the cat is ready
Purring beauties can bear offspring once every 6 months. The time of year, as many owners believe, does not matter. The first estrus in cats is observed from 7 to 9 months of life. However, these are approximate figures. The process may begin earlier, or perhaps much later.
Knitting a pet is allowed only when it is healthy and in good spirits.
Maximum fertility is observed in the second to fifth year of life. This period is also the luckiest, that is, the risk of developing anomalies in kittens is minimal. A cat can bear offspring and give birth for up to 10 years. Starting from the 7th year of life, the animal’s cycle is disrupted. Kittens during this period may be born with developmental abnormalities (this happens quite rarely, but it is worth considering). The same applies to those kittens that are less than a year old. Their sexual development is rather weak. Therefore, the connection should be carried out in adulthood. The best time is after the third heat. This condition will allow you to bear healthy offspring and not harm the mother.
If a cat is too shy (this usually happens when she does not go outside), then it is better to mate her with an experienced partner.
A little foreplay
It is worth noting that it will not be possible to make a connection right away. It is better to introduce the female to the cat gradually. Ideally, the cat will be brought to the “producer” every day for 10-15 minutes. Each time the time of their communication needs to be increased.
Attention! If the first mating of a young male ends unsuccessfully due to the cat’s aggression, then he is unlikely to want to repeat it. Therefore, the choice of the “groom”, as well as the “bride”, must be taken responsibly.
How to avoid the noise of a sterilized cat?
Even if a sterilized cat is walking again, it is necessary to immediately take certain measures so that a stable cycle does not establish. An effective measure is the introduction of hormonal drugs. In very rare cases, this procedure requires repeating. Note that if sterilization took place a few days ago or has reached a period of 7 months, and the sterilized female is still walking, an injection of a hormonal drug will definitely help. If sterilization was done a year ago, or even more, the pet is walking for a completely different reason.
Why a cat doesn't get pregnant - 10 possible causes of the problem
If a cat cannot become pregnant, this may be a consequence of pathological conditions such as obesity, previous infectious diseases, vitamin deficiency, age and other factors. However, when the cat is healthy, the owner, before mating the pet, needs to correctly calculate the favorable time for mating, and also take care of the psychological state of the pet.
According to veterinarians, one of the reasons for infertility, due to which a cat does not become pregnant, is viral leukemia, which is asymptomatic for a long time, when the owner does not suspect that the pet is dangerously ill.
Veterinarian advice: the cat asks for a cat after sterilization
One of the most obvious explanations for the fact that a sterilized cat began to walk again is that the animal was not properly sterilized. The pet is walking with this turn of events, since veterinarians might not have removed a piece of the ovary or even the whole ovary at all during sterilization. Then, in the first month after sterilization, she resumes hunting again and then walks the same way as before the operation.
Certain hormones are responsible for puberty and the occurrence of estrus in females. They are produced by the following organs:
- Ovaries;
- Pituitary gland;
- Hypothalamus;
- Adrenal glands.
Here it is important to know and understand that as a result of hormonal imbalance, the hormones of the pituitary gland and hypothalamus are capable of forming a special hormonal background, similar to that of an animal that is walking. This outcome is quite likely for both sterilized and unsterilized individuals.
Reasons why pregnancy does not occur
The physiological condition in which an animal can conceive and bear offspring is called pregnancy. If the cat does not become pregnant after mating, the reason may lie in the following:
Endocrine problems that cause obesity in an animal will prevent it from conceiving normally.
- Body weight deviations. Obesity is often associated with hormonal imbalance, which leads to temporary infertility. Also, exhausted cats cannot conceive and will not be able to bear offspring.
- Infectious diseases. Foreign agents provoke infertility and suppress the function of the internal sex glands.
- Lack of nutrients. If the body does not receive enough manganese, arginine or vitamin A, which regulate the functioning of the reproductive system, pregnancy may not occur.
- Inappropriate age. Individuals that are too young or old do not become pregnant.
- Sexual inferiority of a cat.
- Abnormal development of the cat's internal genital organs or their congenital dysfunction.
- Endocrine diseases.
- Too frequent matings. The pet’s body does not have time to rebuild and normalize.
- Stressful situations.
- Wrong time for mating.
When to start mating
When does a cat start asking for a cat? The answer depends entirely on the physiology of the pet. In practice, females can bear offspring approximately once every six months. The first estrus begins 7-8 months after birth. But it's not that simple.
Depending on the individual characteristics of the body, it can begin much later or even earlier. In any case, it is almost impossible to control the process .
A cat can scream and ask for a cat, oddly enough, at any time of the year. The best time to bear kittens is between the cat's 2nd and 5th birthday. In theory, a female can give birth for up to 10 years. But after the 7th year, frequent anomalies in the development of the offspring are observed, and the likelihood of miscarriage increases. Therefore, the best period for the first pregnancy will be the third heat.
ATTENTION! If a young purr is too timid and cautious, then it is better to mate with an experienced gentleman. As a rule, the female does not allow the cat to approach her for some time. Up to several days
You probably won't be able to get pregnant right away. Potential partners should be introduced. It will take several meetings for the future parents to get to know each other better. Meetings don't have to be long. The maximum travel time is limited to an hour. It is better to focus on the frequency of meetings rather than the duration.
It is important to note that the cat must feel like he is in charge of the situation. It is better if the mating takes place on his territory. During the period of acquaintance, he can actively mark his territory. If a cat is taken to a cat to mate, then he definitely needs to get comfortable. The owners of the female will have to endure forced inconveniences in the form of fur, yelling and active arrangement of the guest in the apartment.
The mating room should be spacious and bright. It is advisable not to disturb partners during the meeting and remove other animals and children from the premises. Cats can be extremely shy. Such caution can greatly affect the mating and reduce it to nothing.
Manufacturer's choice
Under optimal conditions, a cat can give birth twice a year. It doesn't depend on the time of year. You can knit her only when she is healthy and in good physical shape.
A cat gives birth until she is 8-10 years old. Maximum fertility in this biological species occurs at 2-5 years.
An animal over 7 years old has irregular sexual cycles, a high chance of giving birth to kittens with abnormalities and the threat of miscarriage.
In individuals younger than one year old, the same problems are observed. A weak sexual instinct is also added to them. It is advisable to use cats that have reached full maturity for breeding. This not only allows you to get healthy offspring, but also does not put the mother’s life in danger.
Age
Young animals often behave timidly or completely refuse to mate. A shy cat is best bred with an experienced partner. It is better to introduce the female to the breeder gradually so that they get used to each other. Let them be together for 15 minutes every day. In the future, increase the time of communication. It is better to mate an inexperienced cat with an experienced and non-aggressive male.
During the first mating, inexperienced cats may forever give up the joys of love if the female behaves very aggressively. Choose your partner responsibly.
Mating conditions
- It is advisable to bring a cat to a cat, but not vice versa. This is necessary for the male to feel confident in his territory. External factors can interfere with mating. It is important for cats to mark their territory. If the owner washes the tags or uses perfume, the male may refuse to approach the cat. Until he completely marks the entire territory. And this takes up to 10 days!
- When mating, animals should have plenty of room to play. The nursery often has a separate room.
- During heat, only allow one cat near your cat. When mating with several, the litter may contain kittens from different males. DNA testing is sometimes required to determine paternity.
- Moving can have a negative impact on your cat's well-being. Sometimes this leads to hormonal dysfunction. The cycle may stop altogether. Bring your cat to the cat a few weeks before her heat so that she has time to get used to the new place.
Mating progress
During estrus, the female makes peculiar sounds and purrs. To mate, she takes a special position: she crouches to the ground, arches her back and moves her tail to the side. After some foreplay, the cat covers the female, holding her by the withers with his teeth. Within a few minutes, the male settles on the cat, squeezing its sides with his paws.
The sexual act itself lasts a few seconds. When it is completed, the cat moves away from the cat and emits a characteristic cry. After coitus, the animal may show aggression towards the male. Let him have the opportunity to run and hide. The mating room should be spacious with a vertical rise.
The cat will roll around furiously on the floor and then begin to lick itself. Especially the genital area. Most cats refuse to have intercourse again. It turns out that this happens again only 3-7 times.
You need to understand that a cat also has preferences in choosing a partner. She will agree to mate with one cat, but will “reject” the others. It often happens that animals of one breed do not like others. If a cat has become accustomed to a particular male, it is not a fact that she will mate with him again.
It is effective to mate a female three times a day on the second or third day of the cycle. In this case, ovulation will occur with a 90% probability. Another effective method is to allow animals to mate for short periods on all three days of estrus.
Sometimes the female turns on her side during mating. To make the cat more comfortable, you can hold the cat by the neck. Be careful, animals can be aggressive towards the third wheel! Perhaps an obstinate cat should not be used for breeding.
Discharge
It is not uncommon to observe a white, viscous vaginal discharge after mating. This is a normal condition and indicates that the cat is still in heat. You should worry when the mucus comes out yellow or brown. A persistent putrid odor persists. What does this mean?
In most cases, these are the first signs of one of the following diseases:
- infection of the genital organs by microorganisms or parasites;
- potential miscarriage;
- chronic disease of the genital organs has entered a new stage.
Miscarriage can occur at any stage of pregnancy. Even a day after mating. This is due to various diseases - brucellosis, toxoplasmosis, chlamydia and others.
Hypothermia, abnormalities in the structure of the uterus, overheating, poisoning, side effects of medications, insufficient production of progesterone are also common causes of premature birth.
Pathogenic microorganisms can enter the vagina and from the penis of a cat, and develop independently in the female. Infection occurs due to weakened immunity of animals, due to microcracks in the genitals. Harmful bacteria develop at an astonishing rate and lead to endometritis, vaginitis, metritis and similar diseases.
Often the listed ailments are accompanied by viscous discharge. It is by this sign that you can determine whether an animal is infected or not. It is extremely important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
To prevent unpleasant situations, a full medical examination should be performed before mating. If possible, review your partner's medical record. At the first doubt, stop dating a cat and a cat and find a more reliable lover.