How to understand that a cat is asking for a cat: signs and manifestations

When choosing a pet, many people want to get a cat rather than a cat, associating this with the fact that there are fewer problems with a cat during puberty. There is also no need to further accommodate the born kittens. It is not difficult to understand that a cat is asking for a cat, since a male animal shows this very clearly. Not many people know that a cat can show a desire to mate all year round, and not just in the spring. It is worth remembering that once you show readiness to procreate, the cat cannot be re-educated.

Factors influencing puberty

Males and cats reach sexual maturity at different ages. Puberty in males occurs later than in male cats, which matures along with the first estrus, which begins at 5-6 months. But the timing of puberty may vary. This depends on certain factors:

1. Belonging to the breed. Representatives of oriental breeds: Siamese, Thais, Orientals, Burmese and St. Petersburg Sphynxes belong to the category of early maturity.
2. Skeletal structure. Cats and cats of graceful build with thin bones enter puberty earlier than their powerful counterparts.
3. Seasons. Kittens born in winter or spring enter sexual maturity in spring or summer, while later litters have delayed sexual maturity.
4. Conditions of detention. Compliance with the regimen and quality of feeding, as well as comfort and convenience, accelerates the maturation of the pet.
5. Features of the habitat. Surrounded by adults (in a nursery or pride), young felines mature earlier than their peers from city apartments.
6. Genetic predisposition.

If the pet is overfed and overweight, puberty in cats is delayed and can occur by one and a half or two years.

How long does pregnancy last in British breed cats?

It is important to know how long pregnant cats walk and when the day of delivery occurs. According to veterinarians, a British cat's pregnancy lasts 63–65 days, but in some cases labor may begin earlier.

You should not think that labor will begin exactly on time, since many factors influence the length of pregnancy of a British Shorthair cat.

In females with low weight (up to 2.5 kg), offspring can be born in 50–60 days. In British women weighing up to 6 kg or more, pregnancy lasts longer and labor may begin later than 65 days.

The duration of pregnancy is strongly influenced by hormonal processes occurring in the animal’s body. This also applies to diseases of the uterus.

In the first pregnancy, labor begins on days 62–64. When a British cat is pregnant again, birth occurs on days 50–55.

Signs of pregnancy in a British breed cat

There are certain signs of pregnancy in a British cat that allow you to establish this fact at an early stage:

1. Decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting. To maintain the functioning of your pet’s body, the animal needs to be given vitamins for pregnant cats.
2. The nipples become bright pink. This is the first sign of pregnancy in females.
3. Decreased activity. In the initial stages of pregnancy, the cat sleeps constantly and does not play with its owners.

Manifestations of puberty

Behavior at the onset of puberty varies between male and female cats. In females, this period is accompanied by discharge from the genitals - estrus. External signs of approaching heat are manifested in an increased desire to caress, rub against legs and furniture, and when it comes, the cat’s behavior becomes more defiant: it begins to meow invitingly, rolls on the floor, moves its tail to the side, demonstrating sexual desire.

Puberty in cats is accompanied by more aggressive behavior. The mustachioed one begins to meow loudly, attracting females, marking territory, and its urine during this period has a sharp, unpleasant odor. The cat’s character also changes - he can tear off furniture and walls, show increased playfulness, and his games are similar to scenes of hunting prey.

With the onset of puberty of the animal, the owner must decide whether he wants offspring or not. If the owner is focused on breeding cats, then he needs to find out whether the pet has breeding value and select a candidate for mating. All events can be held in clubs for cat lovers or take advice from a trusted nursery or an experienced breeder. It should also be understood that puberty and physiological maturity of a pet differ in timing: the latter occurs closer to one year of age.

If no one is going to breed a female cat, then castration or sterilization will be the right decision. This will be more humane to the animal and safer than drug regulation of sexual heat.

Cat puberty: estrus, behavioral characteristics

It is believed that early estrus is provoked by an increase in daylight hours. Let's say the kitten was born in November, so in March-April you can expect “manifestations of feelings.” Of course, nothing serious can happen - after all, there is no cat nearby. The baby is also unable to find him, but she will call him until she is hoarse.

For some reason, there is an opinion that only cats mark, and kitties, they say, only scream. If only it were so! The period of early estrus is not much different from all subsequent ones, both in the behavior of the female and in the duration of the spree.

Very roughly, from the beginning of estrus (proestrus) to its end, the average duration is considered to be a week. Estrus can last two to three weeks, but the break until the next one is much shorter.

“What, doesn’t a cat go into heat more than once a year?” — will its new owner be horrified? No, cats are not dogs, most of which come into heat twice or once a year. But let it be comforting to know that cats do not bleed from the vulva.

The behavior of the pussy before the onset of heat changes. She often begins to run into the tray and lick the genitals, “polishes” large objects with her head (cheeks), sides (table legs, corners of cabinets, door frames, etc.), leaving her scent on them - “marks”. She can fall on her back on the carpet and roll from side to side. It is the female who more often rubs against the legs of her owner (mistress), plops down in front of him, raising her butt, and, on the contrary, “sinks” her back, bends to the floor, simultaneously putting her tail aside. Thus, your beauty recognizes you as a sexual partner. Alas, there are also “nymphomaniacs” among cats. This is someone you won't get bored with!

Don't you like this turn of events? In addition, veterinarians claim that holding the pussy for a long time provokes the formation of cancer cells. You still have time to think whether you are ready to endure several “binges” before the first mating. Then there are other difficulties, and they are not the topic of our article today.

The best time for mating

Everyone has heard how the March cats begin to sing with the beginning of spring, but not everyone thinks about why this happens. But the fact is that March is the best time for conceiving future offspring and it is at this time that sex hormones begin to rage, because the whole summer and autumn are ahead for successful feeding of babies: the weather is warm, you don’t need to go far for food and leave the cubs unattended for a long time. Although in city conditions, March cats can continue to sing both in summer and autumn, because the basements are warm and cozy, and there is enough food in the garbage chutes to survive.

The intensity and volume of cats' screams during the mating period directly depends on the number of rivals in a given territory. The more competitors, the more heart-rendingly the mustachios meow, hiss and growl, proving their superiority over the ladies and trying to win territory from their rivals. Such duels can continue for days, which cannot but irritate apartment dwellers. And when the cats find their cats and can satisfy the need for mating, the screaming stops.

Mating a British cat with a cat: how animals behave and what the owner should do

The owner at the club will help you find a worthy candidate for father with a pedigree; you can turn to the owners of the cat’s mother for help. Advertisements offering mating services are contained on the pages of specialized periodicals and city breed forums. The issue price is usually equal to the price of the kitten. Sometimes the amount is divided into equal shares, paying 50% before mating, 50% upon pregnancy.

It is considered the norm to bring the female into the cat's territory. Let the lady calm down, get used to it, and sniff the room. After this, the acquaintance with the groom occurs. Owners can lock a couple in an enclosure, a spacious cage, or allocate a separate room; it is important that the animals feel safe.

An experienced partner is chosen for a cat mating for the first time. In the estrus phase, which is favorable for conception, the cat itself is in the mood for carnal pleasures and quickly gets used to it, allowing the cat to do what is necessary. The owner, if necessary, should calm her down and reassure her, but more often it is better not to interfere. Nature has given cats a powerful instinct for procreation; it is enough not to scare them away.

Causes of cat screams

At home, cats do not have the opportunity to mate freely and there is an accumulation of testosterone (male sex hormone), the excess of which leads to rutting - the cat yells at night, becomes aggressive, marks corners and desperately tries to find a cat to mate with, which is why it screams, not allowing peace for the owners.

If a cat and a cat live in the same apartment, have reached childbearing age and can mate, or the cat is spayed and the cat is neutered, and the night cries continue, then the owners should visit a veterinarian. Cat howls can be caused by hepatic or renal colic, which is accompanied by urolithiasis. The development of the disease is facilitated by an unbalanced diet, which results in the formation of stones in the genitourinary canals. And when an adult cat goes to the litter box to relieve itself, it feels a sharp cutting pain and begins to scream heart-rendingly.

When is spaying or neutering necessary?

There are no completely safe contraceptives or sedatives for cats.

If the animal is not bred for exhibition or breeding, you need to think about surgical intervention. During sterilization, the cat's fallopian tubes are ligated, and the male's spermatic ducts are ligated. Their sexual desire remains, without the possibility of having offspring. Castration is the complete removal of the genitals. Therefore, the hormonal storm ends, and the cat gets a calmer life. The choice must be made by the owner when the pet reaches 7-8 months of age. This is the best time to perform the operation. The Scots require special attention. The animal can be operated on later. There are cases when Scottish males develop prostatitis and castration is even recommended.

Ways to Prevent Cat Crying

If the cat is healthy and lives alone in the apartment, then you can prevent cat screams by following the advice of experienced breeders:

• castrate your pet - in the absence of testicles, testosterone is not produced, which means there is no sexual desire;
• breed a cat with a cat;
• give your pet more physical activity;
• not allowing you to sleep during the day - this suppresses the instincts of a nocturnal predator;
• arrange active games with the cat so that he sleeps at night like a baby;
• monitor your pet’s diet - the cat should receive selected foods and meat so as not to feel a deficiency of nutrients. The mustachioed man begins to become lazy, and his hunting instincts become dull.

Some cats are talking breeds and will demand communication. You should not ignore such conversations, and then the animal will be calmer and more satisfied. If the option of obtaining offspring is being considered, then you should get a mate for your pet. A cat and a cat in the same apartment will not let each other get bored and will save the owner from heart-rending screams during the festivities.

If reproduction is not part of the owner’s plans, then you need to think about castration.

Breeding rules

When the cat is six months old, you can already start looking for a suitable sire.

To do this, it is best to contact the club, where they will help you choose the best possible partner.

They will take into account the combination of blood, color and exhibition quality of both animals.

For the first mating, you need to find an experienced cat, as otherwise problems may arise during mating.

Just in case, if the chosen manufacturer is already busy for a time suitable for mating or is unable to carry it out for some other reason, it makes sense to look for a “spare” partner.

It may also be useful if mating with the “main” cat does not work out for some reason.

Adults who have already exhibited Maine Coons of the breed class and who have received permission to breed are allowed to breed.

Preparing animals for breeding

Before mating, you need to have your pet examined in a clinic in order to promptly identify hidden pathologies that may become an obstacle to breeding.

Two weeks before mating, it is necessary to carry out treatment for external parasites, and a week before mating, deworming.

On the second day or third day after the start of estrus, the pet should be taken to the cat. But first, it will be necessary to trim her claws so that she does not scratch her partner.

Before mating, you should not wash the cat or treat its fur with any means that interrupt the natural odor of estrus, since otherwise the cat may not show interest in her.

In order for the cat to quickly get used to the new environment, it is recommended that when going to breeding, you take with you bowls for food and water, a tray and food to which your pet is accustomed. You also need to take care of the documents: prepare a copy of the cat’s pedigree in advance.

Room and furnishings

Maine Coons need to be bred in a room free of unnecessary furniture.

Ideally, there should be no places in the room where the cat could hide for a long time.

It’s good if the room is small: this will limit the freedom of movement of animals.

At the same time, it will give the Maine Coon girl the opportunity to run away from her partner for too long.

It is best to simply lock the partners together in one room and not pay attention to them. As a rule, animals themselves are able to figure out the mating process. If you constantly disturb and distract them, they will not be able to focus their attention on each other. While the cat is in the cat's territory, the house should be quiet and calm. At this time, you should not receive guests, make repairs or perform other noisy activities that may confuse or frighten the animals, which may cause them to refuse mating.

While a Maine Coon girl is in the house of the cat's owner, he is fully responsible for her.

Process

In order for an inexperienced cat to agree to let the cat approach her, she is brought to him in advance.

Usually on the second day of mating, so that the pet has enough time to get used to the new environment and get to know the groom.

It’s good if the cat immediately begins to be interested in the cat brought to him.

This means that he liked her and, if he is experienced enough, sooner or later he will be able to “persuad” his partner. In the same case, if he immediately turns around and defiantly leaves, this means that the mating will not succeed and it is better to try to match the pet with another cat. Well, if the groom is interested in the fluffy bride, but somewhat sluggishly, then you can try to attract the cat’s attention to her: bring him closer to the cat, first lifting her tail.

Typically, Maine Coons cope without the help of their owners when mating; only in rare cases does human intervention be required.

If the cat constantly lies on its side or back at the most crucial moment, then it is necessary to hold it in the position necessary for mating, not allowing it to dodge.

Maine Coons behave differently during mating: some animals make a lot of noise, others do their job in complete silence.

And cats don't treat cats equally.

Some producers are affectionate with their brides and spare no time in persuasion, others are persistent and impatient.

Some representatives of the breed can show aggression towards the cat and treat it quite roughly. And some cats, when meeting a partner, are very nervous and feel insecure at first. But, in any case, if the cat liked the bride, he will still achieve her favor. A Maine Coon girl usually “stays” in a cat’s house for 1 to 4 days. During this time, animals can mate several times a day.

Castration and indications for surgery

Castrating a cat means depriving it of its gonads, that is, completely removing the testicles through surgery. Together with the gonads, the cat loses the ability to reproduce; testosterone stops being produced.

The best time to castrate a cat is when it is sexually mature and ready to breed - from eight months to one and a half years. A cat’s readiness to mate can be determined by smell, because during this period the animal begins to mark its territory. The operation itself is quite simple, does not threaten the health of the pet and does not require special postoperative care. But before the procedure, you should decide where to castrate the cat, undergo an examination and pass the necessary tests, including tolerability of anesthesia.

You can castrate a cat for several reasons:

1. Medical indications - for injuries, pathologies, orchitis.
2. Reduced aggressiveness during sexual hunting.
3. To eliminate or prevent an unpleasant odor from a cat in an apartment, because a cat without gonads will not mark its territory.

Experts recommend castrating those cats that will live in city apartments and will not have the opportunity to walk on the street and satisfy their sexual needs. This often applies to purebred animals from which they do not plan to have offspring. This procedure will help owners avoid the consequences of a riot of hormones: the appearance of a cat's smell, escapes and attacks by the pet. It is also useful for the animal itself: the cat will not suffer from unsatisfied sexual desire and will avoid the development of prostatitis, prostate tumors and adenoma of the anal glands.

If the cat has the opportunity to move freely and satisfy its needs, then castration is undesirable, because the animal becomes passive and will not be able to fully defend itself. And this can lead to injuries from domestic relatives during walks.

Suitable period for mating

The first mating for a British female should take place before she reaches the age of one and a half years. If the female did not have kittens before reaching the age of two, then this can subsequently lead to problems during pregnancy and childbirth.

You should look for a partner for your cat at the first sign of the onset of estrus. It’s good if the owners already have the right candidate in mind. The optimal period for mating is considered to be the period of time between 3 and 5 days of estrus. At this time, the probability is highest that the mating will result in the animal becoming pregnant.

Location of the operation

You can castrate your pet either in a veterinary clinic or at home. The second option is more preferable, because the animal will avoid additional stress from transportation and contact with sick animals.

It is important that the veterinarian has experience in performing such operations and a set of necessary tools. You should not trust unqualified specialists - such a step can negatively affect the health of your pet or lead to its death.

If the home castration service is not available, then you should contact the clinic.

What to do and when to knit?

While the kitten is small, the owner does not think about sterilization or castration. But there comes a time when it is necessary to determine whether offspring are needed. If you have doubts about the thoroughbred of an animal, it is better to consult with specialists. When the offspring is undesirable, you need to contact a veterinary clinic for castration or sterilization. These methods are safer, eliminating the sexual needs of animals with medicine. If you plan to have offspring, the owner should know that physiological and puberty are two different concepts. Cats mature early, but mating can be planned when she reaches 12 months of age. The fertile age of cats lasts up to 8-9 years, then during the transition period, estrus may be present, but she simply will not be able to bear and give birth to healthy offspring.

Maintenance and nutrition of the cat after surgery

Within two days after the procedure, the animal needs to be created as comfortable as possible. It should be placed in a warm, safe place and covered with soft bedding. You should not place the rookery on a hill, because after anesthesia the animal’s coordination of movements is impaired and the cat may fall and be injured.

As for feeding, it is prohibited to feed the animal twelve hours before the operation and one day after the procedure. Starting from the second day, they begin to give the pet food in small portions.

It should also be taken into account that castrated cats have a tendency to obesity and the development of urolithiasis, so animals should not be overfed and limited in fresh water. The best option would be to use balanced food for neutered cats.

Similar actions are permissible in relation to cats - they can also be sterilized, that is, deprived of reproductive function. But when making such decisions, it is necessary to think through everything carefully, because it will no longer be possible to correct the situation.

Organization of mating

After the cat has been brought into the apartment, you need to give it some time to adapt and wait for it to get out of the carrier on its own; there is no need to rush the animal. After the cat gets used to the new room, you can bring the cat into the room. Based on the first reaction upon meeting, you can judge how successful the mating will be.

If a cat develops a liking for a gentleman, she will be able to demonstrate this by walking around the male with her tail raised up. The cat will also begin the courtship process, starting to lick the guest's fur.

If the first acquaintance went well, then you should wait until nighttime to start mating. Mostly at night, British cats prefer to engage in this delicate process, when the number of distractions is reduced to a minimum.

A cat is not always ready to immediately let a cat near her. British Shorthair cats have a calm and friendly character. But sometimes you can meet those who are ready to demonstrate all their obstinacy. Some not only do not allow the cat to approach them, but also demonstrate behavior that is more typical of the owner of the territory.

If the cat is still ready for intercourse, she will demonstrate this by taking the position that is characteristic of the estrus process. The male then climbs onto the partner from behind, presses her with his front paws and at the same time slightly bites her on the scruff of the neck. A healthy cat can breed up to 15 times per day.

The actual process of intercourse takes very little time and quickly ends with ejaculation. Immediately after the end of the act, the cat tries to jump to the side as quickly as possible so that it does not have time to be hit with a paw.

The very next morning, animal owners can find out by how the cat behaves whether the mating was successfully completed. The cat will be favorably disposed towards the cat. Animals will play and relax together, without perceiving each other as strangers.

In most cases, animals cope on their own. However, there are situations in which the owners’ help may be needed:

1. The cat is smaller in size than the partner. In this case, the owner needs to hold the female by the withers so that the cat can have normal intercourse.
2. The female falls on her side during intercourse. The owners must give her the correct pose.
3. The cat stubbornly does not allow the cat to come near her. In some cases, it is impossible to do without the intervention of a veterinarian, but often the problem can be solved by patting the animal on the stomach.

A day after the completion of mating, the cat begins to demonstrate complete indifference to the cat, so the “bride” can be taken home. Sometimes, for another 2 days, the female can invite the cat to intercourse with her behavior, but this cannot serve as a sign that the mating did not take place.

Scottish straight cat pregnancy

So, how do you understand that pregnancy has taken place?

• Like humans, a pregnant cat suffers from toxicosis. Which means she must be sick.
• Pregnancy of a Scottish Straight cat also affects eating habits. The appetite becomes stronger. Food preferences may well change.
• Long sleep becomes the norm. The character changes towards apathy.
• The nipples become larger and pinker.
• The animal naturally becomes fatter. But this becomes noticeable no earlier than the 6th week.

As for the duration of an interesting situation, it is, of course, different and individual. On average, the duration is 60-65 days, sometimes 72 days. However, it all depends on many factors:

• The weight of cats - large individuals are prone to overbearing. Miniature ladies weighing up to 3 kg, as a rule, give birth earlier.
• Age - so, if the owners did not listen to the recommendations and brought the pet earlier than a year, her unprepared body may give birth too early. In this case, the offspring very often do not survive.
• Number of offspring - the more fruits, the faster the expectant mother will give birth.
• The cat's health - for example, infection can cause prematurity and miscarriage.

However, a lot also depends on the behavior of the owner. So what not to do:

• Provide feeding according to the principle “I will give you what I eat.” Even with pets in their normal state, it is undesirable to do this, because not all the food we like suits them. A pregnant cat needs special care, which necessarily includes a balanced, healthy diet.
• Change your diet suddenly. This procedure is stressful for the animal, which a pregnant cat does not need at all. Therefore, if your pet ate natural food before pregnancy, it should be left on the menu.
• Perform palpation. Of course, this method will allow you to determine pregnancy much faster and more accurately than indirect signs. However, this procedure is fraught with great risks, and breeders do not advise amateurs to carry it out.
• Expose yourself to stress. When experienced breeders care for a pregnant cat, they make sure to provide her with calm living conditions. Moving, contacting new people, even rearranging furniture - all this should be postponed for another time.
• Allow walking outside. Fresh air is, of course, wonderful, but it is better to let the cat out on the balcony. Outside the apartment, the chances of catching worms, fleas, ticks or a virus increase significantly.
• Allow jumping - even if the cat was previously graceful and agile, do not forget that pregnancy directly affects coordination.