BREEDING YOUR CAT
Think that your cat may be pregnant or considering breeding your own litter of kittens? The team at the Warwick Vet Clinic have put together some helpful care information to assist you through the cat breeding process.
GET A THOROUGH EXAMINATION BEFORE BREEDING
It is recommended that you take your female cat to visit your vet prior to breeding for a routine examination. This may include a physical examination, ultrasound, and blood work.
HEAT CYCLES IN CATS
Heat cycles for cats are more common between August to March. Female cats have heat patterns that last between seven and twenty-one days. If the animal is not impregnated, her heat patterns may become irregular, with periods of non-heat becoming brief, often as short as two days. When experiencing estrus, or heat, a female cat may make loud, howling sounds, and rub themselves along the floor with the tail raised.
CAT PREGNANCY
CAT NUTRITION DURING PREGNANCY
Nutritional requirements of the female cat increase during gestation and lactation, especially during the third trimester of pregnancy and the first 4 weeks of lactation. Nutritional requirements are greater for female cats with larger litters. We recommend feeding your cat a high-quality diet during this time. Failure to provide sufficient nutrition can result in small, weak kittens that are prone to disease. Speak to the team at the Warwick Vet Clinic for specific nutrition advice tailored to your cat’s needs.