Mary Allen
If you can’t get enough of your own cat as a pet, sooner or later you often end up with the question of whether you want offspring from it (or from him).
Small replicas of your favorite, so to speak. However, mating and rearing immediately raises further questions: Who pays the veterinary costs? Who is responsible for adopting the kittens?
And what is the best way to bring cat and tomcat together so that breeding is not only meant to be nice, but is also species-appropriate and sensible? Our following article is intended to provide an initial overview of all these matters.
For example, what cat owners need to look out for when their cat is pregnant, be it intentional or unintentional. Like every mother-to-be, the velvet paw deserves special attention and support.
The Dating: Speed Dating for Cats
While outdoor cats simply look for a partner themselves or let one find them, the love life of a purely indoor cat is very limited. Unless they are deliberately kept in pairs or with several animals for breeding. Otherwise it is up to the owner to take over the first flirt contacts as a representative.
It definitely plays a role whether your own cat is a purebred animal or an incomprehensible crossbreed without any papers and therefore also without the right to make too many demands when choosing a partner. As a rule, owners of purebred cats consciously look for breeding partners who can in turn confirm the breed purity of their animal on the basis of papers. As a result, the offspring are also purebred, and thus significantly more valuable and can be sold with correspondingly more profit.
However, some cat owners may not care at all about this aspect of breeding, because they want to keep the kittens anyway, or because friends and acquaintances are already interested as potential buyers. Nevertheless, this question should be clarified first and foremost: What will happen to the kittens when they are old enough? Who does the mediation?
These questions should be clarified on the first date
It is usual for most of these tasks to be delegated to the owner of the lady cat, because that is where the little ones grow up safe and well socialized with their mother. Consequently, this budget is binding and, in principle, all costs are incurred there: check-ups, childbirth, food, deworming, vaccinations and so on. The tomcat is actually fine after the mating act, so theoretically his owner is too.
In practice, however, there are often disputes in which one owner asserts claims against the other. In order to avoid such unnecessary conflicts, it is advisable to clarify agreements in advance, ideally in writing.
A so-called stud contract clarifies all the essential points in advance:
- Is there a stud price from the male owner? If so, how much and by when is this due?
- Whether and in what proportion are veterinary costs shared? Does the agreement only concern the costs for the dam or also all treatments for the kittens?
- Does the tomcat’s owner pay a flat-rate share of the feed costs?
- In what ratio will the profits from the sale of the kittens be divided?
According to the stud contract, relevant evidence is required, such as pedigree charts, vaccination cards, chip numbers, veterinary bills and information on the owner’s personal details. The most common type of agreement is a simple “purchase of the cat’s breeding service”, which means that the owner does not have to pay any further costs, but in return is not entitled to any earnings gains. He only gets the agreed amount and has the right to inspect the kittens during the first few weeks and to photograph them for reference.
Since there is no guarantee of success for the mating act, there are corresponding clauses in most contracts that exempt the tomcat owner from this. However, he may, at his discretion, offer a second mating free of charge or give a partial refund.
When looking for a partner, many breeders therefore pay attention to males who have already proven their worth. In other words, with which it has already been bred (also the references). Young tomcats who are going into combat for the first time sometimes act a little clumsily. Some are completely frightened by a dominant cat lady and don’t even dare to try.
It is important for everyone involved to have patience. After all, they are sentient beings, with unique characters and stories. Even the most watertight contract does not protect a cat owner from the individuality of his pet. However, there are a few tips to heat up the romp a little.
It doesn’t have to be the first best…
When looking for a partner, it is important not to rush things. Before the contract is finally signed, the owners should also be clear about whether their animals are also compatible in other respects.
For example, age and size play an important role. Both animals must also be in very good health. In case of doubt, a veterinarian should be consulted beforehand, who will declare the cat and tomcat to be mating.
And then there is the availability. A cat usually goes into heat twice a year. In professional circles one speaks of the rumble. This lasts about 8 to 10 days, of which the cat is only fertile for 4 days. The far too frequent heat of indoor cats, false pregnancies and other hormonal influences do not always make it easy for the owners to adjust the timing optimally.
In the said 4 days, the tomcat often moves in temporarily with the cat. This increases the probability of a cover success. Conversely, this also means more stress for the animals. The tomcat has to leave his familiar surroundings, the cat suddenly has a love-mad roommate who is most likely not welcome around the clock.
If the paired couple doesn’t get along at all, you shouldn’t force anything. Maybe it was just the wrong time, maybe the wrong partner, maybe just too much excitement before “the first time”. It is possible that the cat owners are even more excited than the animals themselves before the first mating act – this can also be transmitted as stress and inhibit the willingness to mate.
The mating as a service
In stud contracts, there is actually talk of a service provided by the cat. It just happens in the wild without us noticing much of it. But what is the reality of housing?
Depending on the temperament of everyone involved, the situation fluctuates between stress and madness. (Not only) the animals are very strongly hormonally controlled. The cat is probably going crazy with heat, scrapes every nook and cranny, builds nests, and takes care of the cuddly toys – the tomcat can’t help but sniff them and woo their favor. The house tiger is in principle unrivaled.
Whether the tomcat stays with the cat lady’s owner, or the cat stays with the tomcat’s owner (both are legitimate), whether for a few hours or a few days: the actual mating act is never carried out immediately. It begins with a little foreplay, in which the parties get to know each other better, goading and teasing. The whole thing goes back and forth for a while until the cat lady finally decides to let herself be conquered. Because only she decides who is allowed to come near her.
It makes little sense to observe the two too intrusively or even to intervene. Any disturbance would disturb the interaction of the animals. They often withdraw discreetly. Then you should just leave them alone for a while.
The mating itself only takes a few seconds. A gentle bite on the neck so that the lady keeps still, she stretches her buttocks up a little and “It” happens. The cat will most likely scream out and suddenly try to defend herself. Although their hormones drive them to be ready to mate, the mating itself hurts. The reason: hangovers have tiny spines, also called papillae, on their penises. The pain, in turn, triggers ovulation in the cat.
If several tomcats mated with the cat within the said 4 days, a new ovulation would be triggered each time. This is also the reason why cats can get pregnant from several males at the same time. The more often the mating act is performed during this time, the more kittens can be born. Of course, the well-being of the animals must also be taken into account in all of this.
The whole thing may be declared as a service on the contract, but for the cats it is simply their natural, species-appropriate behavior that they want to live out as they see fit.
Humans can check papers, conduct negotiations, light a romantic candlelight – but cats are and will always be their own.
The cat is pregnant: binge eating and mood swings
With successful fertilization, the hormone level of the pregnant woman changes constantly
Cat. And that over a period of about 58 to 67 days of gestation, also called gestation. Meanwhile, the mother-to-be is likely to become more lethargic, cautious, and more than usual seeking an unstable mix of cuddles and retreats. She should follow her needs as freely as possible
allowed to.
This is how pregnant cats behave
The cat feels very well that something is happening inside her and that she is actively growing up. Of course, experienced mothers know that these are their kittens. However, a cat experiencing its very first gestation period may be unsettled by the new impressions. She probably looks for the nearness of her owner more often, demands cuddles and attention.
In addition, the four-legged friends occasionally have mood swings, suddenly become aggressive, only to then want to be petted again.
This is because the body becomes more sensitive. A touch that is too forceful may be uncomfortable, perhaps because it is pressing on the stomach in the wrong place, but the right form of touch can provide relief and make gestation more comfortable.
However, if the cat behaves in an unusual way, eats too little or even becomes apathetic, the advice of the veterinarian must be sought immediately. This can clarify whether there is a deficiency or problems with the fetuses in the womb.
Care tips during gestation until delivery
The rounder and more immobile the cat becomes, the harder it is to groom itself. Owners can support their velvet paw by gently brushing and massaging it.
Fresh drinking water is also more important than ever and should always be made available. The feed may have to be adjusted, for example if there are obvious digestive problems or if intolerances occur spontaneously. Certain feed additives with an increased protein content as well as calcium, magnesium and linseed oil help quite well in such cases. If you are unsure, it is better to consult your veterinarian.
And last but not least, the pregnant cat should enjoy a lot of rest, but not become lazy. A few casual games with the cat toy will keep you in a good mood and distract you from the kicking in your stomach, at least for a short time.
When the time has finally come, the cat will look for a quiet place where it feels safe and comfortable. A basket lined with blankets or something similar can be provided for this purpose. The pad should be soft and highly absorbent. During the delivery itself, glaring lights, noise and hectic movements must be avoided as a matter of urgency. It is important to reduce stress as much as possible.
The kittens are born a few minutes apart – an immense effort for the mother, who should be constantly looked after during this phase (for example by persuading her to be there for her), but otherwise must not be disturbed. All other circumstances must be kept in mind, such as exchanging wet sheets for dry ones, helping to clean the newborns and of course the aftercare of the mother with fresh drinking water, lots of rest and time to get to know her little wonders.
The rearing of the kittens
As soon as the kittens are whelped, they usually seek to be close to their mother as quickly as possible. As far as her strength allows, she will first clear the mucus from the eyes and nose of the little ones, lick the fur dry and thus stimulate breathing and digestion.
If she is not able to do this herself, human support is needed. The procedure can be recreated with a soft, warm, damp cloth and the offspring welcomed appropriately.
The first health check
If everyone has arrived safely, the kittens should have their first health check:
- Do they live and breathe?
- The eyes only open after about 7 to 10 days, so they should be closed until then.
- Are there body parts that are noticeably deformed or discolored?
- Do the kittens find their own way to the mother or do they just lie there apathetically?
- Are there any other abnormalities that require immediate treatment?
If everything is in order, it is essential to keep the family happy, i.e. all animals can snuggle up in a comfortable and sufficiently large basket where no young animal can fall out, but where the mother can move freely.
Socialization during rearing
In the first few days things will probably be quiet in the rearing basket. The mother recovers, the little ones start with the first attempts to walk. Otherwise, breastfeeding and
slept.
Of course, the new cot has to be cleaned every day. A flat bowl of cat litter is the first way to housetrain kittens. They learn from their mother’s habits and soon learn that their own room is to be kept clean.
In this respect, the socialization of the kitten in the first weeks and months of life is decisive. During this time, they build a bond with humans, mostly in a playful way through suitable cat toys. They learn to deal with conspecifics. How to clean yourself and others. And much more that influences subsequent behavior.
In some cases, the family cat is also involved in rearing. At least if the circumstances of the owners are suitable, this can be a big plus for the socialization of the kittens. And at the same time, the new mother is relieved a little.
In order to strengthen the bond with people, they should be active in a playful but also educational way. In other words: enforcing clear rules in the household, but also offering opportunities for discovery and exciting adventures. Because as soon as the kittens can walk, real movement comes into the house. Everything (really everything) wants to be researched. The rooms should be correspondingly “kittenproof”: Sockets are to be protected with child safety devices, poisonous plants are to be cleared away, food and medicines are to be stored out of the way, windows and doors are to be opened only under supervision, and so on. A cat’s curiosity, no matter how young, should not be underestimated. Under no circumstances should the little ones get stuck in any crevices or suffer bad falls.
Although the cat or, if possible, the tomcat does most of the training, humans should establish their role at the same time. This makes living with the offspring much more pleasant.
Weaning and delivery of the kittens
Well-socialized kittens that are already housebroken, for example, are also easier to adopt. The kittens can be handed over at the earliest when they are 8 weeks old.
However, this is a more than generalized rule of thumb that does not allow for any consideration of the individual stage of development and the emotional maturity of the kitten, let alone the needs of the mother. Every day that the cat family is allowed to be together longer, social skills are strengthened.
It would therefore be better not to separate the kittens from their mothers until they are 10 or even 12 weeks old. If you are lucky, you may even stay longer.
Weaning from breast milk is complete by then. The mother cat does this herself and chooses the best time at her own discretion. By the time the kittens can be released, they should be able to consume cat food.
Ultimately, however, the handover takes place according to the decision of the owner, and this is usually very abrupt. Ideally, the new owners will visit once or twice during the rearing phase and get to know their little darling a bit.
The separation itself, i.e. the day of collection, usually does not happen without separation pain. One more reason not to give up the kittens too soon. If they are already a little bored with the nursery and the mother is a little annoyed by the care, the separation seems to be a little easier for everyone.
However, these are very individual aspects that can best be assessed by the owner who has gotten to know all the animals in detail over the past few weeks.
It is therefore also his responsibility to make the right decisions. Be it in the course of basic immunization and the choice of kitten food or in social or emotional matters. It is not uncommon for the owner to feel the pain of separation no less, because the little ones have grown so dear to him. You would like to keep them all. And maybe one thing can stay the new generation of favorite velvet paws.