For caring owners this is often not enough. Our mailbox regularly receives letters with non-standard questions and descriptions of situations of concern to animal owners related to pregnancy in cats. In this regard, we decided to seek advice from high-level specialists. Today, the doctor of the Vega clinic, candidate of veterinary sciences, Alexander Dmitrievich Kablukov, answers the most popular questions about cat pregnancy.
— What tests are best done on a cat before mating?
— It is necessary to be tested for the presence of hidden infections: chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis.
A vaginal smear is taken and examined using the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method. Is it possible to breed cats - brother and sister, father and daughter, son and mother? What are the consequences of inbreeding? - You can, if you want to get mutants. Inbreeding is prohibited for everyone. Such breeding significantly increases the likelihood of developing mutations and genetic abnormalities.
— How long after giving birth can a cat become pregnant again?
- 14 days after giving birth, cats go into heat and can become pregnant again.
— Can a cat get pregnant at 15 years old?
- Yes, but it’s bad for the cat and the offspring.
The birth will not be normal. — What threat to a cat’s health does early (at 7-8 months) and late (after 10 years) pregnancy pose?
— At 7–8 months this is not an early pregnancy.
She is early by the standards of human views, but by the standards of physiology this is a completely normal age. Late pregnancy can threaten the development of diseases of the mother and fetus. How to reliably determine whether a cat is pregnant? Are there any special pregnancy tests for cats? — There are no special tests. The only reliable diagnostic method is ultrasound examination (ultrasound). It is carried out starting from the 30th day of pregnancy of the cat.
— Can a pregnant cat ask for a cat?
- Usually no, this does not correspond to normal levels of hormones in the blood.
If this is the case, then the cat has a pathology. — How to distinguish a real pregnancy from a false one?
— False pregnancy is a neuropsychic disease of an animal in which, after a certain period after estrus, usually two months, the animal begins to show signs of pregnancy: lactation, withdrawal, certain toys appear, which the animal nurses as its own offspring.
This pathology is typical for dogs and does not occur in cats. Does a cat have to gain weight? Does it happen that a cat’s pregnancy is almost invisible? — Some cats do not change their constitution until their last days, and by appearance it can be difficult to distinguish a pregnant cat from a non-pregnant one.
— What does a pregnant cat’s diet consist of? Will professional food be enough for her or should she be given vitamin supplements? Usually there is enough food, just increase the daily volume of the diet. But using vitamin-mineral complexes during pregnancy will never be superfluous.
— What to do if a pregnant cat sheds heavily or her whiskers break off?
— It is necessary to analyze the diet and include vitamins and minerals in it.
— Is it possible to bathe a pregnant cat?
- It is possible if the cat tolerated bathing well before.
— If a pregnant cat periodically mates with a male cat, how can this affect the kittens?
“Usually this does not happen and may indicate a pathology of the animal’s hormonal levels.
But in general, mating cannot harm the fruits. Behavior
— If a pregnant cat ignores the litter box, what could this mean?
- This is not a serious sign, but this can happen, including with the development of inflammation in the bladder.
You need to check your urine. — Is it typical for a pregnant cat to refuse food?
— No, this may indicate the presence of some pathological changes: the appearance of pain, nausea, the development of inflammation, etc.
— Is it harmful for a pregnant cat to lie on a hot radiator all day?
- No.
— Can kittens be harmed if a pregnant cat lies on her stomach?
No.
— Can a pregnant cat make new unusual sounds?
- No, all sounds are normal.
Rather, it is a feature of the behavior of a particular individual. — Is it normal for a cat to become angry during pregnancy, constantly growling and hissing?
- No, this is not normal, but it can occur during pregnancy and childbirth.
In this case, the animal is not allowed for breeding and must be sterilized. Health
— Is it possible to vaccinate a pregnant cat?
— It is not advisable to do this, since vaccination can cause the development of fetal diseases.
— How to rid a pregnant cat of fleas?
- It is best to treat for fleas before pregnancy, but if they are still present, it will be better to treat with mild preparations such as Frontline spray.
— What to do if a pregnant cat has worms?
— If this is detected, then it is necessary to treat the cat with mild preparations, for example, drontal for cats or dosalid.
— Is it a pathology if a pregnant cat has a larger belly on one side than the other?
- No, this may be due to the uneven location of the fetuses in the cavity of the uterine horns.
— What can cause bleeding in a pregnant cat?
- Either with the onset of the birth process, or with pathology of the uterus.
— What does discharge from a pregnant cat indicate?
- Most often this is due to an infection of the uterus or vagina.
— Are diarrhea and vomiting a dangerous symptom in a pregnant cat?
- Such symptoms usually indicate poisoning with something that requires appropriate treatment.
— A pregnant cat sneezes often.
What could it be? - This can be associated either with a cold or with the presence of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, more often with polyps of the nasal passages.
What to do if a pregnant cat falls from a height, but no changes in behavior are observed? How can you tell if kittens have been harmed? — It is necessary to conduct an ultrasound of the uterus to determine bleeding and fetal viability.
Does your pregnant cat have brown growths between the hairs on her chin? What is this and what causes it? - Most likely, this is acne - skin lesions associated with excess sebum production. This manifests itself with a decrease in immunity or with the development of certain metabolic diseases.
— Is it possible to sterilize a pregnant cat?
- This procedure will certainly cause a cessation of pregnancy and lead to a miscarriage.
To terminate a pregnancy surgically, it is better to resort to amputation of the uterus or sterilization of the animal after birth. When asked by cat owners who observe atypical behavior in their pets, whether a nursing cat can become pregnant, the answer is yes. Prolactin is responsible for milk production, which should block the ovulation process. In fact, cats have no such rule and your furry beauty can become pregnant during the feeding period.
Can a cat get pregnant during lactation?
Can a nursing cat get pregnant again?
Certainly! On average, a cat begins to go into heat 1.5-2 months after the birth of kittens. And some favorites are ready for mating even earlier: 1.5-2 weeks after lambing. Consequently, pregnancy can occur in a cat that has recently given birth to babies. By the way, some owners unknowingly claim that during the period of feeding kittens, their mother is not able to become pregnant again.
This opinion is based on the fact that the hormone prolactin, produced during pregnancy and lactation, prevents the conception of new offspring by blocking the hormones responsible for ovulation. This statement is true for women who are breastfeeding, but not for women. The fact is that ovulation in pets occurs at the moment of mating, as soon as interest in carnal pleasures appears during the estrus that appears after lambing. Thus, the question of whether a cat can become pregnant while nursing kittens can be answered in the affirmative.
the cat went on a spree 2 months after giving birth
COVINAN, 20 ml
Not a bad drug. I am currently injecting it into my cat for temporary contraception before sterilization. The first injection was enough for 10 months. Then she missed it and the cat went on a spree and gave birth to kittens. After 4 months She's lambed again! After the second birth, 42 days later, she was injected with Covinan again. In 2-3 months I want to have her spayed - I don’t want any more of her sprees and kittens. In the meantime, Covinan helps out))) In our state veterinary clinic, an injection costs from 200-250 rubles. for a cat. Sterilization - from 1200 rub. (to the cat).
Nursing cat.
Actually, if she goes into heat 2 weeks after giving birth, this is quite common, but not the most “correct” phenomenon; she may have some hormonal imbalance.
As a rule, milk, even from a newly pregnant cat, does not disappear, but it is very bad for the cat herself and the kittens she bears again (well, think about how much effort/energy goes into producing milk, “forming” new kittens, etc.) obviously the body wears out, and then sores may appear and new kittens may be weak, etc.
And as for feeding yourself, it’s not at all easy: you won’t be able to find a replacement for mother’s milk in the house. conditions, and antibodies that save small ones sucking mother’s milk are generally a unique thing and irreplaceable.
So, better take care of your cat, feed her now intensively (for example, give her dry food for the entire lactation period + vitamins; if she tolerates it well, let her drink lactose-free milk)
If the cat “knocked up” again, then after 4 weeks, transfer the kittens to drying or natural food and gradually separate them from the cat (for example, let them suckle only 2 times a day, then 1 time). so that she has at least some strength left to bear and feed new kittens
Thanks for the answer. Castration alone is not an option. After it, all sorts of hormonal changes begin. I don't leave kittens. Pros
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Why is contact between a nursing cat and a cat harmful?
Let's say a cat owner has the opportunity to adopt kittens. So why is it worth stopping a cat’s attempts to mate with males while she is still feeding her babies? There are many reasons for this:
- Pregnancy, childbirth and feeding kittens is a difficult time for an animal. A lot of effort is expended, most of the vitamins and minerals obtained from food are spent on the growth of embryos, and hormonal changes occur in the mother cat. Too frequent births simply wear out the pet’s body. Often, cats that give birth frequently have problems with bones and reproductive organs. Animals that become pregnant again after giving birth to kittens usually cannot boast of longevity. Veterinarians believe that the optimal number of births for an adult healthy pet is once or maximum twice a year. Frequent pregnancies are a real stress for the reproductive system and the entire body of the animal;
- In fact, the offspring abandoned by a mother cat who has gone on a spree have to be fed by the owner himself with a milk replacer from a pipette or syringe. And this is quite tedious, since it is difficult to feed a small kitten. Yes, and it’s costly financially. Even if the pet does not completely stop feeding its young, its lactation will still be reduced;
- A nursing cat can become pregnant within a couple of weeks after giving birth, when the mucous membrane of her genital organs is still susceptible to infection;
- A nursing mother cat should eat well and gain strength after giving birth. But if the pet begins to go into heat, her appetite will be reduced or disappear altogether, which will negatively affect the condition of the body. As a result, both the adult animal, the recently born kittens, and the embryos from the next litter will suffer.
Problems
Of course, there is nothing good about this. This feature of the cat's reproductive cycle brings a lot of trouble both to the owner himself and to already born kittens. A “walking” mother is distracted from caring for her offspring and, even worse, her milk often completely disappears. During the heat period, a cat will try to run away from home in search of a cat.
The unfortunate owner has to look after the cat and feed the virtually abandoned babies. There is little pleasure in this, you see. Therefore, in cases where your pet that has given birth begins to show clear signs of heat, you need to urgently consult a veterinarian and select drugs that block sex hormones. Fortunately, veterinary pharmacists have created many such drugs in recent years.
Important! Never use hormonal drugs to stop heat without consulting a veterinarian. A “wild” combination of the drug’s hormones and its own, produced by the cat’s body, can lead to severe consequences, including even the development of cancer.
But abandoned kittens and lack of milk are only half the problems. For the cat herself, such a “maternity marathon” also does not end well. Her body, which did not have time to recover from the previous pregnancy, is forced to urgently adapt to a new one. A real mixture of various hormones appears in the pet’s blood, which in such combinations, not intended by nature, can cause a wide variety of complications (such as, for example, the cancer already mentioned above).
In addition, an unplanned pregnancy “consumes” all the body’s resources. Practice proves that cats that constantly give birth live much shorter lives, and the quality of their offspring is several times worse. Their kittens are born (at best) severely weakened, and this can rarely be corrected in the future.
An emaciated cat's body cannot produce adequate colostrum and milk, which leads to the development of severe immunodeficiencies in the offspring. Most of these litters die out within the first six months from a variety of diseases. In other cases, kittens are born completely underdeveloped and completely unviable.
A cat can become pregnant immediately after giving birth, but it is in the interests of any owner to avoid this at all costs.
Such frequent pregnancies can bring an animal to the grave in a couple of years. If for some reason (most likely hormonal pathologies are to blame) your pet immediately develops heat after giving birth, we strongly advise you to sterilize her. You still won’t get good kittens from such an animal, but there will be plenty of problems with it.
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How to prevent pregnancy in a nursing cat
If the cat is not involved in breeding, and its offspring are not of particular financial interest to the owner, the animal is desirable.
The best time for this is after 6 months - 1 year. Theoretically, it is possible to perform surgery on a nursing mother cat to prevent her from becoming pregnant again. If sterilization is undesirable, you can give your pet sedative medications based on medicinal herbs (such as “Cat Bayun”, “Fitex”). You also need to monitor a nursing cat, especially if she develops symptoms soon after pregnancy. That is, it is necessary to exclude contacts between the female pet and cats.
You should not use alcohol tincture or valerian tablets as a natural sedative. This remedy for pets is a drug that puts them in a state of extreme excitement. That is, a cat who has started to heat, after a small amount of valerian solution or tablets, will have one goal - to quickly connect with the cat. The existing kittens will naturally go to the side.
Also, hormonal drugs that suppress sexual desire are also extremely undesirable for calming a nursing pet. Products of this type (“Sex barrier”, “Contrasex”, etc.) have a lot of contraindications, and they cannot be used by cats during lactation.
False and frozen pregnancy
False pregnancy, diagnosed extremely rarely, is considered a natural physiological process. Its symptoms (drowsiness, caution in movements, increased appetite, slight enlargement of the nipples) are usually erased and do not threaten the cat’s health.
The reason for consulting a veterinarian should be such hypertrophied signs as:
- noticeably enlarged belly;
- severely swollen nipples;
- secretion of milk;
- the cat sets up a “nest”, and also “gives birth” and nurses “babies”;
- the animal “gets pregnant” after one or two or after the next heat.
Only a specialist can distinguish an imaginary pregnancy from a real one (using ultrasound, palpation and x-rays). He also prescribes therapy that normalizes the level of sex hormones, or sterilization. Ultrasound examination also helps to identify frozen pregnancy, in which one or more embryos die due to infections, hormonal imbalance and fetal development abnormalities.
This is interesting!
If not all embryos are dead, the pregnancy is preserved: they are released during childbirth along with live kittens. If all embryos die, a miscarriage is expected or labor is stimulated with medication to avoid their decomposition.
After the cat has given birth, she is examined to ensure the cleanliness of the uterus. Often, after a missed pregnancy, the animal is sterilized.
Home birth is indicated for normal pregnancy: the cat does not experience stress from a change in environment, and the risk of contracting an infection is reduced to zero. The veterinarian is called only in special cases.
Induction of labor
They resort to it when gestation is prolonged. No amateur activities or folk methods, which often lead to long labor and injury to the cervix, for example, with self-administration of oxytocin. Only the doctor will decide whether it is necessary to induce labor and what means are needed. If stimulation is unavoidable, the cat will be injected with a hormone that acts as a catalyst for contractions.
First birth
They are considered the most complex in terms of physiology and psychology: a woman in labor can panic, demand help from the owner, or, conversely, rush at him and hiss.
The owner is also somewhat confused and needs the support of a veterinarian who can calm the cat by injecting it with a sedative that reduces stress levels.
Duration of labor
The owner of the cat should not be concerned about the duration of labor that has begun, but about possible deviations. Call “aibolit” if:
- contractions occur, but the kitten does not come out for more than an hour;
- it is clear that the fruit is stuck;
- the cat's temperature is above 39.5°C or below 37°C;
- copious, bloody, foul-smelling and purulent discharge appeared;
- the animal weakens, barely breathes and lies down, not trying to expel the fetus;
- the heart rhythm goes astray.
Call your doctor if you don't know what to do next.
Start of labor
Do not turn childbirth into a show: do not comment on what is happening and do not invite guests. If the cat allows, lightly stroke the sides and back towards the tail. For a long-haired woman in labor (to prevent the babies from getting tangled), it is better to wrap her tail with a bandage. During contractions, waves will pass through her body, and her stomach will begin to bulge and tense
. The stormy preparatory phase promises a rapid birth. Sometimes it takes longer for the firstborn to appear than for subsequent kittens.
Assistance during childbirth
An experienced or confident person can help a giving birth cat. And help is required in case of weak contractions, improper positioning of the fetus, large size of the newborn, or absence of contractions.
Important!
If the bladder is ruptured, you can (wearing surgical gloves) get the kitten out, waiting for the next contraction, pulling it in an arc towards the stomach. Don't grab his head or paws!
Stimulating contractions is allowed only when the cervix is fully dilated. The owner can:
- lightly, without pressure, massage the tummy (in a circle) in the direction from the chest to the vulva;
- gently massage the nipples;
- attach one kitten to your chest so that it eats;
- With the index finger inserted (up to the 2nd phalanx) into the vagina, gently stroke the wall opposite the anus.
If things don't work out, it's best to call your veterinarian.
Help for newborns
If the birth took place without an emergency, the cat itself licks the cubs and bites off the umbilical cord, sometimes eating a couple of placentas
. The owner must ensure that all children's seats are out: if this does not happen, call a doctor for help.
If the newborn is not breathing, you need to:
- remove mucus from the nose/mouth with a syringe;
- wrap the kitten in a waffle napkin and massage its back from tail to neck;
- after clearing the nose of mucus, quickly swab cotton wool with ammonia around it;
- you can put a drop of cognac on your tongue;
- if there are no signs of life, wrap it in a waffle napkin and, holding the head, shake gently;
- perform mouth-to-nose artificial respiration (taking into account the tiny size of the lungs).
If the woman in labor has not chewed the umbilical cord, help her:
- Squeeze the umbilical cord with your fingers 2 cm from the tummy.
- Hold firmly for 15 seconds to compress the vessels.
- Cut the umbilical cord at the point of compression, making sure that no blood is released.
- If blood is oozing, tie the umbilical cord with a disinfected thread 1.5 cm from the abdomen.
- Lubricate the tip with brilliant green or potassium permanganate.
Give the reanimated baby to his mother. If your cat has successfully delivered the baby, you won't need a special box for kittens.
A certain number of cat owners are interested in the following question: can their pet become pregnant while nursing kittens or not? It is believed that at this time a new conception is excluded. But is it?
The kittens have already grown up, a nursing cat can already begin to flock to new ones!
This opinion is due to the fact that prolactin, which is a stimulator of milk production, blocks the production of those hormones that are responsible for ovulation.
As for representatives of the cat family, this rule almost does not work, since during sexual intercourse they may ovulate. Thus, and as a consequence, pregnancy can also occur in.
This circumstance must be taken into account and the “mother cat” must be protected from mating immediately after giving birth, that is, the male must be driven away. It should have been the same.
A rehabilitation period is necessary for an animal that has just given birth. Otherwise, there may be negative consequences for her fragile body.
.
When can a nursing cat start “walking”?
We need even more kittens. Let’s finish feeding and go “cat walking”!
This is of great interest to the owners of creatures called cats. According to statistics, a furry pet may be ready for a “sexual date” a couple of months after giving birth.
This is a normal pause for those females whose hormones are fine. It must be taken into account that each individual is individual.
If there is a failure in the hormonal system, the consequence will be an increase in the animal’s sexual desire immediately after birth. This will cause the owner a lot of trouble, since the pet:
- will begin to forget that she should take care, first of all, of the kittens;
- will not show appetite;
- will feed the babies less, as the volume of milk produced will decrease;
- will begin to look for ways to escape from the premises;
- will demonstrate signs of sexual desire more actively.
The owner of the “unlucky mother” will have to take on additional responsibilities:
- observe the complex behavior of the female;
- do not allow the cat to appear near her;
- take care of and feed baby kittens (if they don’t have enough mother’s milk).
What to do if a nursing cat asks for a cat?
If a nursing cat asks for a cat, you need to give a herbal-based sedative
As soon as a nursing cat begins to walk after giving birth, something urgently needs to be done to reduce the animal’s expression of sexual desire. It is advisable to purchase plant-based sedatives
.
These tablets should not be given to a nursing cat.
Hormonal drugs such as “ Stop-barrier” and “Contra-sex” should not be given to cats during the feeding period.
. The use of hormones against the background of their own actions can provoke.
What to do if a nursing cat becomes pregnant
If the tailed “lady” is still pregnant again, despite the fact that very young kittens are waiting for her at home, the owner has this simple choice:
- Allow the cat to give birth to her next babies, and then bring her to the veterinary clinic for surgery to remove the ovaries or remove both the ovaries and the uterus;
- Show the pregnant cat to a specialist and seek advice about surgical abortion (an incision will be made in the uterus through which the embryos will be removed). It is important to do this no later than 4-5 weeks of pregnancy;
- Contact a veterinarian for abortion and sterilization of the pregnant pet (the babies will be removed along with the uterus and ovaries);
- Consult your veterinarian about medical abortion using hormonal medications.
It is absolutely clear that all of the above methods can harm the cat: severe consequences after anesthesia, possible infection, gynecological diseases and the inability to become pregnant in the future.
Therefore, it is advisable to warn the unwanted one in advance by excluding her contact with cats and using sedatives. The most radical method against pregnancy is sterilization. Cat pregnancy and the subsequent birth are complex and not easy for the furry pet, as well as for its owner. Of course, as soon as cute fluffy kittens are born, a person dreams of a break - he intends to take a break from the mating rush of the cat and her quirks when she was pregnant. But it’s too early to relax, because a cat can become pregnant very soon after giving birth, breastfeeding squeaking blind kittens. How this can happen will be discussed below.
Can a cat get pregnant while breastfeeding?
Can a cat that nurses kittens get pregnant again? The answer is clear - yes, it can! Typically, cats come into heat 50-60 days after they lamb. And some can already mate much earlier - after 10-15 days. Moreover, feeding kittens lasts about a month.
Among a number of cat owners, there is an opinion that the hormone prolactin, produced during pregnancy and lactation, serves as a blocker of hormones that cause ovulation. But this is true only for people and is completely false for meowing animals. They begin to ovulate at the very moment when they indulge in carnal pleasures with a cat. So, it is very advisable to keep a nursing cat away from him.
Is it possible to prevent postpartum sexual desire?
In principle, heat immediately after birth is not a very typical case, and we would recommend showing such a cat to a veterinarian. But estrus may well be triggered by irritants from the external environment. The main factor is the presence of a cat nearby. Sometimes even the company of a long-neutered and completely “incompetent” pet is enough. Thus, in cases where you have several pets of different sexes at home, the cat after giving birth must be isolated from them in a separate room.
In addition, try to minimize the effect of stress factors on your pet. Protect her from sharp and loud sounds and smells, and do not start renovations at home at least until the kittens begin to feed on their own. Otherwise, the cat’s body may “wedge” and she will decide that the cubs, being in “mortal danger,” are doomed anyway. And therefore she can leave them and start walking again.
Quality nutrition plays an important role. If the animal’s body receives all the nutrients, micro- and macroelements, then there will be no problems with the kittens’ nutrition . But in the opposite cases, everything is much worse. When a cat’s body “feels” that it is “not up to the task” of feeding kittens, a biological mechanism can come into play, the essence and results of which we have already written about several times above. So it is in your best interests to feed your newborn pet normally.
Why is it harmful for a nursing cat to have contact with a cat?
There are many reasons to prevent a nursing cat from mating with males. Here are some of them:
- Walking pregnant, giving birth, and then feeding kittens is difficult for any animal. This takes a lot of effort; vitamins and beneficial microelements obtained from food are used to ensure that the embryos grow, and the body of the expectant mother undergoes hormonal restructuring. And if she gives birth too often, her body will simply wear out. Often these cats have problems with the bone structure of the body and reproductive organs. Animals that become pregnant immediately after giving birth do not live long. According to veterinarians, a healthy cat should give birth a maximum of twice a year. If more often, the animal’s body will be in a constant state of stress.
- A nursing mother will abandon her offspring and the owner will have to feed the baby kittens himself using a syringe or using a pipette. And this is difficult, tedious and expensive. Even if the cat continues to feed, her lactation will become much smaller.
- A cat nursing babies needs good nutrition to recuperate. If sexual desires arise, she will not have time to eat, and this will have a bad effect on the body. Ultimately, she herself, the newly born children, and future embryos will suffer.
If the owner needs a cat living in the house not for breeding kittens, and the offspring that are born are not of interest to the owner, then the animal must be sterilized. This is best done between six months and one year of age. You can also operate on a nursing mother so that she does not become pregnant again.
In cases where it is undesirable to do sterilization, you should give your pet sedatives made with the addition of herbs. It is also necessary to monitor the cat itself so that it does not come into contact with cats.
Valerian - both tincture and tablets - do not need to be given. It acts as an stimulant, and a cat who has tasted valerian will be obsessed only with the desire to connect with the cat. Of course, she won't care about the kittens.
Hormonal drugs to reduce sexual desire are also highly undesirable. They already have many contraindications, and will only cause harm to nursing cats.
What are the risks of constant pregnancy?
Exclusively by an increase in the number of stray animals (in the case of stray cats), as well as depletion of the mother’s body (in the case of “industrial” reproduction). In general, constant pregnancy is harmful for cats . After all, you and your pet do not live in the jungle, where kittens and cats can be eaten at any moment, so such high fertility only causes a lot of problems.
Interesting fact: frequent postpartum heats are typical for cats whose litters constantly contain “rejected”, underdeveloped kittens.
Moreover, in such cases, the mother often eats the entire litter and immediately begins to “hunt” for the cats. This is also a physiologically based phenomenon. If an animal feels that the offspring has “failed,” its body tries with all its might to fulfill the reproductive function assigned to it. That is, get rid of an unnecessary brood and urgently get pregnant again.
What to do if a nursing cat becomes pregnant again?
If the naughty tailed mother still succumbs to the cat’s persuasion and again finds herself in a position, the owner has no choice but to do something from the suggestions below:
- Wait until the pet gives birth, and then take her to a veterinary clinic, where doctors will perform an operation and remove the ovaries, possibly along with the uterus.
- Consult with a specialist, let him look at the pregnant woman and tell him whether it is possible to have an abortion (the uterus is cut and the embryos are removed). The main thing is that you need to do this before 28-35 days of pregnancy.
- Go to the veterinary clinic so that they can have an abortion and sterilize the pet (the ovaries and uterus will be removed along with the cubs).
- Ask your veterinarian for advice about hormonal abortion.
Needless to say, the methods listed above will not bring anything good to the cat except harm: the anesthesia will be difficult for her and it will not be easy for her to recover, an infection may occur, gynecological sores are possible, and there is a high risk that she will no longer be able to get pregnant. Therefore, to avoid unnecessary pregnancy, it is better to do everything to prevent it: give sedatives and drive away cats. The best method that eliminates the “interesting” situation is sterilization.
What to do if a cat asks for a cat
What to do if a cat asks for a cat? All cat owners face this problem. Let's consider several options for what you can do if a cat asks for a cat.
Cat lovers are well aware of the situation when, in the spring or at other times, their pet begins to ask for a cat. In reality, the physiological needs of animals often haunt their owners. A cat, when she wants to communicate with a cat, may begin to meow loudly. This meowing may not stop either during the day or during the night.
It should also be noted that often during this period cats are capable of significantly damaging pieces of home furniture and other things in the house. But in this way the animal wants to draw attention to its problem. And it is typical for absolutely all cats. When she wants a cat, she can yell quite loudly and persistently. The owners are usually at a loss. After all, not every one of them will decide to let their pet go for a walk.
In this case, many owners immediately go to the veterinary clinic or the appropriate store to buy some medicine for the cat. However, it should be noted that none of these drugs could provide significant benefit. As a result, the owners are again forced to endure the cat's screams and the fact that the cat begins to mark the territory everywhere. Cats, in turn, in a similar state are capable of literally tearing to shreds an object that catches their eye.
Many, under the influence of fatigue from such cat “hysterics,” still decide to bring a cat to their pet. As a rule, after this the cat becomes pregnant, and this causes more trouble for the owners. If the cat is not a purebred cat, then you will have to decide where to place the subsequently born kittens.
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Video: caring for a pregnant and lactating cat
For caring owners this is often not enough. Our mailbox regularly receives letters with non-standard questions and descriptions of situations of concern to animal owners related to pregnancy in cats. In this regard, we decided to seek advice from high-level specialists. Today, the doctor of the Vega clinic, candidate of veterinary sciences, Alexander Dmitrievich Kablukov, answers the most popular questions about cat pregnancy.
— What tests are best done on a cat before mating?
— It is necessary to be tested for the presence of hidden infections: chlamydia, mycoplasmosis, ureaplasmosis.
A vaginal smear is taken and examined using the PCR (polymerase chain reaction) method. Is it possible to breed cats - brother and sister, father and daughter, son and mother? What are the consequences of inbreeding? - You can, if you want to get mutants. Inbreeding is prohibited for everyone. Such breeding significantly increases the likelihood of developing mutations and genetic abnormalities.
— How long after giving birth can a cat become pregnant again?
- 14 days after giving birth, cats go into heat and can become pregnant again.
— Can a cat get pregnant at 15 years old?
- Yes, but it’s bad for the cat and the offspring.
The birth will not be normal. — What threat to a cat’s health does early (at 7-8 months) and late (after 10 years) pregnancy pose?
— At 7–8 months this is not an early pregnancy.
She is early by the standards of human views, but by the standards of physiology this is a completely normal age. Late pregnancy can threaten the development of diseases of the mother and fetus. How to reliably determine whether a cat is pregnant? Are there any special pregnancy tests for cats? — There are no special tests. The only reliable diagnostic method is ultrasound examination (ultrasound). It is carried out starting from the 30th day of pregnancy of the cat.
— Can a pregnant cat ask for a cat?
- Usually no, this does not correspond to normal levels of hormones in the blood.
If this is the case, then the cat has a pathology. — How to distinguish a real pregnancy from a false one?
— False pregnancy is a neuropsychic disease of an animal in which, after a certain period after estrus, usually two months, the animal begins to show signs of pregnancy: lactation, withdrawal, certain toys appear, which the animal nurses as its own offspring.
This pathology is typical for dogs and does not occur in cats. Does a cat have to gain weight? Does it happen that a cat’s pregnancy is almost invisible? — Some cats do not change their constitution until their last days, and by appearance it can be difficult to distinguish a pregnant cat from a non-pregnant one.
— What does a pregnant cat’s diet consist of? Will professional food be enough for her or should she be given vitamin supplements? Usually there is enough food, just increase the daily volume of the diet. But using vitamin-mineral complexes during pregnancy will never be superfluous.
— What to do if a pregnant cat sheds heavily or her whiskers break off?
— It is necessary to analyze the diet and include vitamins and minerals in it.
— Is it possible to bathe a pregnant cat?
- It is possible if the cat tolerated bathing well before.
— If a pregnant cat periodically mates with a male cat, how can this affect the kittens?
“Usually this does not happen and may indicate a pathology of the animal’s hormonal levels.
But in general, mating cannot harm the fruits. Behavior
— If a pregnant cat ignores the litter box, what could this mean?
- This is not a serious sign, but this can happen, including with the development of inflammation in the bladder.
You need to check your urine. — Is it typical for a pregnant cat to refuse food?
— No, this may indicate the presence of some pathological changes: the appearance of pain, nausea, the development of inflammation, etc.
— Is it harmful for a pregnant cat to lie on a hot radiator all day?
- No.
— Can kittens be harmed if a pregnant cat lies on her stomach?
No.
— Can a pregnant cat make new unusual sounds?
- No, all sounds are normal.
Rather, it is a feature of the behavior of a particular individual. — Is it normal for a cat to become angry during pregnancy, constantly growling and hissing?
- No, this is not normal, but it can occur during pregnancy and childbirth.
In this case, the animal is not allowed for breeding and must be sterilized. Health
— Is it possible to vaccinate a pregnant cat?
— It is not advisable to do this, since vaccination can cause the development of fetal diseases.
— How to rid a pregnant cat of fleas?
- It is best to treat for fleas before pregnancy, but if they are still present, it will be better to treat with mild preparations such as Frontline spray.
— What to do if a pregnant cat has worms?
— If this is detected, then it is necessary to treat the cat with mild preparations, for example, drontal for cats or dosalid.
— Is it a pathology if a pregnant cat has a larger belly on one side than the other?
- No, this may be due to the uneven location of the fetuses in the cavity of the uterine horns.
— What can cause bleeding in a pregnant cat?
- Either with the onset of the birth process, or with pathology of the uterus.
— What does discharge from a pregnant cat indicate?
- Most often this is due to an infection of the uterus or vagina.
— Are diarrhea and vomiting a dangerous symptom in a pregnant cat?
- Such symptoms usually indicate poisoning with something that requires appropriate treatment.
— A pregnant cat sneezes often.
What could it be? - This can be associated either with a cold or with the presence of diseases of the upper respiratory tract, more often with polyps of the nasal passages.
What to do if a pregnant cat falls from a height, but no changes in behavior are observed? How can you tell if kittens have been harmed? — It is necessary to conduct an ultrasound of the uterus to determine bleeding and fetal viability.
Does your pregnant cat have brown growths between the hairs on her chin? What is this and what causes it? - Most likely, this is acne - skin lesions associated with excess sebum production. This manifests itself with a decrease in immunity or with the development of certain metabolic diseases.
— Is it possible to sterilize a pregnant cat?
- This procedure will certainly cause a cessation of pregnancy and lead to a miscarriage.
To terminate a pregnancy surgically, it is better to resort to amputation of the uterus or sterilization of the animal after birth. After the birth of kittens from their beloved pet, owners often think about when a cat can become pregnant after giving birth. Experienced breeders know that after the next lambing there must be a rehabilitation period, during which the animal will regain strength, get stronger after pregnancy and childbirth, and feed and raise its offspring. It is useful for every owner of a furry beauty to have such information.
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Cat pregnancy duration, periods
It is believed that a normal cat pregnancy takes 59-70 days, on average - 63. The time from conception to birth is usually divided into 6 periods.
First
– the beginning of gestation (from fertilization to 18-20 days of pregnancy). The cat's behavior remains almost unchanged, but its appetite may increase slightly.
Second
– from 20 to 30 days of pregnancy. Swollen mammary glands become brighter and the stomach becomes tense.
Third
– 5th week of gestation. The cat's tummy is rounded, and the babies settle into the abdominal cavity. At this time, it is forbidden to feel it, so as not to injure the babies.
Fourth
– end of week 5 and beginning of week 6. The cubs are cramped in the abdominal cavity, and the cat's belly is noticeably swollen on the sides.
Fifth (penultimate)
– from 42 to 50 days. The expectant mother often becomes nervous and refuses to eat, and the kittens (who have grown to 5-8 cm) develop fur.
Sixth (final)
– there is active movement of the babies. During multiple pregnancies, the movements of the kittens are visible to the naked eye.
Restoring reproductive health
Pregnancy, subsequent births, and care do not have the best effect on the cat’s condition. Even in case of good health, she needs time for rehabilitation and restoration of reproductive function.
Curvature of the spine in a cat
The birth of kittens requires significant energy expenditure from the female. Many animals lose weight after giving birth. The formation of embryos, the growth of fetuses, subsequent childbirth and milk feeding lead to the fact that the mother’s body suffers large losses of vitamins and minerals. A characteristic feature of the reproductive period is a deficiency of minerals such as calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Often, after the next lambing, a deficiency of mineral substances leads to a change in the skeleton of the pet - deflections of the back are formed, the spine is bent.
Pregnancy does not have the best effect on the reproductive health of the cat. The animal's body experiences constant hormonal changes. During estrus, estrogens are produced, which stimulate follicle growth and ovulation of eggs. When pregnancy occurs, the female’s body is influenced by the hormone progesterone, which is responsible for the implantation of embryos in the uterus and the normal course of pregnancy. Childbirth is characterized by a sharp increase in the level of oxytocin, which is responsible for contracting the smooth muscles of the uterus and preparing the mammary gland for feeding the offspring. And during feeding, the hormone prolactin is produced.
Such transformations in the body over a short period of time exhaust the animal and can lead to the development of hormonal imbalances. Therefore, a recovery period is required after the next lambing. Experienced owners know that when a cat begins to ask for a cat after giving birth, it is necessary to take measures to prevent pregnancy. The animal must be given sexual rest and measures must be taken to restore strength and health.
Much attention should be paid to mineral nutrition. The animal's diet during the rehabilitation period should contain increased amounts of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. For better absorption of minerals, vitamin supplements should be introduced, especially vitamin D, without which calcium is practically not absorbed into the body. When feeding your pet natural food, you should increase the proportion of dairy products, which are sources of calcium for the body.
A veterinarian will help you select the most effective drug based on a clinical examination of the animal and a biochemical blood test.
Intervals between the birth of kittens and feeding
There is no definite opinion on what the number of births a cat should have. For owners of purebred cats (including Scottish Folds), veterinarians recommend sticking to no more than 3 lambings in 2 years
.
It is necessary that the interval between the birth of kittens and their feeding be at least 4 months
. If the pause is longer, even better. It will allow the cat to restore its health after childbirth and feeding. The body (when fully recovered) will be able to get stronger before the upcoming next birth.
If the owner does not have the goal of breeding kittens on a professional level, it is wiser to sterilize the animal, since each birth process greatly depletes the female’s body.
When contraindications exist, veterinarians prescribe hormonal abortion.
Possibility of pregnancy while breastfeeding
Many owners want to know if a cat can become pregnant while nursing kittens. There is an opinion that during this period a new conception is impossible. This point of view is due to the fact that prolactin, which stimulates milk production, blocks the production of hormones responsible for ovulation. However, this rule practically does not apply to cats, since they ovulate during sexual intercourse. Consequently, estrus and subsequent pregnancy can occur in a nursing cat. This should be taken into account and in no case should you allow mating of a pet that has just given birth. The absence of a rehabilitation period between births will negatively affect the health of the female.
Animal owners are often interested in the question of when, after lambing, a cat begins to walk. The average pet can come into heat 1 - 2 months after giving birth. This interval is typical for females with normal levels of sex hormones. However, often due to individual characteristics and hormonal imbalances, an animal can begin to walk almost immediately after birth.
This brings owners a lot of trouble. The female stops caring for her offspring, eats poorly, does not have enough milk, and the babies often remain hungry. The animal “forgets” about the kittens, tries to escape from the room, and shows all the signs of sexual heat. The owner not only has to keep an eye on the pet, not allowing the cat near it, but also take care of it.
Therefore, when a cat begins to walk after giving birth, the owner needs to take it. For this purpose, sedatives based on plant materials are suitable.
Under no circumstances should you give a cat hormonal drugs such as “Contra-Sex” or “Stop-Barrier” while feeding kittens with milk. The use of hormones against the background of the influence of their own can lead to the development of cancer in the animal.
How soon after giving birth can a cat go into heat?
After a cat has given birth to kittens, many owners believe that she will not ask for a cat for a long time. In fact, in nature, cats are ready to give birth again literally 1-2 months after giving birth. It is after this period of time that they go into heat.
However, you shouldn’t be surprised if the cat went on a spree much earlier. Sometimes she may go into heat literally a week after giving birth. This is a rather serious malfunction in the body. Usually it is provoked by the owners themselves when they give the cat the wrong food. Excessively high-calorie and plentiful food, which is complemented by warmth, is a signal to the cat’s body that it can again bear offspring. Also, sometimes such disruptions in the body cause cat diseases.
How often can a cat give birth?
There is no consensus among owners of furry beauties about how often a cat needs to give birth. Some believe that 2 lambings per year is optimal. Veterinary specialists and responsible breeders believe that such a regime exhausts the animal, leads to a deterioration in the general and reproductive health of the female, a decrease in the animal’s life expectancy and the birth of weak young animals.
Types of contraception for cats. Cats are the most prolific pets. In a year, a female can become pregnant up to 6 times, giving birth to 7 - 8 kittens. ... When can a cat become pregnant after giving birth, after...
Typically, these questions are asked by those pet owners who have allowed accidental mating and unwanted pregnancy in their pets. Having decided to be more prudent in the future, owners are wondering if the cat could become pregnant again while nursing kittens. So, let's find out about this, armed with useful information about the characteristics of the reproductive functions of these animals.
How to calm your pet without hormonal drugs
If you are afraid of harming your pet, then you can use homeopathic remedies or traditional methods. Then the impact will be mild, but the duration of the improvements will be insignificant. The result of the actions will be immediate, but it will only last for a day. This is relaxation and relaxation for both the owners and the animal.
Most veterinarians recommend spaying if you do not want offspring . After the operation, your cat will never walk again and she will not become pregnant. But she will always be calm and there will be no screams in your family from morning to evening during estrus. Any pills only temporarily dull the excitement. In addition, hormonal drugs have an impact on health and can provoke various consequences. Such medications should only be used if mating is planned in the future. To choose the best option, consult your veterinarian. Remember that simply buying medications is not the best option, since the animal may have an intolerance to some element or an allergic reaction.
After the birth of kittens from their beloved pet, owners often think about when a cat can become pregnant after giving birth. Experienced breeders know that after the next lambing there must be a rehabilitation period, during which the animal will regain strength, get stronger after pregnancy and childbirth, and feed and raise its offspring. It is useful for every owner of a furry beauty to have such information.
Read in this article
When can a cat give birth to kittens?
So, an animal can become a mother after the onset of puberty. Usually in cats this age is after 7 months (in representatives of some breeds and physically developed pets even earlier). By this time, the cat's reproductive organs are already fully developed.
A sign of puberty is the cat's first heat. It is called estrus in the language of veterinarians. Its characteristic signs are mucous discharge from the noose, inappropriate behavior in the form of howling, inviting cries, and arching of the back. This behavior of a cat is called sexual hunting. During it, the pet may refuse food and show unusual tenderness towards the owner. Estrus lasts 10-14 days, during which cats become pregnant during mating. And if the cat is used to walking outside for a long time, the owner may not notice that she has become pregnant.
When the owner plans to breed his purebred cat during the first heat, he must select a candidate for the role of father in advance. He must have a veterinary passport with vaccination notes; pedigree if necessary. It is worth noting that the cat does not always like the candidate selected by the owner. Sometimes it happens that a couple cannot find a common language: the cat does not allow the cat to approach her, fights occur. This is fine! Then you will have to change your partner.
The cat wants a cat, what should I do?
The article will discuss the most common situation that all owners of domestic cats without exception have to deal with, because we are talking about cat instincts that are not easy to cope with.
Do not forget that in this and any other situation, as well as in the treatment of any health problems in cats, cats and kittens, only qualified veterinarians can help, and the information in this project is presented for informational purposes only.
Depending on individual characteristics, a cat's estrus period can last 7-10 days and repeat every 21-30 days.
You can determine what the cat wants and asks the cat by the characteristic behavior of the animal - the cat endlessly caresses, emits a loud meow, takes a pose characteristic of mating, puts marks and loses its appetite.
In such cases, experienced cat owners advise paying more attention to the cat - petting and playing with it so that as much energy as possible can be released.
Any veterinary pharmacy will advise you what medications and tablets to buy to calm a cat that is thirsty for a cat (usually “Stop-Stress” or “Cat Bayun”), but it is better to use them as little as possible.
During estrus, many cats experience involuntary discharge and increased urination. Perhaps the cat simply does not have time to reach the litter box, which is why it shits in the wrong place. In this case, there is only one piece of advice - to sterilize the animal.
Vaccinations and sterilization of cats are carried out 2 weeks after the end of estrus. You can calm down the hunt by petting and stroking the animal more. You cannot give valerian for this purpose - it will cause even greater excitement in the cat.
As a rule, a cat does not immediately allow a cat to approach her, and it takes the cat some time to sniff and look closely at the individual who is showing a desire to mate. Therefore, it is better to create intimacy for animals
Source
About pregnancy after childbirth
How many times a year can a pet become a mother? Each cat can lamb 5 times a year. But practice shows that this happens less often even among yard cats. It is normal for them to have offspring three times a year.
As for domestic animals, the onset of pregnancy in them is regulated by the owner. When can a second pregnancy occur after lambing? It depends on the heat. In strong and healthy cats, this can happen as early as a month after the birth of the litter. It is worth knowing that, unlike women, breastfeeding does not affect the reproductive function of cats in any way. A cat nursing her young may go into estrus within a month or two. And this means that she is ready to meet her next gentlemen. However, their dates, again, will end with the birth of offspring, and the owner in most cases does not need this. In addition, to ensure that kittens are born healthy, breeders do not recommend breeding a cat more than twice a year. They also advise owners, if they do not want to have offspring, to sterilize their pet and not feed it with birth control pills. Such contraceptives, when used systematically, negatively affect the cat’s health. If the owner, after using them, decides to have offspring from this pet, then they may be unhealthy. Kittens can be born dead or with a break of a day, which is painful and unhealthy for the cat.
At what period should mating be carried out?
If she asks for a cat for the first time, this does not mean that she is ready for pregnancy. Therefore, it is important to know when this process will be more optimal. The animal's body will become stronger and physiologically ready for childbirth only by 20 months . Puberty and the formation of the pelvic bones are completed by 1.% of years. Therefore, it is better not to happen to the cat earlier.
If this is neglected, the animal may have a miscarriage or give birth to premature babies. The stress of pregnancy can affect the health of the animal and even lead to disability. You should also not delay mating too much, since pregnancy in adulthood can also negatively affect your health.
About the signs of cat pregnancy
In cats it lasts approximately 60 days, and deviations of one week in both directions are not considered a pathology. For example, severe fright and stress can delay birth in pets.
How can an owner understand that his cat is pregnant? Already from the third week of the term, she will sleep longer than usual, and her appetite increases. In the early stages, the pet may suffer from toxicosis, which manifests itself as vomiting. An accurate signal of pregnancy is enlargement of the nipples and their redness. Closer to childbirth, the cat may hide and look for a suitable place for lambing. Many people urinate more frequently 2 weeks before giving birth, because the fetus puts pressure on the pelvic organs, including the bladder.
2-3 days before lambing, many domestic animals hardly eat, but only drink water. The owner should help the cat before giving birth by preparing a box with small sides and lining it with an old towel or sheets. The pet must get used to the new smell. If such a “maternity hospital” is not prepared in advance, then the cat can give birth anywhere: in the closet, on an easy chair, on the sofa.
Diagnosis, signs of cat pregnancy
Early symptoms, which may not occur in all cats, include:
- increased drowsiness - sleep becomes longer by 2-4 hours (at a norm of 14 hours a day);
- poor appetite - the cat readily drinks, including broth and milk, but ignores solid food;
- change in the color of the mammary glands - they become red/coral, swollen and hot. The sign is usually characteristic of the first pregnancy and is often noticeable only on the lower nipples;
- nausea (rarely vomiting) - the urge occurs in the morning, normally - three times a day;
- indifference to other pets, but irritability towards cats.
At two weeks the pregnancy is determined by a veterinarian or ultrasound, and by the third week the owner is able to feel the kittens by delicately palpating the cat’s belly: at this time they are already beginning to move.