Mating process and pregnancy symptoms in female cats

What is sexual maturity in cats?

We call sexual maturity when your cat reaches sufficient conditions for reproduction and gains the ability to reproduce as a result of structural and hormonal changes in its body. Female cats reach sexual maturity at an average age of 4-6 months. However, the age of reaching sexual maturity can vary between 3-12 months depending on genetic and environmental conditions. After your cat reaches sexual maturity, it may enter estrus, or "estrus" period. The estrus period is the period when the female cat agrees to mate with the male cat. If mating occurs and fertilization occurs, pregnancy begins.

When do female cats reach sexual maturity?

Female cats can reach sexual maturity at the age of 4-6 months on average. However, the age of reaching sexual maturity can vary between 3-12 months depending on genetic and environmental conditions. Purebred cats, hybrid and domestic cats; House cats generally reach sexual maturity later than street cats. The cat's birth season and care-feeding conditions also affect the age of sexual maturity.

How do I know if my cat has reached sexual maturity?

Cats show seasonal heat. Your cat, which has reached sexual maturity, will show heat as the days get longer. In our country, cats usually start to show heat in February and reach the highest level in spring; Estrus periods end around September. Since house cats are exposed to artificial light, they may go into heat all year round unless they are neutered.

How can I tell if my cat is in heat?

There are significant differences in the behavior of your cat during the heat period.

• She is more friendly.
• He may want to touch you more.
• He may rub against your legs or objects.
• He often rolls on the ground.
• The biggest sign of anger is that your cat lifts the back of its body and pulls its tail to the side of its body. When you touch his waist, he makes this movement even more obvious and starts purring.
• Unlike normal meowing to call male cats, she may shout in a high pitched voice as if she is in pain.
• There may be a decrease in appetite and as a result, weight loss may occur.
• She may tend to run away from home.
• She does not seem to be at ease or resting.
• She licks her sexual organs frequently.

My cat has mated and she may become pregnant immediately. ?

No, not every mating results in pregnancy. However, since cats enter the ovulation period after mating, their chances of becoming pregnant are not low. When you suspect such a situation, you should immediately take your cat to your veterinarian for a check-up.

How do I know if my cat is pregnant?

You may not see any symptoms in the first weeks. However, the symptoms are as follows.

• Significant weight gain in a short period of time
• Significant increase in appetite
• Swollen and pink nipples (especially from the third week of pregnancy)
• Need for more sleep, increased drowsiness and fatigue
• Nausea or vomiting
• Behavioral changes due to hormones. For example; acting more friendly, motherly attitudes, calmness, introversion.
• In later periods, you may notice that her belly begins to grow.

The above symptoms are not enough to understand whether your cat is pregnant or not. If you suspect pregnancy, you should definitely consult your veterinarian.

What is the gestation period of cats?

The gestation period of cats is approximately 63-67 days. However, this period may vary depending on your cat's breed, age and health condition. If the cat's pregnancy is detected early, it will be easier to accurately predict the birth date.

How is a pregnancy test done in cats?

If you want to make sure that your cat is pregnant, you should consult your veterinarian. Your doctor uses several different methods for this.

• Manual examination:In the later stages of pregnancy, our doctor can manually examine your cat's abdomen with slow and gentle movements and feel the structures of the kittens. (Note: This method should only be performed by experienced veterinarians, otherwise the puppies may be seriously harmed).
• Ultrasound: Ultrasound is a safe method. 21-24 weeks of pregnancy. Your doctor can determine pregnancy using ultrasound starting from 25 days. The puppies' heartbeats can be heard. It is the most preferred method.
• X-Ray: The skeletons of the puppies are shaped around the 42nd day. How many puppies there are can be determined by x-ray.
• Blood test:The relaxin hormone can be detected in the blood from the 21st to 28th day of pregnancy, but its use is not preferred.

Do pregnant cats get nauseous?

Yes, nausea and vomiting are a common symptom as a result of hormonal changes during pregnancy. It may start in the early stages of pregnancy and continue in later stages. Although it is a normal process, nausea and vomiting can lead to some health problems in pregnant cats due to dehydration and electrolyte loss or malnutrition. If your cat experiences intense nausea and vomiting, be sure to consult your veterinarian.

When do the mammary glands of a pregnant cat become evident?

The mammary glands of a pregnant cat show themselves with a slight prominence in the first weeks of pregnancy. It becomes more evident starting from the third week of pregnancy. In the last week of pregnancy, it becomes completely bloated and begins to secrete milk.

If you notice signs of pregnancy in your cat, be sure to consult your veterinarian to get information about the pregnancy process and to help your cat go through this process in the healthiest way.