1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Cats

Pregnancy - Mating - Reproduction in Cats

Although cat enthusiasts are strongly encouraged to spay and neuter their cats, sometimes accidents happen, or you'll find yourself "adopted" by a pregnant cat. These resources will help in those situations.
Cat Reproduction 101
Cats' reproduction activities may seem simple to the casual observer: they mate loudly, frequently, and indiscriminately, then give birth to a bunch of kittens. The truth is not quite as clear-cut as that, however. For instance, did you know that cats do not ovulate until they mate? Or that a female cat may give birth to five kittens, each from a different father? That whole (un-neutered) male ca…
Care of a Pregnant Cat:: Online Class
Free online course on Care of a Pregnant Cat. Lesson One covers What to Expect From This Course.
Free Email Class: Care of a Pregnant Cat
The occasion arises sometimes when an unspayed kitten has gotten out, a pregnant cat arrives at your doorstop, or you volunteer to foster a pregnant cat. This course was designed to help ensure the best possible care for the pregnant cat and her kittens.
Cats Quiz: Mating and Heat Cycles
How extensive is your knowledge about cats' mating habits? Do you know how cats' heat cycles work? Take this javascript-based quiz on cats' mating and estrus cycles to test your knowledge and learn more about your cat's sex life.
The Mating Game - Mating and Conception in Cats
While it is assumed that most people have good intentions about spay/neuter, sometimes females mature earlier than anticipated, and the unwary caregiver will find herself with a female in heat. Here are answers to some questions you may have on what happens during oestrus, or if she indeed finds a mate.

Read more information on cats reproduction below the ad.
Cats Estrus Cycles - Heat Cycles in Cats
Female cats can start heat cycles at a very early age, and, until spayed or they become pregnant, the cycles will occur with frequent regularity. Learn more about heat cycles, also called oestrus, or estrus cycles in cats.
Signs a Cat is Pregnant
If your cat was in heat and had access to a tom (unneutered male) cat, the likelihood that she is pregnant is very strong. Learn to recognize the physical and behavioral signs of a pregnant cat.
How to Tell if Your Female Cat is in Heat
Female cats that are not spayed will eventually come into heat (technically called oestrus), and the signs are unambiguous, once you know what to look for. Here are some behavioral symptoms to watch for if you suspect your diva is in heat.
So Your Cat is Pregnant
Where do you go from here? Your first major decision is whether or not to allow the condition to continue. If the answer is "yes," here's help in knowing what to expect in the next two months.
Should a Rescued Pregnant Cat be Spayed ?
One of the most controversial issues is whether or not to spay a rescued pregnant cat. While some people are repulsed at the thought of killing kittens, others believe the question begs a larger issue, that of the overpopulation problem.
Care and Feeding of a Pregnant Cat
Stray and feral cats often give their last ounces of energy to the developing kittens they bear, because of the lack of proper food, care, and veterinary attention. You'll want to provide all the things your pregnant cat needs, both for her health and for the health of the unborn kittens.
Care of a Pregnant Cat - Potential Problems During Pregnancy
Although many pregnant cats go through gestation trouble-free, there are potential problems for pregnant cats. Learn to spot the symptoms of trouble and what action to take to ensure the health of a pregnant cat and her fetuses.
Spay and Neuter Your Pet Cats
There are a number of reasons pet cats should be spayed and neutered, including the overpopulation problem in general, and some very serious health problems in cats left whole.
Care of a Pregnant Cat - Helping With Birth
The big day has arrived when your pregnant cat goes into labor. Chances are that you will not need to do anything to help with the birth process except to be with your cat to encourage her. However, you should know how to spot potential problems and what action to take, should she need assistance with the birth process.
Cats - Post-Natal Care for a Queen and her Kittens
The first two to three weeks are the most crucial for your mother cat and her newborn kittens. The kittens are developing rapidly, and the queen will usually show symptoms of any post-partum problems by this time. Learn more about the care needed by your queen and her kittens.
HELP! She's in Heat!
The constant meowing and obvious distress is taxing my sanity! Do you have any suggestions about how to quiet her down and make her more comfortable? Also...I've heard that there may be a lot of bleeding. Should I cover my furniture? Try to keep her confined to a particular area? She's an indoor cat.
Free Kittuns - an Essay by Jim Willis - from Pieces of my Heart
This sad story reminds us that "free to a good home" is unwise, at best, and that spaying and neutering can save lives as well as heartache.

Explore Cats

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Cats
  4. Pregnancy / Mating

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.