Reproduction in Cats

Cats are truly prolific when it comes to reproduction, and since ancient times when the Egyptians worshipped cats as a fertility symbol, the queen has been associated with fecundity. Though Valentine's Day is not a special romantic occasion for cats, at this time of the year, the females are starting their spring heat season. Incredibly, according to a recently published journal article, if allowed to mate naturally a queen can have two or three litters annually resulting in 50-150 offspring in her lifetime! Only rabbits share the distinction of having multiple litters annually.

When a queen is bred by a tom, usually ovulation results. Queens are termed "induced ovulators" meaning that some kind of stimulation (like breeding) is usually needed before the eggs ovulate. Normally during a heat in the presence of one or more toms, multiple breedings will occur. It takes time for the hormone levels to drop off once the first breeding has occurred, usually 1 to 3 days. This explains heat signs a few days after a mating, and explains the phenomenon of cat litters containing offspring of more than one male (superfecundity). Sometimes the queen will have a surge of hormones in early pregnancy also, resulting in a litter of mixed gestational age where kittens inside her uterus are at different stages of development. This is not a common scenario, and is termed superfetation.

Matings will commonly continue for up to three days once the queen enters her full heat. It is difficult to know right after mating whether she has become pregnant or not. Some cats experience pseudo-pregnancy or false pregnancy like dogs, but cats are much less likely to show symptoms. (refer to article on dog pseudo-pregnancy). Normal queen pregnancy lasts about 65 days, though a range around this average is considered normal.

If you suspect your cat is pregnant have your veterinarian check her health and confirm the pregnancy by palpation. It is important to institute proper care for "Mom cat" and to prepare you and your family for queening if she has babies on the way.

Griffin CCE V 23, No 12, Dec 01 p 1049-1056 Prolific Cats: The Estrous Cycle