Cat Reproduction

Estrus and Heat Period 1 st Heat months of age - Induced by lengthening daylight/rising temperatures - Heat period lasts 9-10 days - If not bred, will come back into heat after days

Signs of estrus (heat) Restless, unusually friendly Rub up against other objects, owner’s leg, furniture Decreased appetite Urinates frequently Rolls on floor

Mating Female will howl and male will spray urine to respond After mating – female turns and attacks the male Ovulation occurs 24 hours after mating

Gestation Lasts 65 days –3 weeks – nipples are pink and hair recedes –6 weeks – abdomen is swollen –2 weeks before kittens are due, female becomes restless and searches for a quiet place to give birth

Queening Female’s breathing increases Licking signs of agitation minutes for each kitten to be born Female ruptures amniotic sack and cleans kitten by licking – starts breathing Mother eats afterbirth (source of nutrients) Colostrum produced by mother