1. All hail the queen! zThe gestating or lactating mother needs more energy. y20-30% more during last 2-3 weeks gestation yUp to 100% more during peak lactation zLook for this label: y"Complete and balanced nutrition for all stages of a cat's life or for reproduction." yContains extra vitamins and minerals

2. Kittens need special care zProvide 2-3 days colostrum if queen is not available. zColostrum gives extra nutrition and temporary disease immunity. zFeedings start at every 3-4 hours. zEventually feed 3 times daily until 8 months old. zWean at 6-8 weeks.

3. Reproduction zToms - male cats zQueens - female cats zPuberty reached at 4-12 months yFemales mature earlier than males. yVaries by breed zReproductive behaviors may include: yRestlessness, yowling, scent marking

4. Estrous cycle zQueens are seasonally polyestrous yHeat (estrus) occurs at certain times of the year. yTied to longer daylight/higher temperatures zHeat lasts 3-6 days. zEstrous cycle lasts 15-21 days. zInduced ovulators - egg released after being bred, then heat ends zGestation is 63-67 days.

5. Parturition … hurrah, it's kittens! zQueen chooses quiet, remote spot zTime between births from 15 minutes to 2 hours. zQueen licks newborn kitten to stimulate activity; removes embryonic sac zLitter size: averages 4-6 zKittens born helpless, with eyes closed

6. Castration/spaying zCastration = removing male testicles zSpaying = removing female reproductive organs zWhy do it? yOverpopulation yResolves problem mating behaviors

7. Questions z1. How long is a cat's estrous cycle? z2. A male cat is called a __________ and a female cat is called a __________. z3. Cats can learn to be vegetarians. TRUE or FALSE? z4. Kittens should receive at least two days of __________, the queen's first milk. z5. The gestation period of cats is __________ to __________ days.