Its Kitten Season (Insights to cat breeding and seasons)

We have all heard of The Kitten Season but how can there be a season for cats? Well the mating cycle of kitty cats is dependent on weather and thus the name “kitten season”. The amazing findings of a survey conducted by Petco found that 60% of the respondents didn't know that there are running a kitten season. The astounding reproductive abilities of cats put humans in a frenzy as shelters are usually full around kitten season and this causes a spike in the rate of putting down or euthanizing cats to make room for the new ones.

Yes, it’s heartbreaking but this is something shelters deal with twice a year. So, when it comes to breeding your cat; every cat lover will tell you not to do it!

Cat birth rate is too high

The higher kitten rates have also been a nuisance to deal with as it has become a larger problem over the years. An average cat has the ability to birth 12 kittens per year. Experts attribute this change to global warming, shelters have also experienced a higher influx of kittens over elongated periods of times. Initially, the kitten season was said to last around 2 months which has grown to extend over a period of 4 months.

The age of maturity for an average cat can be as young as 4 months, which when coupled with elongated warmer weather can clearly portray a picture of why cat overpopulation is problem.

For female cats coming on heat is the beginning of their Oestrus Cycle however, it is not limited by season. Experts state that a cat can reproduce at any time of the year if the conditions are right. This is due to the fact that female cats ovulate upon stimulation unlike humans. Thus the chance of impregnating a female cat are high.

During the heat cycle cats will express behavioural signs that can be used to identify that the cycle has begun. Some of which may include:

• Increased vocalization that is used to signal a willingness to the mate. Normally referred to as “yowling” it should not be confused as a sign of pain.
• Your cat may become increasingly affectionate or aggressive depending on the cats' personality.
• Urine spraying on walls (male cats)
• Increased interest in other cats and pouncing at any chance to go outside.
• Increased attention to the genital area.

Female cats, in particular, are encouraged to be desexed as their heat cycle will continue until and unless they are desexed or mated. Even after mating and pregnancy, the cycle can return after 1-21 weeks. Unattended repeated heat cycles can cause infections in the ovaries that can prove to be fatal.

This is exactly why desexing your cat is stressed upon by all the cat lovers and experts. It will save your kitty cat from a lot of diseases, dangers and stress in case they decide to run out and find a mate in the “heat of the moment”.

Cat Evolution is dedicated to providing you with best cat supplies and accessories. We advise providing your cat with the best comfort during her pregnancy. We are offering the best self-cleaning litter box that provides you a scoop free litter experience and that is also healthy for your cat. Another comforting thing is the modern cat bed and cat pod that will make her pregnancy time more comfortable. For new kittens, automatic cat feeder is a must have and highly advised product to cat parents.

For more statistics and information about cat reproduction, check out the following link:
https://www.catevolution.co.nz/reproductive-capability-of-cats/