The Vet Whetstone’s tips on kitty fertility
August 21, 2019
Cats reach sexual maturity (and can breed) from around four months old – and make no mistake, a female cat coming into heat can be an unnerving experience for any pet owner.
If you’re unsure what to expect, call The Vet Whetstone on 020 8368 9798 to book an appointment with one of our friendly nurses, to ask about your cat’s cycle and discuss neutering.
Make an appointment with our vet nurses
Our vet Albert recommends neutering your female cat (spaying) at four to five months of age, to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
If your kitty is allowed outside at this age without being neutered, there’s a good chance that she will mate and become pregnant.
To explain more:
- A cat in heat doesn’t just comprise one long period; there can be many short periods repeated every 10-14 days or so. Cats don’t ovulate until they’ve mated, so this period of heat cycles can be lengthy
- Longer days can trigger reproductive activity, leading to many kittens being born in March, April and May
Four signs your cat is in heat:
- Flirtatious, extra-affectionate behaviour
- Rubbing and rolling on the floor
- Extreme vocalising, yowling as if in pain (this can be very alarming!)
- Raised hindquarters, moving the tail from side to side
If you’re considering having your pet neutered, the team at The Vet Whetstone is happy to help with any queries or concerns that you may have – so feel free to contact us.
Benefits of neutering
There are plenty of benefits to having your feline neutered. For instance, her ovaries and uterus are removed, which prevents the risk of pyometra – a serious uterine infection.
Neutering also lowers the risk of mammary tumours and reduces the spread of infectious diseases from mother to kittens. Furthermore, it provides important population control, meaning fewer unwanted kittens.
And it eliminates male cats on the doorstep fighting, spraying urine and vocalising. That is DEFINITELY a good thing…