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If your cat has recently had kittens, don’t think this is the end. Far from it. Your cat can get pregnant again almost immediately, as soon as 2–4 weeks.Cats go through puberty around 6 months old and can get busy having their own kittens once they enter this stage. It doesn’t take much for a female cat to become pregnant. In fact, females can have one litter stemming from multiple fathers. She can even continue this pattern multiple times yearly.
So, it’s safe to say that understanding the cat estrous cycle is important for keeping your female cat from becoming pregnant.
Understanding the Cat Estrous Cycle
A female cat’s estrous cycle, also known as a cat in heat, starts when a kitten becomes a teenager—about 6 months old. Unless the female cat is fixed, she will always experience going into heat during the breeding season.
But when is the breeding season? Breeding seasons vary by location. The length of days affects how often a female cat will go into heat and stay in heat. For instance, cats go into heat more often in warm parts of the world with longer days.
Generally, 7 days is the average for a cat’s heat cycle. Some cats will range between 1 and 21 days.
Signs of a Cat in Heat
- Vocalizing
- Panting
- Pacing
- Affectionate, even demanding
- Constant rubbing against furniture and people
- Roll on the floor more often
- Raising the butt more often and treading the back legs
Most of the time, these behaviors are very annoying, especially vocalizing. Some owners will think their cat is sick, but don’t be fooled.
Do Cats Get Pregnant Easily?
Cats are very good at becoming pregnant, almost to a fault. Cats are induced ovulators, meaning the act of breeding stimulates the release of an egg. Normally, animals must wait for their bodies to release an egg involuntarily. But when a cat breeds, the body immediately releases an egg for fertilization, making pregnancy much easier.
The eggs are usually viable for about 20 to 50 hours, so most female cats require three to four mating sessions within 24 hours for a pregnancy to stick. Still, cats mate several times in a short period, and it only takes a few minutes.
How Soon Can Cats Have Kittens After a Litter?
Cat pregnancies last about 65 days. Once the kittens are brought into the world, the mama’s body will endure hormonal changes to prepare for the next estrus cycle. This usually occurs around 4 weeks after your cat has given birth, but it can happen as early as 2 weeks.
The idea that your mama kitty can’t become pregnant while nursing her kittens is a myth. So, keep an eye on your queen to ensure she doesn’t become pregnant again.
Preventing Pregnancy in Cats
The best way to prevent your cat from becoming pregnant is to have her spayed. It may seem invasive, but cats breed to the point of overpopulation, so you’re doing her (and the other kitties of the world) a favor.
The ideal time for a spay is around 6 months old before she goes into heat. But if your cat is fully grown with kittens, you can still have your cat fixed after the kittens are weaned.
Conclusion
You’ve heard the term “breed like rabbits.” But when you understand the cat heat cycle, “breed like cats” seems more appropriate. Cats are very good at becoming pregnant and can continue the pregnancy cycle just a few short weeks after having kittens. So, keep a close eye on your cat as she nurses and make an appointment for a spay as soon as possible.
Featured Image Credit By: Bill Roque, Shutterstock
