All hail the queen!

The gestating or lactating mother needs more energy. 20-30% more during last 2-3 weeks gestation Up to 100% more during peak lactation

Look for this label: "Complete and balanced nutrition

for all stages of a cat's life or for reproduction."

Contains extra vitamins and minerals

Kittens need special care

Provide 2-3 days colostrum if queen is not available.

Colostrum gives extra nutrition and temporary disease immunity.

Feedings start at every 3-4 hours.Eventually feed 3 times daily

until 8 months old.Wean at 6-8 weeks.

Reproduction

Toms - male catsQueens - female catsPuberty reached at 4-12 months

Females mature earlier than males. Varies by breed

Reproductive behaviorsmay include: Restlessness, yowling, scent marking

Estrous cycle

Queens are seasonally polyestrous Heat (estrus) occurs at certain times of the

year. Tied to longer daylight/higher temperatures

Heat lasts 3-6 days.Estrous cycle lasts 15-21 days.Induced ovulators - egg released after

being bred, then heat endsGestation is 63-67 days.

Parturition … hurrah, it's kittens!

Queen chooses quiet, remote spotTime between births from 15 minutes to

2 hours.Queen licks newborn kitten to stimulate

activity; removes embryonic sacLitter size: averages 4-6Kittens born helpless, with eyes closed

Castration/spaying

Castration = removing male testiclesSpaying = removing female

reproductive organsWhy do it?

Overpopulation Resolves problem mating behaviors

Questions

1. How long is a cat's estrous cycle? 2. A male cat is called a __________ and a

female cat is called a __________ . 3. Cats can learn to be vegetarians. TRUE or

FALSE? 4. Kittens should receive at least two days

of __________ , the queen's first milk. 5. The gestation period of cats is __________

to __________ days.