Is my cat in season?
As the days start to lengthen towards spring-time, female cats respond by starting to come into season. This means that they are attractive to tom cats and are able to become pregnant.
Signs to watch for
Signs of a cat in season include being very vocal, flicking their tails in the air, and pushing their bottoms upwards while playing or being stroked. You may see or hear other cats around the property when your cat is in season, but this is not always the case.
Young female cats can have a first season as young as four months old and are able to get pregnant at this very early age.
This “on-heat” behaviour will last for an average of seven days and will be repeated every 7-21 days if no mating takes place. These seasons will occur right through the breeding season until the autumn, if she is not speyed (de-sexed).
There are many reasons that speying your female cat makes sense: It prevents the breeding of unwanted kittens and health issues associated with pregnancy and birth. It also prevents the spread of some of the nastier feline viruses such as feline leukaemia virus, that may be passed on during mating, during birth, or nursing.
What about male cats?
Non-desexed (entire) male cats have a higher tendency for unpleasant territorial urine-spraying, both in and outside of your house. They are more vulnerable to fight-related injuries and viruses and, of course, equally responsible for producing unwanted kittens! Entire tom cats are not infrequently hit by vehicles while they are out “tom-catting” and fighting or chasing other cats.
When should I book my cat for desexing?
Desexing is generally recommended at 6 months old. This can be brought forward very slightly at the vet’s discretion if circumstances mean there is a higher chance of the cat mating or being mated before the age of 6 months.
This is a day trip for them with a morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up. Female cats that are currently in season or have an early pregnancy can also be speyed. It is definitely recommended as part of responsible cat ownership!
If you have any questions regarding booking your own kitten for desexing, please contact one of our clinics for help and advice.