Cats are fertile animals. A queen, or intact female
cat, may produce two or three litters of kittens a
year, which is one reason for the large number of
stray, unwanted kittens. Female cats go into heat
during which time they are interested in mating
and can conceive (get pregnant) if they do mate.
A female can mate with more than one male.
Periods of heat last a few days. Rolling, stretching,
rubbing, crying, and yowling characterize a
female cat in heat. If the cat does not mate and
conceive, the cycle will be repeated in a few
weeks. It is possible to prevent a female cat from
becoming pregnant. You can keep her in the
house, isolated from any tomcats (unneutered
males) during her heat, or you can have her
spayed (ovariohysterectomy). Spaying is a surgical
procedure which involves removal of the female
reproductive organs. The operation is usually
performed at age six to seven months, although
it can be done successfully later on, after a cat
has had kittens. After being spayed, a cat is no
longer interested in mating and she is unable to
conceive.
Many cat owners choose to have their pets
neutered or spayed. This is done to prevent the
birth of unwanted kittens. It also makes male
cats more suitable house pets. Neutering a male
cat involves surgical removal of the testicles. A
neutered male no longer shows interest in mating.
A tomcat tends to roam a lot, get into many
fights, and mark his territory. Territory is marked
by spraying urine on walls, inside and outside of
your house. The odor of the urine is unpleasant
and enduring. Tomcats seldom live to an old age.
A neutered male tends to stay home, fight less,
and live much longer than toms.
A common myth against spaying and neutering
is that the pet will get obese. This can be
successfully prevented by not overfeeding the pet.