Cat Reproduction

Queens, or female cats, can reach sexual maturity at barely four months old. Once they get to this point, they undergo routine heating cycles.

From January through the fall, unneutered female cats typically call every two weeks or so. Unless she successfully mates and becomes pregnant, a female cat that has not been neutered will typically go into heat every two to three weeks during the season. Cats can go into heat up to 20 times a year, with each cycle lasting around seven days (but this can be longer or shorter depending on the cat).

Tom cats, or male cats, are sexually mature at seven to nine months. They will actively look for a mate if they are not neutered. If they are an outdoor cat, this means they will wander considerably farther from their house and exhibit some undesirable behaviors (such as spraying and being more prone to engage in territorial disputes with nearby cats).

Remember that cats are not picky and will mate with any other cat if the chance arises, even close family members. Getting your cat neutered is the greatest method to avoid unintended pregnancies.