American Shorthair Cat

    There are many cat breeds, and the age of first heat varies among different cats. Foreign breeds like Thai cats usually experience first heat at around 5 months or earlier, while most others reach it around 7 months. Male cats mature later than females, entering sexual maturity roughly between 7 to 12 months. Some individuals only mature at 2 years old.

　　Female cats go into heat 3 to 4 times per year, especially in spring, with an average interval of 3 to 4 weeks and repeated heat cycles. The duration of heat varies by breed, generally lasting 3–15 days.

　　Cat mating activity typically peaks in spring, declines in summer, and although autumn is also a heat season, it is less intense than spring. Usually, cats do not go into heat between October and December. Signs of female cats in heat include: a gentler temperament than usual, reduced appetite, increased urination frequency, enjoying petting from owners, and rubbing their abdomen close to the ground. Male cats during mating season are more sensitive and dislike being approached by owners, experience decreased appetite, and urinate in inconsistent locations. At this time, males can hear females’ calls or smell their scent from afar. Once a female in heat is found, males will roam around her, yowling and marking with urine, stimulating her to mate. This phenomenon can often be seen or heard on spring nights, commonly called “noisy cats.”

　　To ensure the next generation has good breed quality, healthy development, and the health of the female cat, pay attention to the following during breeding:

　　1. If purebred, select mates of the same breed.

　　2. Male and female cats should be in good health.

　　3. Both male and female cats should be sexually mature.

　　4. Small female cats should not mate with large male cats.

　　In the third week of pregnancy, the female cat’s nipples turn red and the surrounding hair thins. This is less obvious in first pregnancies. At 4 to 5 weeks of pregnancy, the fetuses can be felt by hand. Touch gently to avoid causing miscarriage. Two weeks before delivery, the female cat will become restless and frequently look for a quiet place to nest in preparation for birth. Owners should prepare a suitably sized birth box, which can be made from wood or a sturdy cardboard box. The birth box should be placed in a quiet, warm, dry place with a temperature no lower than 22℃.

　　After delivery, owners should carefully change the female cat’s bedding and allow the kittens to drink colostrum as early as possible. Newborn kittens should not be touched by owners because the human scent may cause them to refuse the mother’s milk. When kittens reach 3 to 4 months of age, they should be vaccinated.