What day in there season do cats mate on?

The estrous cycle in felines varies and is dependent on several factors. These factors include the cat's age and weight during the months between February and September. This time period is often referred to as the mating season when the amount of daylight is greater. In order for a successful mating to occur the female must have adequate fat stores in order to carry a litter to term which averages 65 days in most breeds. Short-haired breeds often experience their first heat cycle as early as six-months of age. Long-haired breeds most often experience their first cycle much later, at 12-13 months. This is a general guideline and variations have been widely recorded. On average, a 12-month-old female has physically developed enough to safely carry a litter to term. Breed characteristics must also be considered when determining breeding age. For example, the head of a Persian kitten is quite large and may endanger the health of both a young or small Queen and the kitten. The delay of breeding to allow a Queen to cycle multiple times before breeding has associated physical consequences as well. A disease called pyrometra is a possible condition of delayed breeding when the uterus and ovaries fill with poisonous pus. The only cure is an immediate spay where the uterus and ovaries are removed before they rupture and threaten the life of the Queen. Unless the breeder is involved in an organized breeding program and is able to place all the offspring into loving and caring homes, all cats should be spayed or neutered before they reach eight months of age. Carl Sparks, Owner and Breeder, Memnon Himalayans www.memnonhimalayans.com