The days are getting longer, temperatures are rising and so are the hormone levels in cats. Spring is mating season for cats too. Both domestic cats and stray cats are looking for a partner during this time to father the next generation.
points out how important it is to neuter cats to prevent unwanted offspring.
Heat is the phase of the year when female cats are ready to breed. The heat takes place 2-3 times a year and lasts between two and ten days. During this time, extreme caution is required to prevent unwanted offspring.
The behavior of the cats during heat changes visibly and audibly. At first they become more clingy and meow more. Their need for affection increases and they rub their humans’ legs more often than usual. After that, their restlessness increases and the initial meowing turns into a loud howling or screaming.
The cat will also go into the estrus position more often. Her buttocks are raised and her tail is bent to the side while her rear legs are dancing. Some cats are more prone to aggressive behavior towards other cats. Sometimes they show this behavior in humans as well. Cats may also mark objects with their urine to leave a scent mark for suitors ready to mate. They will also insist on being allowed out of the house.
While the females get restless in their homes, the males roam the countryside, eager to mate.
First of all, you should not let your cat outside during this time. As the owner, you must be very vigilant so that she cannot escape from you in an unsupervised moment. Secure tilted windows in such a way that your cat has no chance of escaping and cannot injure itself when trying to escape. House and terrace doors should always be opened carefully. It is best to keep the cat flap closed at all times.
Cats are sexually mature at four to five months and can raise two to three litters with at least three kittens each year. These in turn are sexually mature after a year and provide for offspring. The number of offspring from a single cat can be in the thousands in just a few years!
Aside from the fact that unwanted offspring are often doomed to a miserable life as part of the stray cat population, each unwanted birth can also be a burden to animal shelters. These regularly impose a freeze on admission in May, when most kittens are born, as they are already overcrowded.