From heat seasons to neutering: Everything you need to know about breeding your cat

If your cat is restlessly roaming around the house, meowing unusually loudly and seemingly unwilling to settle, then you are experiencing one of the most fascinating – and, for many cat owners, most demanding – aspects of a cat’s life: the heat season. This phase gives us an impressive insight into how strong the natural reproductive instinct of our feline friends is, and how much responsibility we have as owners to deal with it properly in the interests of our cats. However, you should start thinking about how to deal with the reproductive cycle of your cat much earlier – preferably even before sexual maturity.

The heat season is a natural part of a cat's reproductive cycle. It describes the phase in which a female cat is ready for conception and is strongly influenced by its hormones. In this phase, a female cat will try to attract sexual partners and mate with them. Typical signs of a cat in heat are: 

• Loud meowing, often at night
• Restless behaviour and increased attachment
• The typical rolling on the floor accompanied by increased irritability

The average duration of a cat's heat season is four to seven days – but this depends on factors such as age, health and the season. If your cat does not mate, the heat will slowly fade away within two weeks. After a few weeks, the cat can start a new heat.

The cat mating season usually takes place in spring and autumn. Being in heat is a clear sign that a cat is ready to conceive and can therefore also become pregnant. The cat then goes looking for a partner and attracts interested cats with their scent. Cats do not have regular ovulation, but so-called ‘induced ovulation’. The actual ovulation is only triggered by the act of conceiving.

Once a cat has mated, the pregnancy lasts an average of 63 to 67 days. During this time, several kittens grow in the mother's womb. The body works flat out during this time. As such, expectant cat mothers require a nutrient-rich diet tailored to the needs of pregnant cats. After birth, the cat continues to need additional energy to feed its young.

The decision to breed a cat should not be taken lightly. In animal shelters, many unwanted cats are already waiting for a new home. If you still plan to have your cat mated, follow professional care guidance and provide them with optimal feline nutrition during pregnancy. Also bear in mind that if your cat is an outdoor cat and has not been neutered, there is a high chance that it will have contact with cats in the area and thus also become pregnant unexpectedly. Often the father of the kittens is then unknown, so you cannot be aware of any health problems he may potentially pass on to the young.

Cat owners who do not wish for their cat to give birth often decide to end their cat's fertility to spare them from the stressful ups and downs of their hormones. But that is not the only reason: Spaying or neutering is the only way to prevent outdoor cats from conceiving unwanted offspring. Animal shelters are full of cats that came about due to uncontrolled reproduction – and then nobody wanted them. In this respect, the decision to neuter or spay your cat is also a decision that promotes animal welfare. But what is the better method: spaying or neutering a cat? Both procedures aim to prevent reproduction, but they are fundamentally different, and only neutering puts an end to the influence of hormones.

Neutering involves the removal of the gonads (ovaries). This interrupts hormone production, which not only prevents reproduction, but also switches off hormonal behaviour, such as heat.

During spaying, only the fallopian tubes are cut. The cat remains hormonally active and continues to show heat-related behaviour, but can no longer become pregnant.

Neutering is often preferred by vets, as it not only prevents unwanted pregnancy, but also offers health benefits, such as a lower risk of uterine disease and hormone-related behavioural problems.

While in female cats the heat season is a nerve-wracking, exhausting expression of the reproductive instinct – for cats and owners – in unneutered, sexually mature male cats it means the marking of objects and walls with urine. This not only causes unhygienic and unsightly stains, but also strong odours. In addition, the risk of injuries and accidents is significantly higher with male unneutered outdoor cats, as they are more prone to aggressive, territorial behaviour towards their fellow cats. Therefore, neutering is often the best decision for male cats, unless they are to be used in breeding. 

Neutering changes your cat's hormone balance, which can also affect their energy needs. Many cats (including male cats) tend to gain weight after neutering. You should therefore pay attention to: 

1. Nutritional adjustment: Neutering reduces the cat's energy requirements. Adjust their feed accordingly, either by choosing calorie-reduced food or adjusting the serving size of food. Make sure you continue to provide your pet with sufficient vitamins and nutrients. The CAT'S LOVE range offers a wide selection for your neutered cat's individual food needs.
2. Regular exercise: Provide sufficient play and exercise to prevent your cat from becoming overweight.
3. Vet check-ups: Regular health checks facilitate early detection of any possible problems.