Puberty… an awkward topic of conversation. It’s the time in an animal’s life when they become sexually mature and their thoughts turn towards mating. But how do we know if a cat has started puberty? What should you be looking out for as an owner? Here we’ll discuss that and much more besides!
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How do I know if my cat has started puberty?
Puberty is controlled by hormones, so your kitten’s body will start going through some changes in response to these as they gear up for reproduction. In cats, however, the external clues are much less obvious than they are in people. So it is behavioural changes that owners tend to notice.
Female cats will start to go through phases where they ‘call’ for a mate
She may be more vocal during this time, yowling or crying, which can be a bit alarming to novice owners. Some cats may also become clingier and more affectionate than normal. They may even demonstrate a flirty posture, where her front end is down on the floor but she’s waggling her bottom end up in the air. This behaviour lasts for 5-10 days at a time, occurring every couple of weeks until she finds an entire male. This is known as being ‘on heat’ or ‘in season’. It shows that she is fertile and ready to be mated.
Males will also be looking for a mate once they hit puberty
They do this by roaming and straying further away from home than usual. This could result in him fighting more with other cats. And it also puts them more at risk from road traffic accidents. Entire male cats will start producing stronger-smelling urine that they use for scent marking; which can be unpleasant if they start spraying indoors. Males who are left unneutered will also over time develop some secondary sexual characteristics too such as a broader face (wide cheeks) and thicker skin.
What age does puberty start?
Puberty in cats can start as early as 4 months of age onwards. That means it is possible for your cat to show an interest in mating, and even get pregnant, from this time. This is why many vets suggest keeping your kitten indoors until they have been neutered, to avoid any accidents from occurring.
When should I get my cat neutered?
The majority of vets recommend getting your cat neutered from 4 months of age onwards. Most cats have reached a good weight and size for surgery by this point. And neutering will help to avoid any accidental pregnancies that could occur.
It is particularly important to get your cats neutered as early on as possible if you have two of the opposite sex, for example, a brother and sister. Cats don’t differentiate between blood relatives when it comes to mating. So an accidental pregnancy could occur between siblings that have been left entire.
Neutering is usually a routine day procedure. This means your cat will go in first thing in the morning and be back with you later in the afternoon. Cats usually do very well post-surgery, if instructions are followed around pain relief and wound care.
Speak to your vet about what their policy is on the age of neutering as well as for more information on the surgery itself.
But should I let my cat have kittens?
The short answer is, probably not. There is a mistaken belief that it is cruel not to let cats have at least one litter, or that having kittens ‘settles them down’. There is no proof for either of these theories and in fact, the opposite could be true.
Female cats have little say in who mates with them when they are let out onto the streets at a young age. The mating process can be rough with biting and fighting involved, and there is a risk of catching infectious diseases. Plus, teenage pregnancy isn’t a fun ride for anybody! Young cats may struggle with raising kittens, both mentally and physically. Cats are prolific breeders which mean no sooner as she has finished rearing one litter, she could be pregnant with the next. It is not responsible to allow your cat to have multiple unplanned litters, especially as finding good homes for all the kittens could be challenging.
If you are planning on mating your cat, then make sure you do so responsibly. You should wait until she is a bit older before doing so, ideally around 18 – 24 months old. Use a stud cat who has been tested for sexually transmitted diseases such as FIV and FeLV before mating. Also make sure that you have the finances in place to deal with any emergencies if they arise; such as your cat needing an emergency caesarean section.
Summary
Puberty in cats can start as early as 4 months, which means pregnancy is a real possibility from this age onwards. As part of responsible pet ownership, it is recommended that you get both male and female cats neutered around this time, to prevent unwanted mating from occurring. While puberty is a slightly awkward topic of conversation, don’t be afraid to ask your vet if you have any other questions. I can guarantee you that they will have heard it all before and that their only interest is your cat’s health and well-being.
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