Breeding cats can be a rewarding experience, bringing new life into the world and contributing to the continuation of beloved breeds. However, it’s a significant undertaking that demands careful consideration, resources, and a deep understanding of feline health and welfare. This comprehensive guide, tailored for prospective cat breeders, explores the essential aspects of Cat Breeding, ensuring you’re well-prepared for every step of the journey.
Practical Considerations Before You Breed
Before you even begin to think about mating your queen, it’s crucial to ask yourself some fundamental questions. Honest answers to these will determine if cat breeding is truly the right path for you and your feline companion.
- Why do you want to breed your cat? Is it for the love of the breed, a desire to improve breed lines, or are there other motivations? Breeding should ideally stem from a passion for cats and a commitment to responsible breeding practices, not solely for profit.
- Do you have the time and patience? Breeding is not a hands-off process. It requires significant time for research, finding a suitable stud, caring for a pregnant queen, and, most importantly, raising kittens for several weeks. Are you prepared for sleepless nights, constant cleaning, and the demands of newborn kittens?
- Can you afford it? The costs associated with breeding can be substantial and often unpredictable. Beyond the obvious expenses like extra food and litter, consider stud fees, potential veterinary bills (for prenatal care, birthing complications, and kitten health issues), vaccinations, registration fees, and specialized equipment. Have you budgeted for potential emergencies?
- Have you thoroughly researched cat breeding? Reading articles online is a start, but in-depth research is vital. Have you studied feline genetics, reproductive cycles, potential health problems, and breed-specific requirements? Understanding the intricacies of cat breeding is paramount for success and the well-being of your cats.
- Have you consulted with experienced breeders? Networking with established breeders is invaluable. They can offer mentorship, share practical advice, and provide insights into the realities of cat breeding. Have you reached out to breed clubs or local breeders for guidance?
- Does your family support your decision? Breeding impacts the entire household. Will your family be on board with the demands of breeding, including potential disruptions, extra responsibilities, and the emotional aspects of caring for kittens and eventually letting them go?
- Is there a market for your kittens? Consider the demand for kittens of your chosen breed in your area. Are there already many breeders? Will you be able to find suitable, loving homes for all the kittens? Responsible breeding includes ensuring kittens go to the right owners.
A thoughtful cat owner considers the responsibilities and questions before deciding to breed their feline companion.
If you’ve answered “no” to any of these critical questions, it might be wiser to reconsider breeding and instead enjoy your cat as a beloved pet. Spaying is a responsible option if you are not fully prepared for the breeding commitment.
For further information and guidance, explore resources like the GCCF Advice for Breeders and the GCCF Guide to Veterinary Defects. These resources offer valuable insights into responsible breeding practices and feline health.
Stepping into Cat Breeding: The Initial Stages
If you’ve carefully considered the practicalities and are confident in your readiness to breed, here’s how to proceed with the initial steps:
Ensuring Your Queen is Suitable:
Your journey begins with a healthy female cat, or queen, who embodies the desired breed standards and possesses a sound temperament. Ideally, her lineage should be free of significant health issues, indicating a strong genetic foundation for breeding. Research her parents’ breeding history if possible.
Finding the Right Stud Cat:
Locating a compatible stud cat is crucial. This involves considering:
- Breed Compatibility: Ensure the stud is of the same breed and complements your queen’s characteristics.
- Health and Genetics: The stud should also have a clean bill of health and a desirable pedigree, minimizing the risk of passing on genetic predispositions to health problems.
- Temperament: A good temperament is as important in the stud as it is in the queen, contributing to well-adjusted kittens.
- Location: Choose a stud within reasonable travel distance for ease of transport and to minimize stress on your queen.
Contacting the stud owner is your next step. Inquire about the stud’s GCCF Certificate of Entirety (or equivalent registration in your region) to verify his breeding eligibility. Also, discuss health testing requirements, particularly for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Some stud owners require a recent FeLV test for the queen, while others may require proof of a negative status for your entire household. Don’t hesitate to request to see documentation related to the stud’s health and pedigree.
Choosing a suitable stud cat involves careful consideration of breed compatibility, health, genetics, and temperament.
Preparing for the Mating Process:
Once you’ve selected a stud and confirmed his availability, timing is key. Monitor your queen for signs of being in heat (calling). These signs can vary between breeds, so consult with your breeder or experienced breeders to understand what to expect. As soon as she begins to call, contact the stud owner to arrange the mating. It’s wise to have a backup stud in mind in case your first choice is unavailable.
When you take your queen to the stud, be prepared for two trips – one to drop her off and another to collect her a few days later. Maiden queens (those breeding for the first time) may require a second visit if they don’t settle or conceive on the first attempt.
Pregnancy, Kittening, and Kitten Care
Caring for the Pregnant Queen:
Pregnancy places increased nutritional demands on your queen. She will need a high-quality diet throughout her pregnancy and lactation to support her health and the development of her kittens. Consult with your veterinarian about the best diet for your pregnant queen.
Preparing for Kittening:
As your queen approaches her due date (gestation is approximately 65 days), prepare a comfortable and safe kittening area. This should be a quiet, warm, and private space where she feels secure. A kittening box lined with soft, clean bedding is essential.
The Birthing Process:
Be prepared to provide 24-hour surveillance as your queen approaches labor. Many queens, especially first-timers, may need assistance during kittening. Your presence and preparedness can be critical for the well-being of both the queen and her kittens. Have contact information for your veterinarian and experienced breeders readily available in case of complications.
Caring for Newborn Kittens:
Newborn kittens are entirely dependent on their mother and you. Ensure they are kept warm, especially during winter months, as heating costs may increase significantly. Monitor their feeding and weight gain closely. If the queen is unable to nurse or produce enough milk, you may need to supplement with kitten formula.
Weaning and Feeding Kittens:
As kittens grow, they will transition to solid food. Introduce high-quality kitten food, fresh cooked chicken or fish, and raw minced beef gradually. Fresh, nutritious food is essential for their development. Establish a regular feeding schedule, and ensure fresh food is always available, avoiding leaving food out for extended periods, which can attract flies and become contaminated.
A mother cat tenderly cares for her newborn kittens, highlighting the nurturing aspect of cat breeding.
Financial Aspects of Cat Breeding
Breeding cats is not a cheap endeavor. It’s essential to understand the financial commitments involved:
- Stud Fee: This is the fee paid to the stud owner for mating services.
- Veterinary Care: Prenatal checkups, potential birthing assistance (including C-sections), vaccinations for kittens, and unexpected health issues can lead to significant vet bills.
- Specialized Food: High-quality food for the queen during pregnancy and lactation, and premium kitten food are essential.
- Equipment and Supplies: Kittening box, bedding, litter trays, litter, feeding supplies, and potentially heating equipment are necessary investments.
- Health Testing: FeLV testing and other breed-specific health screenings add to the costs.
- Registration Fees: Registering kittens with relevant breed registries incurs fees.
- Travel Expenses: Trips to the stud and vet appointments add up.
- Lost Income: If you work, caring for a pregnant queen and kittens may require time off work, leading to potential income loss.
Carefully calculate all potential expenses before you begin breeding to ensure you are financially prepared.
Finding Homes for Kittens and Responsible Breeding
Parting with kittens is often the most emotionally challenging aspect of breeding. Remember that you are responsible for finding the right homes for them. This involves:
- Screening Potential Owners: Devote time to interviewing prospective owners to ensure they are responsible, loving, and capable of providing a forever home for your kittens.
- Providing Support and Guidance: Offer ongoing support and advice to new owners.
- Being Prepared for the Unexpected: Be prepared to take back a kitten or older cat if an owner’s circumstances change. Responsible breeding means lifetime responsibility for the cats you bring into the world.
Kittens may not always sell quickly. Be prepared to care for them for longer than anticipated, potentially up to six months or more, which includes ongoing feeding and care costs.
Healthy and playful kittens, ready to bring joy to their new loving homes after careful breeding and nurturing.
Registration and Mating Certificates
To ensure the legitimacy of your kittens’ pedigrees and enable registration, you must follow proper procedures:
- Queen’s Active Registration: Confirm your queen is on the Active Register, meaning her breeder intended her for breeding.
- Mating Certificate: Obtain a mating certificate from the stud owner. This certificate is crucial for registering your kittens. You will need to provide the stud owner with your queen’s registration slip. Without a mating certificate, kittens cannot be registered.
- Stud’s Pedigree: Request a copy of the stud’s pedigree from the stud owner.
Breeders and Pet Insurance
Organizations like the GCCF emphasize responsible breeding and the importance of breeder commitment to kitten health. Consider breeder-specific pet insurance options, which can help mitigate some of the risks associated with breeding.
Explore options like free kitten insurance for kittens you sell and breeding risks insurance for your own cats.
Conclusion: Is Cat Breeding Right for You?
Cat breeding is a significant responsibility that should not be taken lightly. It demands time, resources, knowledge, and a deep commitment to feline welfare. If you are prepared for the challenges and rewards, and approach breeding ethically and responsibly, it can be a fulfilling experience. However, if you have any doubts, it’s always a kind and responsible choice to cherish your cat as a beloved pet without breeding. Good luck on your journey, whether you choose to breed or not!
