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The cat story
THIS WEEK, the focus is on pregnancy and labour in cats, and some questions posed.
When does a female cat come
into heat?
Several times in a year. The heat period lasts for about two to three weeks and if she is not bred, will return after one week or two. The cycle will continue for several heat cycles or until she is bred.
What are the signs if
she's in heat?
She becomes affectionate. She'll rub against the owner, furniture, roll on the floor and constantly seek your attention. If you stroke her back, she'll elevate her rear quarters into the air and tread with the back legs. She also becomes vocal.
What can one expect during pregnancy?
The gestation period averages 63 days. Most cats deliver between 62 and 65 days. During pregnancy, her food consumption will be one and a half times more and will go up to twice her normal appetite at the end of the nursing period. Don't withhold food. Feed more often so that she has enough to provide for herself and the kittens. During the latter stage of pregnancy, she begins to look for a secure place to deliver.
Many cats do not like being alone and cling to the owner. At the onset of labour, many seek to make a `nest' or birthing place. If a cat is attached to you, she may not want to deliver alone. If left alone, she may delay delivery till you return.
What preparations should
be done prior to delivery?
A box should be selected and kept in a secluded place like an open closet or a dark corner. The box should be large enough for her to move freely and have low sides for her to see outside and for you to reach inside, if need be. The bottom should be lined with several layers of newspapers.
Tips: Here are handy tips on how to safely keep your pet tick free. Squeeze half a lemon all over your pet's body, allow it to dry and watch the ticks fall dead on the floor. Repeat till he is totally free of ticks.
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