Cat Breeding: A Complete Starting Guide

Introduction to Responsible Cat Breeding

Breeding from your female cat, known as a 'queen', is a rewarding but significant commitment. This comprehensive guide covers everything responsible breeders need to know before starting, from selecting a stud cat to preparing for the birth and caring for the kittens. We promote ethical practices ensuring strong and healthy litters while fitting into a breeder's lifestyle.

Step 1: Preparing Your Queen and Paperwork

Before beginning the breeding process, ensure your queen is properly registered in your name, as this determines the recorded breeder for the litter. Responsible breeders keep vaccination records up to date and have their cats tested for feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV) before mating. These checks help protect the health of both queen and kittens. Remember, a queen should only be bred if she is on an 'Active' register, and you must have written permission from the previous breeder.

It's essential to verify your chosen stud cat's registration and health clearances. This paperwork might seem complex at first, but established breeders and stud owners can guide you through it, ensuring the process is legal and ethical.

Step 2: Choosing the Right Stud Cat

Choosing the right stud cat involves more than proximity. Focus on pedigrees to avoid inbreeding and look for features in the stud that complement your queen's traits, such as eye colour or head shape. Reputable stud owners will want to see your queen's pedigree and active registration before agreeing to the mating. They should also provide a Certificate of Entirety confirming the stud is fully fertile.

While stud fees and travelling expenses are part of the process, selecting a proven stud with excellent traits optimises the chance of healthy, well-bred kittens. Avoid using stud cats listed as 'Suspended' breeders by authoritative bodies like the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

Step 3: Arranging the Mating Visit

Contact the stud owner promptly when your queen starts calling for a mate. Your queen will visit the stud owner's home, where they will be introduced carefully—initially separated but able to sniff and see each other through a partition. The queen typically stays for around three days. Successful mating is usually supervised, with the stud owner often separating the cats after mating to prevent any aggression.

Always obtain a mating certificate, which includes the projected birth date for the kittens (about 65 days later). If your queen does not conceive, you may be eligible for a second mating at no extra stud fee, though fresh health tests will likely be necessary.

Step 4: Confirming Pregnancy and Veterinary Checks

About three weeks after mating, your queen's nipples will 'pink up' indicating pregnancy. If she starts calling again, she might not be pregnant, warranting a vet check to rule out issues preventing conception. Sometimes, cats do not breed despite no apparent cause, and spaying should be considered for her health and welfare.

Regular veterinary monitoring during pregnancy ensures your queen and kittens remain healthy and any complications are promptly addressed.

Step 5: Preparing a Safe Birthing Environment

Your queen will seek a quiet, warm, and dark place to make her nest—possibly unusual spots like under beds or in wardrobes. The nesting area should be accessible for you to provide discreet supervision during delivery and care afterwards.

A simple, cosy cardboard box with washable or disposable bedding is often the best choice. You can add warmth with a covered hot water bottle or a commercially available heated kittening box. Avoid excessive disturbance while ensuring you’re ready to assist if difficulties arise.

Step 6: Post-Birth Care and Responsible Kitten Management

After the litter arrives, ensure the queen and kittens are kept in a calm environment. Monitor the kittens for normal development and consult your vet if any health concerns arise.

As responsible breeders, it’s vital to socialise the kittens gently and prepare them for their future homes. Ethical breeding also involves educating potential owners and ensuring that kittens go to suitable families who will provide lifelong care.

Step 7: Networking and Continuing Education

Attending local cat shows and engaging with experienced breeders provides valuable support and guidance. These connections help new breeders navigate paperwork, health testing, and breeding best practices.

Continual learning ensures breeding decisions benefit both the cats and the community, promoting the welfare and health of pedigreed cats and their offspring.

Common Questions About Cat Breeding

How long are cats pregnant for?

Quick Answer: Cats are typically pregnant for around 63 to 65 days from conception to birth.

This gestation period is standard for domestic cats and can vary slightly depending on the individual queen and breed. Observing your queen for signs of nesting and changes in behaviour as she approaches the due date is important for preparing for the kittens' arrival.

What paperwork do I need for breeding cats?

Quick Answer: You need your queen’s registration papers showing active breeding status, stud cat’s pedigree and fertility certificate, and vet health test certificates (FIV/FeLV).

Keeping all paperwork up to date and verifying breeding rights protects kitten registration and ensures responsible management. Always check lists of suspended breeders to avoid unregistered or banned stud cats.

When should I take my queen to the stud?

Quick Answer: Take your queen to the stud as soon as she begins calling or displaying signs of being in heat.

Early communication with the stud owner and prompt veterinary checks prepare both cats for a successful mating, improving chances of conception. Never wait too long after signs start, as fertility is best early in the heat cycle.

What are the risks of breeding cats?

Quick Answer: Risks include health complications for the queen, genetic issues in kittens, and situations requiring veterinary intervention during birth.

Responsible breeding minimises these risks through health screening, appropriate mate selection, and veterinary supervision. Always be prepared for emergencies and have a vet on call during delivery.

Where can I find reputable breeders?

Quick Answer: Reputable breeders are often members of the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF) or similar recognised organisations.

Networking through cat shows and breeder forums provides access to experienced breeders who prioritise health, welfare, and visible ethical practices. Always research breeders thoroughly before acquiring a queen or stud.