Cat Behaviour Expectations During Mating, Pregnancy & Kitten Care
Breeding from your cat is a serious, responsible decision that requires thorough research and preparation. When you know your cat is a good example of her breed and you have plans for finding suitable, caring homes for the kittens, understanding the changes in your cat's behaviour during this period helps you provide the best care.
This guide explores what to expect from your cat’s behaviour from the initial heat stage, through mating, gestation, delivery, nursing, and weaning of the kittens until they are ready to leave home.
1. Recognising Heat and Changes in Behaviour
When your female cat comes into heat, she becomes physically ready and receptive for mating. Behaviourally, expect her to show increased clinginess and affection. She may be more vocal—calling for a mate with loud yowling—and display feistiness or restlessness as natural instincts activate. These signs usually cue breeders that mating can be arranged.
2. The Mating Process and What to Anticipate
Once paired with a suitable male stud, the mating process in cats is often noisy and can appear aggressive. Expect to hear much yowling and see a flurry of activity including chasing and occasional scuffles, which are normal dominance behaviours rather than actual fights. Allowing this natural behaviour without interference supports successful mating.
3. Gestation: Behavioural Changes and Care
Pregnancy in cats lasts about 60 to 67 days. During this gestation period, your cat may experience several behavioural phases. Initially, she may be more affectionate and clingy, gradually becoming quieter and less active as the pregnancy progresses. Appetite usually increases as she needs more nutrients to support growing kittens, though near delivery her appetite may reduce.
Territorial or reclusive behaviour is common as your cat prepares for birth. It's important to maintain a calm, quiet environment and provide a comfortable nesting area with plenty of clean bedding. Observe your cat’s preference for nesting location and customise the area accordingly to her needs.
4. Understanding the Delivery and Nesting Behaviour
As birth approaches, nesting behaviour becomes pronounced. Your cat will seek a quiet, secluded spot to deliver, often favouring a peaceful hidden area such as a box or under furniture. Some cats choose the company of a trusted person, displaying affection and needing reassurance.
During labour, the birthing process can take place overnight or unpredictably. Avoid disturbing your cat unless you observe signs of distress or complications, in which case the vet should be contacted immediately. After kittens are born, minimise handling so the mother can bond and care for her litter.
5. Nursing: Care and Behavioural Considerations
The nursing stage is demanding for your cat, requiring her full attention and energy to feed and care for the kittens. Friendly cats often accept gentle handling of their litter under supervision, allowing you to help socialise the kittens and give mum breaks to eat and rest.
However, some mothers may be protective and reluctant to allow contact with their kittens. Respect her cues and approach slowly and quietly. Begin handling the kittens gently from an early age to aid their social development, always ensuring your cat is comfortable with the process.
6. Weaning and Preparing Kittens for New Homes
At around six to eight weeks, kittens start to wean, gradually eating solid food and becoming more curious and active. It is important, however, that kittens remain with their mother until they are at least twelve weeks old. This extended time supports optimal physical and emotional development and reduces stress for the queen as her kittens leave.
Before the kittens go to new homes, acclimatise your cat to shorter absences of her young by gradually increasing the time kittens spend away from her. This helps reduce her distress during the transition. Expect some searching behaviour, but this should settle within a couple of days.
7. Promoting Responsible Breeding and Ethical Rehoming
Before undertaking breeding, consider the long-term commitment. Responsible breeders ensure their queen is healthy, both physically and temperamentally, and that all kittens find safe, loving homes where their needs will be met. Screening potential new owners carefully, and providing education about the breed’s care requirements, supports animal welfare and reduces the risk of rehoming challenges.
Ethical breeding also involves following best veterinary practices for mate selection, pregnancy, and kitten care, aiming to improve breed health and welfare, avoiding overbreeding, and supporting the queen’s well-being.
8. Summary: Key Behavioural Stages in Cat Breeding
- Heat: Affectionate, vocal, seeking mate
- Mating: Noisy with dominance behaviours
- Gestation: Changing activity, appetite, nesting
- Delivery: Active nesting, secluded birth
- Nursing: Protective yet potentially sociable
- Weaning: Kittens eating solids, preparing for separation
- Rehoming preparation: Gradual separation acclimatisation
By understanding these behavioural changes, you can nurture your cat through breeding and kitten care with empathy and responsibility, ensuring health and happiness for both queen and kittens.
