cat maturity

[dab_20]

I have a barn cat that is 7 months old. recently, she has gotten out of the barn at night and has been hanging out with another cat. we are assuming its a boy. we dont want our farm to get overrun with kittens and cats like some farms. we dont need anymore kittens in the world. my main question is, at what age can a cat get pregnant?

[grybai]

I'm not sure at what age cats normally go into their first heat, but 6 months is a good age to get your cat spayed, so I would recommend just getting your cat spayed to prevent any further problems.

[dab_20]

ok. and also does anyone know how hard it is to give away kittens?

[Barbara]

8 months is old enough to get pregnant. Many people who thought it was too early had to learn the hard way. My Tigris is the son of a teenage mom ;)

[dab_20]

is there more risks when they get pregnant that young?

[Barbara]

Yes, as they still are small. And it is very stressy for them to nurse the babies. Tigris' mom got very thin and looked so that you could worry.

I agree with you that too many kittens on a farm can cause problems too- so you better take her to the vet.:)

[jenluckenbach]

Your cat is old enough now to become pregnant if she isn't already. And it is very unwise to allow a cat that young to give birth. I would plan to get her spayed as soon as possible.


As for giving kittens away, it may or may not be easy in your particular area, but that is truly not the point. For each kitten that you successfully place in a home, at least one kitten who is already born and homeless will NOT find a home. There are simply not enough people to love those babies.

[kittycats_delight]

Cats can get pregnant at as young as 4 months old. Please take her and get her spayed immediately before she gets pregnant.

[dab_20]

yah your right. my dad cant afford to get her spayed right now so we will block all the cracks and holes so she can't get out of the barn.

[kittycats_delight]

Is there any rescues in your area? A local humane society? They often have spay and neuter clinics and do them very very cheaply. Give them a call and find out.

[dab_20]

ok yah there are 3 humane societies locally. but i heard that they often get infestions, because humane societies dont do as good a job. is that true?

[dab_20]

oops i meant infections

[kittycats_delight]

I haven't heard that. I know there are many people here who have gotten pets spayed and neutered through their local shelters and I haven't heard a complain like that. I would give it a try. She really needs to be spayed. She is too young for babies...with being so young it increases the chances of miscarriage, small weak kittens, birthing problems for momma, and others. Also each and every heat and pregnancy increases her chances of getting certain cancers. I would definately check out the shelters and ask about spay/neuter clinics.

[dab_20]

ok i will ask my dad

[carole]

let me tell you about my lil black girl Lexie, I adopted her from a shelter, she was only 9 mths old when she was found pregnant, she gave birth and all her babies died and she nearly did as well, I am not sure what exactly happened or what was wrong with her as they did not seem to know for sure, but that gives you some indication of just what can happen to a young cat, so please get kitty SPAYED as soon as possible.