Kitty in heat

[karlyb]

Polly , the little female who found her way into my house this winter is in heat now. She looks to be about six monts old but she hasn't grown at all since she moved in so not really sure about her age. The humane society is holding spay/neuter clinic soon so I was waiting to get her fixed. The little male kitten, Bobby, who also moved in this winter, is trying to mate her. How old does male cat have to be for him to impregnate her? He's banished to the bedroom for now. Also, the most annoying part of this whole thing is that my big boys, all of them neutered long ago, are trying to mate her. What the heck? Is this a cat thing or just a male thing?

Thanks for any input or suggestions.

[Karen]

Segregating her from all of them as best you can will be the best thing for your sanity at this point. Giving her her own "suite" - even if it's just a bathroom confinement would be best. A male can can impregnate a female by 4-6 months of age, so definitely keep her away from Bobby most importantly.

[karlyb]

Thanks Karen. I'm definitely keeping Polly and Bobby separated. They're like a couple of horny teenagers. Little kittens are oh so cute, but I've already got 17 indoor cats.

[Freedom]

Also, make a quick phone call to a vet, and ask about spaying a female in heat.

I know for dogs, you have to wait I think 3 months after the heat cycle? Weird. For cats, I think it is OK, but it costs a bit extra if they are in heat (more medical waste). I don't know if the clinic will charge extra, that would be a separate phone call. Just best to KNOW in advance, is my point.

Good luck!

[DriftyAlison0]

It is possible to spay a cat in heat but most vets would rather wait since there is more risk to it. Hince the price increase. Just have to bear her noises and keep any unfixed male cats away from her.

[karlyb]

Bobby has appointment on the 17th for his neuter. Polly is isolated to the bedroom now so the males (Bobby and the adult neutered males) will leave her alone. She can't get in for spay until next month, poor little girl. I hope the shelter's schedule coincides with Polly's heat cycle so she can have the surgery.