Expert: W - 2/19/2008

Question
QUESTION: HELLO DR RAY could you tell me how often females come into season,i have a male and a female ragdolls they mated on the 12december i am unsure if she is pregnant she has gained a little weight and her nipples are not bright pink more a pale pink and the last few days she has been licking quite alot down below and she has been quite affectionate

ANSWER: Hi Janet
Cats can come into season every four to six weeks.
If she mated on 12th December she should have pinked up on the nipples by 4th January so she should be pregnant and due any time now. The normal gestation period is 65 days
Could the male have mated with her after the 12th December, have they been together since that date
If she has not put any weight on then she is not pregnant
My only suggestion is to get a scan done and see what it shows

Ray


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: hello again ,yes my male has mated with her a few times since 12dec ,she has gained 2lb in last 2weeks,i have also put her on kitten natures best food ,when i go out i have been seprating them both,also can females still come into season when pregnant.thank you

Answer
It is possible for a cat to come into season even when she is pregnant, but you need to keep her away from the male from now on. I suggest if the male is in the house with her consider putting him in a nappy to prevent him mating with her.
Also the weight is not necessarily a guarantee that she is pregnant, if you have doubts ask your vet to do a scan and test for the presence of kittens

Ray