AboutDr Ray Wigley Expertise I can answer questions on inbreeding of pedigree cats. Also when to inbreed and when not to inbreed. Also when to consider out crossing cats to help diversify the gene pool. I can also answer questions on how to get the best out of your cat at a show.
Experience I have bred animals for over 30 years. I am actively engaged on research into FIP and other feline diseases also investigating litter size variation as a consequence of breed.
Expert: Dr Ray Wigley Date: 7/9/2008 Subject: problem breeding
Question I took my Ragdoll female to a breeder and had her bred over the course of a week. We were finally able to ascertain that she is not pregnant and in the meantime she dealt with a lot of diarrhea for the first 4 weeks after returning home. We finally got that under control after several different meds and changing her to Science Diet I.D. (intestinal diet). Her coat is healthier and she has gained some weight since getting over the diarrhea(was pretty thin even before her illness but the vet had told me it was an appropriate weight for her so I hadn't questioned it). Two weeks ago (6 weeks to the day when she first began her last heat cycle)she had a couple of days that looked like she was going into heat but then it dissipated. Today she is showing the beginning signs again. Not sure if it will go into a full cycle or not. Is this common behavior for a cat who has been bred but not gotten pregnant? Is this a result of her health problems for so long? When should we try to breed again? Thanks, Sheila
Answer Hi Sheila
Queens can come into oestrus, 'heat' every four to six weeks if not mated. This cycle will continue during their fertile life. So your female is just back into this cycle.
The cycle has also been slightly upset by the use of medications to control her IBD problem. She will come back into normal cycle within the next four weeks as her digestive system settles down.
I would also suggest some direct action on your part with regard to taking her to a Tom. Make sure the next mating is always accompanied and monitored. Also ensure the queen has her own food supply and litter tray in separate quarters
This should reduce any chance of possible Corona Virus infection.
