Expert: W - 8/6/2008

Question
Dear Dr Ray
It has always been a dilemma to me,and currently I'm dealing with it once more.What should I do to my in-heat girls when I temporarily don't want them to mate?
Actually this beautiful bio-color Persian queen of mine is in heat right now,and I am determined not to let her mate and go pregnant for now,hence she has had her first litter (triplets) just two and half months before.Obviously it would be so soon for her to get pregnant once more.However,she's in perfect physical condition.
I am absolutely confused and a little bit apprehensive as I don't know what to do with her.Vets say using pill can lead to cancer,so it's out of question.I had decided to let her yell and call and separate her from my boy,but many experts and breeders told me it could lead to uterus infection,and it would also weaken the queen and make her lose weight.So I really don't know what to do.Should I let her mate?I don't want my girl to be harmed.Please help.What to you recommend?What would you do in such occasion?
Soheil

Answer
Hi Soheil

My advice is to give her some antihistamine to calm her down. I usually give mine a quarter of a tablet. Yes there are many complications that can happen but a pyometra is not common. As for lose weight and weaken her, in my opinion an old wives tale.

Ovarid which can delay oestrus in cats can be dangerous, but again that is rare as well. It has the same chance of causing cancer in cats as taking the pill has for females.

You will just get used to her calling every six to eight weeks, but you do not need to mate her when she calls as this can cause her damage as well.

Only mate if you consider such a mating is necessary and that you can afford to keep the kittens.

Ray