Expert: Marcia Owen - 5/29/2010

Question
Ok i have several questions sry about all of them.. ok here i will list the questions: 1. ok my 1 yr old cat mated a long time ago ( about 3-4 weeks) but she isnt showing any signs of having kittens.. What do you think is wrong with her? ( it's ok if you can't answer that questiopn it just kind of makes me worried...) 2. How long is the period between a cat getting pregnant and having kittens? 3. My 4 or 5 year old cat has been having 2 sets of kittens every yea until last year do you know why that is?? ok thank you for at least letting me ask these questions! hopefully you can answer them! :0 thank you!

Answer
Dear Megan

In answer to your questions.

1.  I doubt anything is wrong with your cat.  She is still very young at a year old and not every cat gets pregnant the first time.  She may need to be mated again.  Certainly it would not concern me if it was my cat as I would just have her mated again.  If she had been mated on 3/4 separate seasons then I would have to get a vet to investigate.

2.  From the time of mating a cat's pregnancy lasts for approx. 65 days, give or take a few days.  Less than 58 days and the kittens are unlikely to survive and even at 58 days the chances are slim.

3.  A cat that has been having two litters of kittens each year is soon going to be exhausted and I would say that your cat's body is now saying its had enough kittens and needs a rest.  It may be kinder to neuter this girl as I think she has had enough litters now.

Regards

Marcia