Expert: W - 6/13/2007

Question
QUESTION: hi can yopu tell me what is the best day to breed a persian who is now on her 4th day of calling?
Is it to late or is it still ok to go ahead and breed her, we have a stud for her, thanks in advance, mel

ANSWER: Hi Mel
Take her today
She will call for another three or four days then will go off call for about three weeks.
Before you arrive at the stud, make sure her claws are cut, you don't want her to damage the cat, also make sure her vaccinations are in order.
Ask the owner to make sure it is an accompanied mating, once complete they should remove the queen to separate quarters for rest. She may get aggressive toward the stud if left with him
If this is her first mating then it would be advised to allow a second or even third mating over the next three days just to be sure
Then cross your fingers and do two things

One count 21 days from the final mating and examine her nipples. They should be turning pink. If they do then she is almost certainly pregnant
Two count 65 days from the final mating day and expect to see the kittens then xx :-)

Good luck



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

QUESTION: Hi, we took our queen to stud but on the way she went quite? has the journey put her off or will she start calling again. We have left her with the stud as the owner said she may start calling again after 24 hours. Or is it just the fact that she is in a strange place?

Answer
The stud owner is right. She may have gone quiet on the journey as it was possibly her first outing in a car. She stays on heat for a total of seven days so she should call again for the next two days and will be 'excited' on her next call by being in close proximity to the stud. Many owners usually leave their cats for three or four days with the stud to ensure mating takes place fully. Her hormones will kick in again today. She may stop calling but still remain very receptive when put in with the stud today.
Do contact the stud owner and ask them if a mating took place. You will need the actual date of mating to calculate the 21 day and 65 day point.
Good luck.