You are here:
- Home
- Animals/Pets
- Cats
- Cats
- older unspayed cats
Cats/older unspayed cats
Advertisement
Question
I manage a feral cat colony and a particular female cat had moved into another colony a few years ago.
I tried many times to TNR her but was unsuccessful.
I recently met the caretaker at this colony who confirmed she is there.
She must be about 8 years of age and has given birth a few times over the years - last time was in 2007.
Every now and then an neutered male shows up in all of our colonies.
I'm wondering if her reproductive stages are finished ?
I'm hoping.........
Hi Lisa. I wouldn't think so. As you probably know, cats don't hit menopause like women do, and many unspayed cats will continue to have heat cycles until they die. Heats may become less regular in seniors, and they do eventually cease altogether in some much older individuals, but this isn't the general rule. I would suspect that if she hasn't had a litter since 2007 that either someone else TNR'd her without an ear tip, or you are doing a pretty good job keeping up with the neuters!
Best wishes to you all!
Jessica
Related Articles
- Scratch THIS, Pussycat - How to Manage Your Cat's Claws
- Ecru - Reader Stories: Cat Colors' or Color Patterns' Connection to Personality
- Opal, Nigel, and Caterina - Reader Stories: Why I Love Black Cats
- Before You Get Your First Cat Lesson 2 - What Kind of Cat Should I Get
- Cats Photo Calendar - February - Pictures of White Cats for 2003
Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.