Having and Raising Kittens

Posted by Darlene Cheek Mar 27, 2007

Most female cats will stop going in and out of heat around the end of November and not go back into heat until around the end of January. They tend to not mate during the shorter days of winter because their instincts are designed to protect newborn kittens from cold weather. In the wild, it is certainly best not to have a litter of kittens born in February, for example, in order to help ensure the litter's survival.

At the end of January, the cat’s heat cycles begin again, and that is why so many litters of kittens are born in the spring. Knowing that many of you are now either discovering that your cat’s belly is just a bit rounder or that you’ve got kittens due any day, I’ve written a series of articles to help get you through your cat’s pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and given you some helpful information on taking care of newborns.

• Caring for Pregnant Cats
• Helping Your Cat Deliver Kittens
• Caring for Newborn Kittens

There is a link at the bottom of each of these articles to our Cats discussion area where you can ask questions if you need help. If your beautiful litter of kittens wasn’t planned, please also make sure you read, “Should I Spay or Neuter My Cat?”

You might also enjoy, “Preparing for Your New Cat,” and “Caring for Your New Kitten,” as well as “Cat Food Review.”