How old is a male cat when he can reproduce?
around 4 months
Cats reach sexual maturity (and thus are able to breed) from around 4 months of age. Hence current advice to have your cat neutered around 4 months old to prevent unwanted pregnancies (see our information on neutering and timing of neutering).
Can a cat be inherited from both parents?
Cat breeders need to pay close attention to the behaviours and temperaments of their breeding cats (for both parents) as their behaviour traits may be inherited by their kittens.
Why do kittens have so many brothers and sisters?
Cats have big litters, so kittens have lots of brothers and sisters. Their mothers also care for their kittens for a long time. So, related cats spend a great deal…
Are there any inherited behaviours in kittens?
Whilst appropriate socialisation and positive early experiences are hugely important in shaping how a kitten responds to the world around them, it is also important to recognise that at least some behaviours are genetically inherited from the parents.
Why does a male cat wander away from a female cat?
Male cats will hear the calls and pick up the scent of female cats (queens), who will be calling out when they’re in-season. Males will wander purposefully around their territory, which is bigger than that of their neutered feline friends. Sometimes, unspayed female cats will wander further away if they’re unable to find a male cat to mate with.
Cats have big litters, so kittens have lots of brothers and sisters. Their mothers also care for their kittens for a long time. So, related cats spend a great deal…
How often do purebred cats get cryptorchidism?
Cryptorchidism affects less than 2% of cats but may occur more often in purebred or pedigreed cats, such as Persians and Himalayans. The condition is commonly seen in families of cats and appears to be inherited, although the exact cause is not fully understood.
How does a female cat control her paternity?
A study in Brill looked into the female control of paternity during copulation. Researchers found that overall, female cats avoid inbreeding with their close kin during copulation, but not with their distant relatives.
Why are inbred cats more common in pedigree cats?
Though more likely to occur in pedigree cats, all inbred cats are vulnerable. I nherited disorders arise due to abnormal genes that are passed down through the generations.