Page 248 - The Complete Cat Breed Book (DK)

246 HEAL TH AND BREEDING

RESPONSIBLE BREEDING

Breeding purebred cats may sound like an enjoyable—and
potentially lucrative—endeavor, but becoming a breeder is
a big commitment. Most successful breeders have years of
experience behind them. If you decide to go ahead, be ready
to put lots of time (and money) into research, preparation,
A litter often includes a
mixture of coat colors and caring for your pregnant cat and her newborn kittens.

A big decision
Before trying your hand as a breeder, make sure you know
what you are getting yourself into. Get as much advice and
detailed information as possible. The breeder from whom
you bought your purebred female cat will be able to give you
valuable tips, including where to find a suitable purebred tom
to father the kittens. You will need a thorough understanding
of cat genetics, especially coat colors and patterns, because PREGNANT CAT
A domestic cat’s
the litter may have a mix of characteristics. You must also be
pregnancy usually
aware of genetic diseases associated with your breed lasts between
(pp.244–5). Purebred kittens sell for hundreds of dollars, but 63 and 68 days.
most of this income will be offset by costs for the stud fee,
veterinary fees, heating for the kittens, registration fees, and Pregnancy and birth
extra food for the mother and kittens (once they are If the mating was successful, your cat will be visibly pregnant
weaned). There may also be the long-term cost of owning by about four weeks. Give her extra food and ask your vet
more cats if you can’t find suitable homes for your kittens. about any supplements she might need. Toward the end of
her pregnancy, make a nest for her out of a cardboard box
containing plain paper that she can tear up. You will need
to be around for the birth to ensure it runs smoothly.
Make sure you know what to expect—your vet can advise
you about what will happen
NEUTERING
at each stage of the birth.
Surgical sterilization, or
After that, your main job
neutering, is advised for any cat
will be to socialize the you don’t intend to breed. In
kittens so they’ll be ready males, the testes are removed
in a simple operation. Neutered
for new homes when they
males rarely spray indoors. They
are about 12 weeks old.
are less aggressive and less
likely to get injured in territorial
battles or catch diseases from
fighting or mating. Neutering
females, called spaying, is major
HAND FEEDING
surgery in which the ovaries and
If a kitten is not thriving, you part of the uterus are removed.
will need to feed him a cat-milk
It has a positive effect on
substitute from a pipette,
longevity, eliminating the risk of
about every two hours. Ask
common cancers in female cats.
your vet about how to do this.