Signs of female cat reaching puberty | How do you know that your cat is ready to mate?

Signs of female cat reaching puberty | How do you know that your cat is ready to mate?

Knowing the signs of female cats reaching puberty is important in order to provide them with marriage, because delaying marriage has negative effects on them and the cat becomes somewhat annoying. Therefore, in this article, we provide you with all the information related to female cats reaching puberty in order to provide them with appropriate care at this time.

Signs of female cat reaching puberty

Signs of puberty appear in female cats between the sixth and eighteenth month of age, but there are a number of factors that affect the age of puberty, such as breed and other factors that we will mention in detail. As for the most important signs of puberty in female cats, they are increased activity, increased desire to play to release their energy, and go through the estrous cycle, or what is known as the estrus period, and meow a lot as if they are suffering from some problem.

The most important signs of female cat reaching puberty

Female cats show some signs when they reach maturity that will help you provide the necessary care for them during this important period of their lives. Here are the most prominent of these signs:

  • Behavioral changes: Cats show behavioral changes at puberty, such as increased activity, curiosity, and an increased desire to explore any place. They may also try to escape or go out to explore the surroundings in order to mate.
  • Body changes: The cat gains weight significantly, especially in the pelvic area. The cat's nipples also appear pink and swollen.
  • Changes in motor /li>
  • Changes in appearance: You may notice that the cat's nipples appear swollen and pink.
  • Strange meowing is a sign of female cats reaching puberty: Female cats begin to meow frequently and unusually at night, because they have reached puberty and are seeking mating.

How to deal with signs of female cat puberty

Now that we know the signs of a female cat reaching puberty, we provide you with more information to help you deal with these signs. Because the cat needs care during this period, here are some tips to help you deal with it correctly:


  • Visit Lana Veterinary Clinic : Make sure to visit Lana Veterinary Clinic to check on your cat’s health and that it is not suffering from any health problems during this period, and to provide appropriate treatment if it needs it. It also provides you with general guidelines to help you maintain your cat’s health.
  • Proper food: Make sure to provide food that is full of important nutrients for cats so that they remain healthy and can mate and conceive naturally without any complications, and to provide adequate nutrition for their kittens.
  • Providing toys for the cat: Make sure to provide toys for your cat to stimulate its activity and strengthen the relationship between you.
  • Treat your cat gently: Be sure to treat your cat gently, do not get angry with her, and provide her with a cat to mate with, because this is a natural instinct in her and a need that must be met in order for her to live in a healthy way.
  • Provide calm for the cat: Make sure to provide a calm atmosphere for the cat to get more privacy and comfort.
  • Regular check-ups: Make sure to do regular check-ups for female cats to ensure that they do not suffer from diseases, especially tumors.

Disadvantages of female cats not mating

After we have learned about the signs of a female cat reaching puberty, we must provide your cat with the opportunity to mate because the failure of female cats to mate has many harms to them, the most prominent of which are the following:

  • Increased risk of swelling and inflammation in the pelvic area.
  • The emergence of undesirable behaviors such as stubbornness and failure to follow orders from the educator.
  • Urinating in places other than those designated for that purpose.
  • Meowing for long periods of time and causing discomfort to its owner.
  • Weight gain due to hormonal changes.
  • Depression, anxiety and isolation.
  • Hormonal imbalance and negative impact on overall health.
  • Aggressive most of the time.

After learning about the harms of female cats not mating, we advise you to provide your cat with the opportunity to mate to protect her from these harms.

Factors that affect the age of puberty in female cats

The age of puberty in female cats is not the same, but generally occurs between the sixth and eighth month. Here are some factors that affect the age of puberty in cats:

  • Breed: Cats vary in age at maturity from breed to breed.
  • Cat Environment: Cats living outdoors often go through puberty faster than cats living indoors.
  • Season: Cats tend to mature and breed in late winter through fall, with cats coming into heat or estrus every 2-3 weeks for 7-10 days. The pituitary gland secretes estrogen, which travels to the female's ovaries and uterus, appearing as a mucous discharge that may be mixed with a little blood.

Signs of estrus cycle in cats

During the estrus cycle in cats, the cat shows some signs such as continuous meowing and rubbing the head and rear of the body with the breeder, or with other cats. The cat also simulates the mating position by raising the rear and tail. The cat may release a spray of urine mixed with estrogen around the house, to attract males and to express her desire to mate.


Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take for female cats to get in heat?

The duration of the mating request in female cats varies according to several factors such as the cat's age, breed, and general health. However, in general, cats usually continue to request mating for two weeks to a month. Signs of her requesting mating appear during this period, which include; continuous meowing, urinating outside the designated box, and becoming more annoying and wiggling everything around her.


When do cats stop asking for mating?

Cats do not stop wanting to mate until they are sterilized.


When does cat mating season end?

The cat mating season usually ends at the end of summer and the beginning of fall.


What is the mating age for cats?

The mating age of cats varies depending on many factors such as health condition and breed. But in general, cats request mating at the age of 5-9 months, and some cats request mating from 4 months.


What are the signs of successful mating in cats?

If cats mate and become pregnant, which is the purpose of their mating, then these signs will appear on them:

  • Stop signs of estrus.
  • Changes in the nipples.
  • Find a safe, warm place.
  • Calm.
  • Weight gain and bloating.
  • Increased appetite.
  • Changes in social behavior as they become more isolated but seek more affection.

When does a cat get pregnant after mating?

The cat becomes pregnant immediately after mating, as fertilization occurs within 24 to 48 hours.

How long is a cat's pregnancy?

The gestation period is about 63 to 65 days, and it is possible to confirm that the cat is pregnant about 21 days after mating through examination.


What is the mating age of Persian cats?

Persian cats usually mate between 6-9 months, but it is best to wait until the cats are 12 months old to ensure they are fully mature and able to conceive and give birth in a healthy way.


Do cats have a menstrual cycle?

Yes, cats have a monthly cycle known as estrus or heat. This period occurs every 2-3 weeks and lasts about 10 days.


Do cats stop asking for mating?

Cats can stop seeking mating under certain circumstances, especially after sterilization or with age, and female cats only seek mating during estrus.


In short, there are many signs of a female cat reaching puberty, such as constant meowing, raising the tail, scratching the head and body, the appearance of some secretions accompanied by blood, changes in the shape of the body, weight gain, and other signs that must be paid attention to in order to provide complete care for cats. It is not recommended not to mate cats because this exposes them to many problems.