Pet Supplies and Training

The decision to breed your cat should be made fully understanding the rather large commitment that comes along with it. A female cat, commonly known as the queen, requires precise care before, during and after her pregnancy. Likewise, each newborn kitten needs to be properly cared for, and eventually placed in good home. It is for this reason the decision to breed should not be taken lightly, and be well thought out prior to beginning the process.

First and foremost, both cats involved should be of appropriate age before breeding. This means they have reached adulthood, which is between 18 and 24 months for a female, and about 18 months for a male. It is also important for the female to reach her ideal adult weight, as this aids in all stages of the breeding process, from conception to giving birth (queening).

It is important to schedule an appointment to visit you veterinarian for a complete health evaluation prior to breeding season. It is crucial that the cat be examined completely, and be free from ear mites, ringworm, parasites and fleas. Both the parents should be tested for FIV (feline HIV) and FeLV (feline leukemia) and be current on all of their vaccinations. In addition, there are other genetic conditions that can be of concern, and should be appropriately discussed and tested for prior to breeding.

A queen will be in heat (polyestrous) during certain times of the season and will generally cycle several times if she does not breed. They are also reflex or induced ovulators, meaning they need to breed in order to stimulate ovulation. At the commencement of her estrus cycle, the queen may become vocal and crave attention, or roll around and knead her paws. Shortly after this stage, the queen should be taken to her mate for breeding. After the initial breeding she will become aggressive toward the male, who should be provided with a safe place to retreat. She will then begin to groom herself and reject advances from anyone, eventually displaying receptive behavior and starting the mating process once again.

Studies show that a queen that has been bred three times daily for the first three days of her estrus cycle commonly has a 90% chance of ovulation. Since a queen will sometimes breed with more than one male while in heat, it is advised that you carefully monitor her activity. Not only will this prevent the litter from potentially having two or more fathers, but it will help you to better determine her due date. If breeding was successful, her pregnancy will last approximately sixty-three days. Subsequently, the queen’s estrus cycle will return approximately three weeks after she ceases nursing her kittens.

When beginning to train your pet, you first need to remember that it is going to take a lot of patience and consistency. To be successful, make sure that you are always very calm and in control. Pet training can be enjoyable for both you and your pet.

Praising your pet for good behavior is important, but too much can also be harmful. Reward good behavior with a phrase like ‘good boy’ or give a small treat. If you praise too much at one time, or for too long or cuddle with your pet too much for reward, he may forget why he is being rewarded. Simply state your good phrase or give your treat and go on. Your pet will soon realize the reward is for his good behavior.

Pet training should always be positive and not involve punishment. If a pet is punished for an action done, let’s say put in the crate for an accident or chained in the yard for running away, he will not remember what action he is being punished for. It is better to give treats for good behavior and just simply do not reward for bad behavior. Your pet will learn quickly what to do for that reward.

Two ways to let your pet know you are not happy with their behavior is by firmly stating ‘No’ or simply ignoring him. Your pet will recognize and understand the change in the tone of your voice when saying no. If your pet is barking and will not stop, ignore him. He will soon stop barking and walk away.

If you can be patient and in control of training your pet, you will be successful. Remember not to punish but to train your pet to do the things you want him to do.