Thinking About Breeding Cats

If you're thinking about breeding cats, please consider the current surplus of felines without homes of their own. Be sure you have a valid purpose for adding to the pet population.

Hi,

I'm in college, and I'm thinking about getting two kittens, a Maine Coon and a Bengal, and allowing them to have one or two litters before spaying them.

I'm not looking to become a breeder, but I'd really love to own cats, and think that it would be an interesting mix and a great project. I know that this is actually a huge undertaking (not to mention expensive) that'll require a lot of work. I'll have to raise kittens from purchase, maintain unspayed cats and prevent unwanted pregnancies. I'll also have to help care for the litters. This is why I want to begin preparing early. The trouble is, I have no idea where to begin!

My questions for now are:

1. Which gender cat should I buy first, if not at the same time? Does the breed-gender matter?
2. How much will it cost to start?

~~ Jason

Expert Reply

Hi Jason,

I have a few questions of my own, and I hope you'll seriously consider the opinions I'm going to offer before you begin breeding cats.

First, you state that you don't want to become a breeder, yet you're thinking about breeding at least a couple of litters of mixed-breed kittens. Rest assured, if you breed cats in this manner you'll be a breeder, but not one of the highest regard.

Second, why do you really want to breed? You can keep pets for yourself without all of the extra work and veterinary bills that breeding entails. The breeding plan you're currently considering will not produce purebred cats, and your kittens will likely be less desirable to the buying public than a purebred kitten of either breed.

Third, what will you do with your excess kittens if you are unable to sell them or find homes for them? Are you willing to house all of them, and provide food, litter boxes and veterinary care? There are literally millions of homeless cats already, so it's important to consider this question thoroughly before you make a decision to breed.

As for your own questions, which gender you would bring home first doesn't really matter, although two kittens brought home at the same time will learn to get along much more quickly in a neutral environment.

You can expect to invest approximately $2000.00 to get one each of the breeds you mention.

I hope you will seriously consider the questions I have posed, and re-evaluate your current plans. Perhaps you should do more research on the two breeds you have in mind, and locate a breeder who would be willing to mentor you.

Thanks for your questions.

~~ Kelly

Can you tell me what is the appropriate age to breed a Persian female and a male? I have heard so many opinions. I want to hear an expert.

Thanks!

~~Erika

Expert Reply

Hi, Erika. I can understand your confusion. Persians are one of the most popular cat breeds and there seems to be a lot of differing opinions on the topic of breeding. Because the health of every cat is different, this question is hard to answer without examining the cat directly. The best person to consult about the right time to breed your specific cat is your local veterinarian. If you are not comfortable with his opinion, then you may want to seek a second opinion from another veterinarian in the area.

There are many factors to consider when breeding Persians or any breed of cat. You need to make sure that the male and female cat balance each other's faults. It is also important to make sure both cats have been tested for FIV, FELV, FIP. These are all fatal diseases which can be passed from one cat to the other during breeding.

All things considered, most breeders will wait until a female is at least one year of age before breeding. This helps ensure that she is finished growing herself and can now turn her extra resources to the kittens. Males can safely be used by ten months of age as long as they are not bred excessively.

You will also need to prepare your female for pregnancy with high quality food before and during her pregnancy as well as after. With gestation at around 65 days, it is important to monitor diet carefully, but hopefully you are already doing this.

I hope this advice helps a little! Thanks for the question :)

~~Lori.

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