by Nomi Berger

Quite a mouthful: superfecundation!

What could it paws-ibly mean? In reference to female cats, fecundity is their ability to produce a large number of offspring. A fecund cat is fertile and capable of giving birth to many kittens. An intact female cat, known as a “queen”, can have either a large litter at one time or a frequent number of litters.

Superfecundation refers to a queen being impregnated by multiple intact males or “toms” and bringing her kittens (from different fathers) to term during the same pregnancy. The result: littermates who bear little or no resemblance to one another and who may only be half-sisters and half-brothers.

Female cats are known as “induced ovulators,” which means that eggs are only released from their ovaries after they’ve mated. Because of this, each ovary may release eggs during separate matings, increasing the probability of multiple fertilizations. Once ovulation has occurred, females will go out of heat within a day or two. An intact female will first go into heat at about six months old and her pregnancy will last for approximately 64 to 71 days, with an average of 65 days (nine weeks). Each heat usually lasts several days, with the average length being seven days. If an intact female hasn’t mated with an intact male when she’s fertile, she’ll go out of heat for a period of time ranging from two to 19 days.

A fertile intact female cat may produce six kittens in a litter, but a particularly fecund one may produce 30 kittens per year for six years or more, reaching as many as 180 kittens in her lifetime. An intact male cat with high fecundity, on the other hand, can father thousands of kittens during his lifetime!

Although more common among intact outdoor and feral cats, intact indoor/outdoor female cats and indoor ones living with intact males are equally at risk of having unwanted, multiple pregnancies. The most notable signs of females being in heat are behavioral. They become very affectionate, even demanding, persistently rubbing against their owners or furniture, and constantly wanting attention. They roll around on the floor more often and become more vocal. When stroked along the spine or back, they will raise their rear quarters into the air and tread with their back legs.

Some will urinate more frequently or spray urine on aka marking vertical objects. Their urine contains pheromones and hormones that signal their reproductive state, thereby attracting any intact males in the house – creating the “purr-fect storm” for copulation. Should these intact females venture outside, they’re certain to mate with one or more intact males in the area before coming back home.

The only solution to the twin problems of unwanted, multiple litters and cat overpopulation is spaying and neutering intact female and male cats. Most veterinarians recommend having females spayed before the age of five months, while kittens as young as eight weeks old can safely be neutered or spayed. Most cats will return to normal within three days following the procedure, with their healing complete within two weeks.

by Nomi Berger
 
Cats who appear to eat better in the company of people are commonly referred to as “affection eaters.”
 
Why, you may wonder? If so, paw-lease consider the five reasons below.
Their instinct for safety: Our domesticated cats’ wild ancestors always ate in groups as a way of protecting themselves from predators. Your own cat may feel that same sense of vulnerability when she eats and is seeking out your presence to reassure and protect her, thereby enabling her to feel safer.

Learned behavior: If your cat was either hand-fed or given constant attention as a kitten while eating, she may have understandably grown accustomed to having you nearby at mealtimes.

Social bonding: Your cat may not only enjoy your company, she may see you as her most trusted companion, making mealtime the purr-fect time for you to spend together.

Need for encouragement: Your cat may be one of those who insists on being petted while she eats or needs further encouragement to eat such as hearing her kibble dish rattle, having her food brought to her or even being spoon fed.

Fear: If she’s new to your household, your cat may, reasonably and naturally, be reacting to the loss of her previous home and/or human companions, much the way stressful situations can make people lose their appetite.
 
Help your cat adjust and eat comfortably by following the suggestions below.

If your cat is indeed new to your household, provide her with a room of her own for several days. This “safe” space should have a litter box at one end of the room and food, water, play toys and a cosy bed as far from the litter box as possible. Visit your cat at regular intervals, sit quietly on the floor, and when she feels relaxed enough to come to you, respond by speaking softly to her and gently petting her.

Not only are these regular visits and displays of affection vital for you both to bond, interactive playtime is the next step in ensuring that your cat relaxes even more. Why? Exercise has stress-reducing properties for cats just as it does for people.
Once she’s safely incorporated into your life, carefully monitor her eating. Always feed her a measured amount of food on a schedule, so that you can tell if and how much she’s eating.

Make certain that her food is always fresh and never stale: this can contribute to picky eating. Discard all uneaten food in between meals and thoroughly wash her food bowl every day.

Some cats don’t like deep or narrow bowls because they tend to touch or press against their whiskers. A shallow bowl or plate is best.

Some cats prefer food that is “served” at room temperature or slightly warmed. Yours will let you know soon enough!
If your cat isn’t eating well or isn’t eating at all, please contact your veterinarian immediately.

For the most part, though, your “affection eater” will thrive once she settles into your home -- thanks to your patient understanding, loving attention and a reassuring routine.