My Siamese Kitten , Louis
I am not an authority when it comes to taking care of cats … but slowly becoming one … may this help new owners as it helped me and my family . Thank you to e-how. This is a compilation of what I researced from the web and my personal experience in living with a cute siamese cat.
FACTS ABOUT SIAMESE CATS
Two Types
o There are two types of Siamese, the traditional or “applehead” Siamese and the modern or “show” Siamese. Traditional types were more popular in the 1970s and didn’t start falling out of favor in the show ring until the late 1980s. Their heads and faces are rounder, and they have standard length legs for their body size. Modern Siamese have long legs, narrow long bodies, and long narrow faces with long, bat-like ears. Both types have blue eyes.
Blue Eyed Kitty
Short Hair
o Siamese kittens are short-haired. A cat may have Siamese color and attributes, but if they are long- haired, they are Balinese, not Siamese.
Variations in Color
o While kittens are usually lighter at birth and in their youth then they will be as adults, they have very distinct color patterns. Seal point, chocolate point, lilac and blue points are all variations on the dark coloring of the cat’s markings.
Chocolate Point
Personality
o Siamese, whether modern or traditional, are very vocal cats that enjoy communicating with their human companions. A Siamese will seek out their person and let them know there is a need to be fulfilled. Even as kittens, the Siamese will meow in a long, loud voice to communicate their needs and wants to their human owners. They would even wake you up if it needs something or just merely a company. This has been dubbed as the most loyal breed to the family.
Cuddling is also a form of Communicating
Cat-tips by the blogger: Know when the meow means I’m hungry , I want to pee or poo , I wanna be cuddled or simply Hi .
HISTORY
Siamese cats are one of the most-recognized cat breeds in the world, and they have left their mark on history’s pages with hundreds of years of documented influence and breeding. From Thailand’s temple cats to the show rings of the Western world and the arms of the rich and famous, the Siamese breed has had a long, illustrious history.
Ancient
- Siamese cats were described in an ancient manuscript found in Thailand.
The earliest documented appearance of the Siamese cat in history comes from Thailand. The country was known as Siam until 1939. An ancient manuscript called the “Cat Book Poems” (Tamra Maew) was discovered when the city of Ayudha, founded in 1350, was sacked by the Burmese in 1767. In the writings were cat illustrations that match the unique coloring and shape of today’s Siamese cats. The book notes these cats were raised in temples and royal households.
1700 to 1800s
- The first Siamese cat in the United States was a gift to President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Appearances of Siamese cats outside of their oriental homeland started cropping up the 18th and 19th centuries. In the late-1700s, an engraving was found in southern Russia that depicted a cat with Siamese markings. In 1878, U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes received a Siamese cat as a gift from American Consul in Bangkok. Then, in 1884, the British Consul General was given a breeding pair of cats as a farewell gift from the king of Siam. The official gave them to his sister, who displayed the cats and their offspring in England, where they garnered fast popularity.
1900s
- In 1902, the first Siamese cat club was founded in England. An American club was established in 1909. Selective breeding of the cat changed its appearance as the narrow, wedge face and thin body type became popular. The breed reached the peak of popularity in the 1950s and 1960s when it was featured in several family movies including “Incredible Journey,” “Bell, Book and Candle,” “Lady and the Tramp” and “That Darn Cat.”
Famous Owners
- Many famous people throughout history have enjoyed the companionship of a regal Siamese cat. Actor Errol Flynn had a Siamese cat that was the mascot of his yacht. Actresses Elizabeth Taylor, Vivian Leigh and Ava Gardner were known Siamese fanciers. Presidents’ daughters Susan Ford and Amy Carter each had pet Siamese cats in the White House. British Prime Minister Harold Wilson traveled with his Siamese cat, Nemo… and your blogger, Vanessa, has a cat named Louis.
BEHAVIORS OF FEMALE SIAMESE KITTENS
By Scott Cornell
Trivia: Scott Cornell began writing for professional publications in 2004. His early writing appeared in “The State News” and he has since been published in a family of newspapers in northeast Indiana, “Sports Illustrated” (Campus Editions) and on several sports blogs. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from Michigan State University.
Siamese cats feature rounded heads and blue eyes.
Siamese cats are one of the oldest breeds of domestic cats. Originally imported from Siam, they’re physically characterized as muscular, athletic and feature round heads and blue eyes. They’re calm, affectionate and generally healthy. On average, Siamese cats live between 15 and 20 years. According to Travels With Tigger, Siamese cats, whether male or female, kitten or adult, share many unique behavioral characteristics
Temperament
- Siamese cats love people. They’re known to go right up to strangers and ask to be petted. They’re good with children and senior citizens and enjoy being right in the middle of what their owner does. In fact; the Siamese cats even learn at an early age to sheathe their claws when playing with people, so it’s rare they scratch. They’re also known to get along with other pets, including dogs.
* Cat-tips by the blogger : This is very true, they would use their claws when climbing but won’t hurt the owners with it. But Louis , our cat, doesn’t approach strangers right away … give it time and avoid big moves or loud voices.
Me and my Claws
Instincts
- According to Loving Siamese, female Siamese cats are better hunters than their male counterparts. The site states that they seem to enjoy the “hunting adventure” more than males and spend more time doing it. However, house cats don’t exactly have the opportunity to hunt, so these traits can be observed in the way the animal plays with its toys. No two cats are the same, so certain traits can vary among the sexes. However, such hunting traits can typically be observed early in the cat’s life.
* Cat-tips by the blogger : Spend time to play with your cats . Best schedule is at night so that she will be tired and will sleep soundly at night. They are very time dependent though. If the schedule is at 9pm … it has to be 9pm all the time.
Marking Territory
- A common way cats mark their territory is by spraying. According to PetFinder.com, a cat marks urine to claim territory, assert status in the case of multiple cats, attract a mate, or vent frustration. According to Loving Siamese, both male and female Siamese cats spray, often out of signs of frustration. The site states that owners should take this as a sign to make the cat’s lives less stressed. Females tend to be more frantic and emotional than males.
Smurgling
- “Smurgling” as a behavior demonstrated by both male and female Siamese cats that occurs when the animal holds a piece of material and kneads it with its paws and sucks on it with its mouth simultaneously. While such actions can be unsightly, its not uncommon in Siamese cats. In fact, suckling and kneading are a cat’s way of showing you it feels loved and happy.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF A SIAMESE CAT
1. Introduce the kittens to the household gradually. They are likely to feel a bit overwhelmed and out of sorts due to the new environment. Place them in a quiet room with a soft bed, a small quantity of food and water and a handful of toys. Show them the litter tray and leave them alone for an hour or so. Siamese are known for their vocal abilities and their keen socialization skills. If they begin to yowl, return to the room and comfort them. Within a few hours they will be ready to explore the rest of the house.
* Cat-tips by the blogger : Initially, they would meow all night because they have been separated from Mom but after a few days, they will soon adapt to the new environment. It is imperative to familiarize them with toys or the trinkets that you would want them to wear like bells by placing them in the beds or near their food for a day.
2. Bring other members of the household in one at a time and closely supervise the introductions. Children should be shown the proper way to handle the kittens. Other pets should be allowed to inspect their new companions, but not for long and with great care. Many times an older pet has no immediate love for a new household member.
3. Feed your Siamese kittens soft proteins, such as about 3 ounces of cooked and mashed chicken, turkey or fish, mixed with about 1 ounce of boiled rice three times a day, until they reach the age of 9 months, at which point they should be gradually introduced to dry cat food. The Siamese breed is not known for its delicate constitution. Adults can exist quite happily on dry kibble, eating as much as they like without experiencing excessive weight gain.
* Cat-tips by the blogger : We are not very adventurous when it comes to food. We feed our kitten Whiskas Jr Purrfectly Pouch – tuna and mackerel flavor and Whiskas Dry for nobbling and snacking, initially but Louis is became very sickly … there is always blood in the urine once a month … so after so many tries … only ROYAL CANIN Neutered for young females worked for us (Php 915) This thrice the price of your ordinary cat food but it gives the family less trips to the vet. She will take this until she is 1 year old . When she turned one we fed her with Royal Canin Indoor (Php625) . We give her treats in the form of Fancy Feasts Wet Cat Food. Fave is Tuna & Beef in Gravy (Php 42.00). But we don’t do this often every 2 weeks is fine. Let her drink lots and lots of water.
Whiskas Junior -comes in Tuna and Mackerel Flavor
Royal Canin Neutered for Young Females
Royal Canin Indoor … her new cat food
Royal Treats
4. Brush your kittens daily. They don’t really need it, as Siamese do not, in general, shed much. But they enjoy the process and it helps keep fur off the furniture. It will also give you the chance to inspect them for any signs of pests, such as fleas, ticks or ear mites. Early detection can be crucial to stopping an infestation before it gets out of control.
5. Play with your kittens every day. Set aside at least 30 minutes to socialize with your Siamese. Frequent contact with you can help encourage appropriate behavior and will establish a solid foundation as your kittens grow into adults. Steer clear of play that encourages any biting or scratching.
Things You’ll Need
- Secluded area in the home
- Litter box – any rectangular container – or you can buy a real cat litter box
- Litter box scoop
- Super Clumping Cat Litter – This was our 1st brand Php 380 . This is affordable initially but as you discover new things … we changed our brand.
-
Happy Cat
This is a bit procey at Php 1299 but takes a longer time to use. Clumping is not as much … only the ones needed so you save on putting additional litter to the box. Available in SnR.
This is also good with a price of Php 699. This is our new brand now. Available in SnR .
* Cat-tips by the blogger : Place a good amount of the Cat Litter in the litter box about 1-2 inches high. When the cat poops or pees, it will clump, just scoop up the clumps and throw it. Then add cat litter to the box but don’t throw the rest. You can also have it sun dried once in a while. Change the cat litter totally every 6 months or 3 months depending on the need.
- Cat Food
- Cat toys – strings will do , old balls
- Grooming brush for cats
- Scratching Pole
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR KITTEN
1. Train your Siamese kitten just before mealtime. This is when the promise of treats will motivate her the most. Siamese (like other cats) appreciate affection but aren’t as motivated by it as they are by food. Keep treats on hand at all times.
2. Teach your cat new behaviors by rewarding him with treats. For example, you can train your Siamese kitten to come by calling to him. Use his name or the ever popular “here kitty kitty.” Have a treat waiting and reward him as soon as he comes.
3. Reinforce instinctive behaviors by rewarding those behaviors as well. Your Siamese kitten probably loves to scratch, but if you want to limit her claws to a scratching post, throw her a snack every time you see her at her scratching post. If you catch her scratching elsewhere, pick her up and remove her from the spot. Don’t punish her or you will scare her.
Louis and her Scratching Pole
4. Teach your Siamese “tricks” by reinforcing behaviors you enjoy. Siamese cats are vocal. They love to communicate by meowing at their owners. If you want to encourage this, talk to your Siamese and reward him for “talking” back. Ignore meowing if you’d rather your Siamese not do it. Look for other behaviors your kitten may suddenly show off (such as sitting up and begging like a dog) that you can reward with treats. This will condition your Siamese kitten to keep performing these “tricks.”
5. Avoid punishing your Siamese kitten for causing trouble. Siamese can be sensitive cats and can become fearful if you scold or punish them. This can lead your kitten to avoid you entirely. If this happens, your social Siamese may feel isolated and depressed.
Am I in Trouble?
6. Slowly wean your Siamese kitten off of treats (aside from the occasional snack) to avoid unhealthy weight gain. Wait until your kitten reliably shows the behavior you want, then gradually cut back on treats. Reward your Siamese with affection instead. It may not be as coveted a prize as a snack, but this social cat will settle for the attention.
HOW TO LITTER TRAIN YOUR CAT
- Place your Siamese kitten’s litter box in a quiet location of your home and ensure that your kitten has free and unobstructed access at all times. Place it away from the kitten’s food and water dishes and in an area that other pets, such as dogs, cannot access. In a multi-cat household, provide each cat with a separate litter box, plus one extra.
2. Fill the litter box with 1 to 2 inches of litter. Use clumping litter. Clumping litter typically makes the box easier to keep clean; scoop it daily to reduce odors. Avoid using clay clumping litter until the kitten reaches between 3 and 4 months old. Ingesting clay litter when grooming can cause an intestinal blockage, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Litter Box
3. Feed the Siamese kitten. Kittens usually eliminate after meals, so this should prompt the kitten to use the box. When it finishes eating, bring the kitten over to the litter box and calmly put it in the box. Allow it to smell the box and its contents. Gently grasp its front paw and use it to scratch at the litter.
4. Watch the Siamese kitten for signs that it needs to eliminate. It may pace, go behind a piece of furniture or squat on the ground. Siamese kittens are more vocal than other breeds, so it may also meow to signal it needs to eliminate, especially after meals. At the first signs of this behavior, say “no” and bring the kitten to the litter box, placing it in gently. Scratch at the litter with your finger to encourage it to use the box for its elimination.
5. Clean any accidents promptly to avoid having the scent draw the kitten back to the sites to eliminate again. Soak up the urine with paper towels, rinse the site of the accident with water and saturate the area with an enzymatic cleaner to digest the urine and take away the scent. For feces, remove it with a paper towel, wipe away as much of the stain as possible and douse the area with the enzymatic cleaner. Place the urine-soaked paper towels or the feces into the litter box to attract your kitten to that location to eliminate.
6. Praise your Siamese kitten if you see it using the litter box. Give it a treat to reward the behavior, providing the kitten with positive reinforcement.
* Cat-tip from blogger : this one is very easy , my kitten learned this very fast … on its 1st day
HOW TO WALK A SIAMESE
1. Purchase a small kitten-sized harness that is designed to pull from the chest, and a lightweight leash up to 6 feet long. Place the harness and leash by your kitten’s favorite sleeping place for a few days, to allow your pet to become familiar with it.
2. Train the kitten to wear the harness. Place the harness on the kitten while it is indoors and distracted with a favorite treat or toy. When the harness is on, praise the kitten and allow it to walk around until it is relaxed. Repeat this process daily, until the kitten is comfortable with wearing the harness.
3. Teach your kitten to wear a leash with the harness. Place the harness on the kitten while it is indoors and attach the leash. Allow your kitten to walk around the house while dragging the leash behind it. If the kitten becomes agitated, distract it by playing with a toy. Encourage the kitten to walk, and shower the kitten with praise when it does. Repeat this process daily, until the kitten is comfortable with the leash.
4. Encourage your kitten to walk while you hold the leash. Once your kitten is comfortable wearing the harness and leash, hold the leash in your hand and walk around the house behind it. Do not restrict the kitten’s movement, just let it get used having you hold the leash while it walks. Repeat this process daily until the kitten is comfortable walking while the leash is held.
5. Bring your kitten outdoors while on the harness and leash. Once your kitten is walking comfortably on the leash inside, you can introduce it to the outdoors. Begin by placing the harness and leash on the kitten and sitting quietly on the porch or sidewalk, to allow it to become used to the sights and sounds outdoors. When the kitten is visibly relaxed, follow the procedure you used to get your kitten accustomed to walking on a leash indoors. Practice with your kitten at least once a day, until it grows comfortable walking on a leash outdoors.
* Cat-tips by the blogger : We never got to walk our cat because she is always afraid or jumpy. The most that we were able to do is to place her inside her carrier and put her outside but where we can see her … to avoid cat-nap … she is happy with this on the premise that she already ate, poop & peed . She would autimatically enter the carrier as soon as everything is done. Smart cat!
Tips & Warnings
· You can find a harness and leash at your local pet store.
· Never pull or jerk the leash to force the kitten back in line. Instead, use a calm voice to encourage the kitten to continue to follow you.
HOW TO STOP SIAMESE CATS FROM BITING
For Siamese kittens, predatory behaviors such as pouncing, scratching and biting all come naturally as they begin to develop and become more playful. According to Vetinfo.com, the Siamese is one of the most playful and stubborn cat breeds. But there are ways to prevent your Siamese kitten from hurting you by nipping at your hands, arms and feet. While you’re learning these techniques, try to be patient. Biting is a behavior kittens generally grow out of as they mature.
1. Keep your Siamese kitten occupied. Play with it regularly using toys that incorporate an object at the end of a long string, since this will enable you to keep your hands at a safe distance. Provide a scratching post so your kitten can exercise his claws and teeth without being destructive. Avoid playing with your kitten with your hands and feet since this will only encourage him to pounce, bite and scratch them.
2. Be tough and proactive. Clap your hands and say “no” in a firm voice if your Siamese attacks your feet when you are walking around the house. Purchase a collar with a bell attached, and put this around your kitten’s neck to warn you of the cat’s approach. Catch your kitten before it bites by watching for behaviors such as staring at your feet with pupils dilated, as if stalking prey, pinned back ears and a swishing tail.
3. Bring a second kitten of a similar age into the home to provide your Siamese with a partner to focus his attention on. This will allow the two kittens to freely display their predatory natures by playing roughly with one another rather than attacking you.
HOW TO FIND A LOST KITTEN IN THE HOUSE
By Krystal VanVoorhis
Trivia :Krystal VanVoorhis has been writing nutrition and fitness pieces since 2005. She attended California State University-Fullerton and holds an an Associate of Science in nutrition, an Associate of Arts and a Bachelor of Arts in English, and a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. VanVoorhis is currently working on her Personal Training certification with the National Exercise and Sports Trainers Association.
To find your kitten, you need to think like your kitten.
Kittens are a wonderful pet, but they can present small problems for their owners. A big complaint of cat lovers is that their kittens oftentimes go missing. Though you know that the kitten is inside the house, it can still be quite difficult to find it due to its small size. Fortunately, knowing a few useful tips about cats can help you to find your lost kitten.
1. Check under the couches and beds. Kittens sleep for a large portion of the day, and the dark area beneath large pieces of furniture can often provide a cozy place for them to nap.
sleeping or drunk ? take your pick
2. Call your kitten by its name using a soothing voice. Though your kitten may not know its name yet, the soft sound of your voice may be enough to lure it to you.
It takes time for her to know her name unlike a dog.
3. Click your tongue and make kissing noises. These noises attract cats and may be enough to lure your kitten out of its hiding place.
4. Run a flashlight or laser pointer under and behind areas that you cannot see but your cat can get to. If your kitten is awake, it will most likely chase the light and try to catch it, making it easy for you to find it.
5. Play with bells or other loud cat toys. These may lure the kitten out of its hiding place.
6. Check near heat sources. Kittens will gravitate toward warmth, so check in places close to the sources.
* Cat-tips by blogger : Give her a small bell around her neck . This lets you find it very easily.
Louis and her Pink Bell
Tips & Warnings
· Don’t yell at your kitten. This will do more harm than good
HOW TO ELIMINATE CAT ODORS
Instructions
o Cleaning the Litter Box
o Discard the litter that is inside the box.
o Pour white vinegar on the bottom of the box. Pour just enough so that an inch of vinegar covers the bottom of the litter box. Sprinkle baking soda liberally on top the vinegar. The vinegar and baking soda will begin to bubble.
o Pour water into the little box. You want to have several inches of the water, vinegar and baking soda mixture covering the bottom. Stir the contents together and allow to soak for several hours.
o Drain the contents of the litter box and scrub the inside of the box with a scrub brush. Continue scrubbing until the litter box is thoroughly cleaned.
o Rinse with hot water and towel dry.
o Sprinkle baking soda long the bottom of the dry litter box. Add the cat litter on top of the baking soda.
o Homemade Cat Urine Odor Remover Spray
o Add equal parts distilled white vinegar and water into a clean spray bottle.
o Shake the bottle gently to mix the water and vinegar together.
o Spray carpets, upholstery, and draperies with the vinegar-water mixture. Vinegar is a natural deodorizer and will help eliminate a variety of odors.
o Remove Pet Urine
o Blot up the fresh urine with paper towels. Continue blotting until no more urine can be absorbed.
o Create a solution of equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Add a few drops of a mild dish-washing liquid. Mix well.
o Saturate a cloth or sponge in the mixture. Gently scrub the area with the cloth.
o Blot the area with paper towels or clean rags. Continue blotting until no more liquid can be absorbed. If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, use that to suck up the excess liquid.
o Sprinkle baking soda on the area and allow it to sit overnight. The next day, vacuum up the baking soda.
* Cat-tips by blogger : We don’t do this … use odor shield cat litter and just have it sit outside with the sun for 3-4 hrs.
The kitten age chart
| Kitten months |
Human years |
|---|---|
| 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 3 |
| 3 | 5 |
| 4 | 6 |
| 5 | 7 |
| 6 | 11 |
| 7 | 12 |
| 8 | 13 |
| 9 | 13.5 |
| 10 | 14 |
| 11 | 14.5 |
| 12 | 15 |
The adult cat age chart
You can use the chart below to help to determine your cat’s age in human years and work out whether your cat is older (or younger!) than you.
| ADULT CAT | |
| Feline Years | Human Years |
| 1 | 15 |
| 2 | 24 |
| 3 | 28 |
| 4 | 32 |
| 5 | 36 |
| 6 | 40 |
| 7 | 44 |
| 8 | 48 |
| 9 | 52 |
| 10 | 56 |
| 11 | 60 |
| 12 | 64 |
| 13 | 68 |
| 14 | 72 |
| 15 | 76 |
| 16 | 80 |
| 17 | 84 |
| 18 | 88 |
| 19 | 92 |
| 20 | 96 |
| 21 | 100 |
Medical Needs of the New Kitten
Have a vet for your kitten. 24 vets are better … assess as well if the vet is truly a pet lover.
1. Deworming – Php 150 – after a week that the kitten arrived at your home.
2. Flea and Tick Treatment – after deworming – Php 374.75 – Buy Frontline Plus for Cats to be dropped in the middle of the collarbone where the cat can’t reach it while she is grooming herself. This is necessary because your pet could have acquired it in their former home. This is a must .
Summer is the period of highest risk . Summer temperatures and humidity can quickly lead to this.
3. Vaccine – Anti -Feline Pest
On his 2nd month in your home ( kitten 3 months) they also require vaccination (1st shot ) . Another vaccine after 21 days . This costs at around Php 650 per shot.
In the US, microchipping the cats is also for consideration , as Siamese are valuable and therefore a likely target for theft. Siamese mature early; therefore, if you’re not planning on breeding your kittens, they should be sprayed or neutered at 4 to 6 months of age. A male that has been “fixed” early rarely develops bad spraying or marking habits.
4. Anti Rabies – after 10 days of vaccination of anti-pest. Est cost: Php 250-300
5. A young kitten could experience UTI . It is when it urinates with blood – 2 reasons: gall stone or UTI. UTI happens because it has not been drinking enough , among other things. When this happen , bring it to the vet for antibiotic shots for 5 to 7 days. They will also suggest an intake of oral antibiotic but believe me … this won’t work. They don’t like the taste of the antibiotic. Have the patience to inject water in their mouths using a syringe w/o needle , of course.
6. Vitamins – ask your vet about this . I used 7 seas syrup by Merck with Cod liver oil which is also good for their coats … but not anymore
Cat in Heat (Estrus)
From: http://www.cat-world.com.au/estrus-in-cats
Signs, Duration & Prevention of Cats in Heat
Also known as ‘estrous cycle or calling’ a cat in heat is when the female cat (female cats are also known as queens) is fertile & receptive to mating. Estrus is also seasonal & depends on a number of factors including the number of daylight hours, age & general health.
There are actually four phases to the cat’s ‘estrus’ cycle:
- Proestrus
- Estrus
- Metestrus
- Diestrus
This article will look at the second phase ‘estrus’.
At what age does estrus begin?
Estrus begins at puberty, when this starts varies from cat to cat & breed. Some breeds such as the Siamese can call as early as four or five months. Other breeds may not reach sexual maturity until 10 months or older.
Cat tips by the blogger: Our cat experienced it on the 11th month in December
Mating Season:
Cats tend to be seasonal maters, although they may go into heat & produce a litter at any time of the year. Typically, ‘kitten season’ begins in spring time, when the days start to become longer.
How do I know my cat is in heat?
Cats are polyestrus, that means they will have more than one heat cycle in a year. Signs of estrus include;
- Your cat may become extra affectionate towards people & other cats, rubbing against their legs, or weaving in & out between their legs or rolling on the floor.
- If she is stroked, she may lay her front half low, and raise her hindquarters, treading up & down, & move her tail from side to side.
- Persistent vocalisation. This is often louder than usual & can be described as a yowl.
- Licking of the genital region.
- Loss of appetite.
- She may spray on vertical surfaces.
Some cats are what is known as ‘silent callers’ & may display none of the above signs.
Cat tips by the blogger: If you own a Siamese … get headphones. Be prepared … be very prepared.
If your cat is in heat, keep her indoors. If she is an indoor cat already, be extra careful to keep windows & doors closed because she will be keen to get to a male cat & mate.
How long does estrus last?
Estrus typically lasts for 7 to 10 days. If your cat doesn’t become pregnant then it will repeat every 14 – 21 days until she does become pregnant.
Cat tips by the blogger: The Siamese lasts for 7 days . The vet advised that we will mate her after the 2nd estrus. After 7 days , she will be back in her old sweet self and follows the schedules on the dot again.
There are three possible outcomes;
- The cat mates & becomes pregnant.
- The cat mates,doesn’t become pregnant, has a pseudo pregnancy (also known as a ‘false pregnancy’) & comes back into heat 30 or so days later.
- The cat doesn’t mate & comes into heat 14 – 21 days later.
How can I prevent my cat coming into heat?
The only guaranteed way to prevent a queen from coming into heat is to have her desexed (spayed). Not only will this prevent ‘calling’ & ensure no unwanted kittens are brought into the world but there are also health benefits to desexing a female cat. Entire cats are at risk of developing cancer of the uterus or ovaries, pyometra & breast cancer.
Cat tips by the blogger: But I would suggest that she becomes pregnant 1st before desexing her.
What should I do if my cat comes into heat?
Keep her indoors & away from any ‘entire’ male cats & book an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
If she does get out & mate, it is not too late. She can still be desexed. Speak to your veterinarian about this. He may also wish to test for FIV & FeLV if she has mated with an unknown/untested tom.
Cat tips by the blogger: Be very … very patient … sometimes you would tend to snap because of irritation but please understand that this is a biological process that she is going through … and she has to undergo it.
Be very affectionate to her . Touching and carrying her helps a lot . Place her in a dimly-lit room with airconditioning unit. This will help her sleep because cats who are in heat doesn’t sleep or eat much. Don’t yell at the cat to prevent her meowing. Be considerate but keep her in a room which is sound-proof so as not to disturb the neighbors. Pet parents are bound to have sleepless nights as well.
Should I let my cat mate when she is in season?
Unless you are a registered breeder, and this is a planned mating then no, you should not permit your cat to mate.
There is a huge cat overpopulation problem & breeding your cat just contributes to this. For every kitten you have, which you may pass on to friends or neighbours, that is one kitten in a shelter who could have been rehomed.
Also, unless you have tested the tom (male cat), there is no way you will know if he has either FIV or FeLV, both of which are viruses which are fatal in cats.
Desexing (also known as spaying) can be performed while your cat is in heat, but veterinarians typically prefer to spay a cat who isn’t in estrus.
Cat tips by the blogger: Contact an authority re this … I plan to have my cat spayed at Vets in Practice under Dr. Nielsen.
My 10-month Old Siamese Cat , Louis
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