Theoretically, your feline companion can give birth to three litters of kittens per year, with an average of four kittens per litter, in an average lifetime of 15 years for an indoor kitty. This could result in up to 180 kittens in her lifetime.

Experts say that the mother’s age and health, as well as both parents’ genetic histories, influence the size of the litter. For example, a young or first-time queen typically produces a smaller litter of up to three kittens.

While cats usually have an average of four kittens in each litter, this can range from one to 12 kittens. Larger litters are seen more frequently in pedigree breeds such as Oriental, Siamese and Burmese.

five litters

And they do exist—mules, for instance, are the result of a horse and donkey mating. But creating hybrids of animals that are very genetically distinct from each other – such as a dog and a cat – are impossible, as is one species giving birth to an entirely different one. It does not stop people from hoping.

Preparing for “Birth Day” Abnormal or difficult birth rarely occurs in cats—most cats deliver quietly on their own, and usually at night. If you’re responsible for a cat that will be giving birth, be familiar with the signs that indicate normal and abnormal labor.

Petting and picking up newborn kittens can be dangerous. Baby kittens, much like human babies, are extremely fragile. Handling them roughly or accidentally dropping them can damage bones or vital organs. Be very gentle and, if you have young children in your home, supervise closely while they handle the kittens.

Things to do following the birth Keep the room temperature warm and the bedding clean and dry. Feeding – the kittens should start to suckle from their mother almost immediately. If they haven’t started after half an hour, gently guide them towards the teats. If the kittens don’t start feeding, ask your vet for advice.

Licking, pacing, howling, and chirping You might notice your cat licking her genitalia frequently – There is a discharge from the cat’s vulva a few hours before birth starts. Your cat’s water will break as well. Now is the time for pacing, restlessness, and howling, meowing, or chirping from your cat.

“Cats and dogs likely perceive hormonal changes that occur with pregnancy due to their amazing sense of smell,” says Dr Mornement. “Their acute sense of hearing also means they probably hear the baby’s heartbeat in the later stages of pregnancy.”

Caring for your pregnant cat Whilst it’s safe to stroke your pregnant cat, make sure that you avoid her tummy. This area will be very sensitive, and any touching there could cause her discomfort or hurt her unborn kittens.

This may seem like a gruesome topic but in short, the answer is usually no – mother cats (or more correctly queens as they are known), do not eat their kittens. They do, however, commonly eat the placenta of their kittens and this is completely normal behaviour. She will not eat live healthy viable kittens.

Yes, mother cats may move their kittens if they are handled by humans but they do not kill them. A male cat may kill kittens to bring the female cat into heat. A female cat may abandon a kitten if she feels it is ill or not viable.

A mother cat will NOT “reject” kittens that have been touched by humans. Kittens should only be removed from their nest if there is no evidence of a mother cat after several hours, or if the kittens seem to be in imminent danger or distress.

Sometimes a mother cat will dig the ground where it will bury its dead kitten. It will then cover the body with mud and might lay on the spot for several hours. But for some mother cats who have other kittens to attend to, they will simply remove the dead kitten and abandon it.

The majority of kitten deaths occur before birth (still born kittens) and during the first week of life. Kittens dying between birth and weaning are frequently called ‘fading kittens’. Neonatal (newborn) kittens may die suddenly, or ‘fade’ within a few days.

When a mother and her kittens are nesting together, they have a unique scent, which all of them recognize. Once the kitten leaves the nest, that scent quickly vanishes. If you brought your cat’s grown child home, it would only cause her stress, as the cat would smell like a stranger to her.

Normally, Mama Cat is not upset by this, and she will act normal after a day or two apart from her kittens. While there has not been extensive research into mother felines grieving for their young, you should keep an eye on Mama Cat if she continues to act strangely after the kittens have been taken away.

“Yes, your pets will eat you when you die, and perhaps a bit sooner than is comfortable. They tend to go for the neck, face, and any exposed areas first, and then, if not discovered in time, they may proceed to eat the rest of you,” Rando told BuzzFeed over email.

A mother cat is an incredibly attentive mom. She grooms her kittens, teaches them right from wrong and purrs whenever they’re near. It’s hard to imagine she could ever forget them — but she will. If mom and kittens are separated, they’ll become strangers.

Compared to our devoted dogs, cats seem pretty unconcerned with human affairs. But it looks like our feline companions pay more attention than we give them credit for. They seem to be able to tell when we are happy. New research has found the first strong evidence that cats are sensitive to human emotional gestures.

Cats Recognize Their Own Names—Even If They Choose to Ignore Them. Cats are notorious for their indifference to humans: almost any owner will testify to how readily these animals ignore us when we call them. But a new study indicates domestic cats do recognize their own names—even if they walk away when they hear them.

While cats don’t kiss their owners in the traditional sense, they have many ways to show they care. When your cat purrs as you pet it in its favorite spot, it’s showing its affection and appreciation for you. While some may not like being kissed, most cats enjoy spending quality time with their favorite people.

In fact, they do! Although the scale of emotions is different from people to cats. Cats just don’t have the emotional depth to make this connection. And while they may comfort you in your time of feeling sad, it’s important for you to recognize their sadness for what it is: a sign that something is habitually wrong.

“Cats are very sensitive and can feel safe or feel threatened by the tone of voice and the loudness. Cats are more apt to respond and socialize with their people when spoken to in a soft and calm voice.”

Your cat meowing back at you doesn’t mean that she’s acknowledging your communication and continuing the conversation – it means that she wants something! Having said that, meowing at a cat certainly won’t cause any harm.

There are many factors to consider when getting a pet, let alone two (or more). That doesn’t mean those factors should dissuade you from doing so. By adopting two cats instead of one, you’re doubling the lives you’re saving. Plus, the cats would feel less lonely and more contented because of the companionship.

They know the routine: when you’re sitting on the potty you’re not going anywhere for a while. Many cats love to curl up on their person’s lap on the toilet. They have your undivided attention for a certain amount of time: you’re not working, or cooking, or knitting, or reading a book, or watching TV.