Duration of estrus in sphinxes

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In this article we will talk about such a physiological phenomenon as estrus in sphinxes, its symptoms, duration and frequency. In other words, this period is also called “estrus”. The essence of this condition is that the female experiences a sexual need, which coincides with the maturation of the follicle in the ovaries.

When acquiring a Sphynx kitten, you need to be prepared for the natural processes that will occur as the cat reaches puberty and grows up.

What is called estrus or estrous cycle

In veterinary medicine, estrus is usually called the estrous cycle. This term refers to physiological changes in the animal’s body and is divided into several periods:

• Proestrus is a condition preceding the onset of estrus. This period lasts no more than four days. The cat's behavior changes slightly, so inexperienced owners may not notice this moment. The pet is characterized by affectionate behavior and the need for increased attention. There is slight vaginal discharge, but the cat will not allow males to approach her.
• Estrus is the second and subsequent heats. It is difficult to determine a specific duration, because it is influenced by the characteristics of the body of each animal. On average, the process lasts up to one and a half weeks. The beginning of this stage determines the behavior of the animal:

1. She becomes uncontrollable and does inexplicable things; makes howling hysterical screams;
2. Takes characteristic poses, raising the rear part of the body and moving the tail to the side, and the front part is pressed to the floor;
3. Clear discharge is observed.

• Metestrus or post-estrus is defined as decreased sexual arousal. The duration of this stage ranges from 3 to 20 days. It is during this period that fertilization most often occurs or a false pregnancy develops. The cat changes its behavior and is aggressive against males.
• Anestrus is the period between estrus. The pet's behavior becomes normal, appetite and the usual rhythm of life return. If there was no mating and pregnancy did not occur, then after a certain period the next estrus begins.

Ready for mating

The first mating for Canadian Sphynxes should be organized only after your pet is at least one and a half years old. At the same time, the cat will be completely ready for mating only after two, or even better, three heats. As for cats, the ideal age for the first mating is one and a half to two years, since only at this age the animal’s body has already formed.

First of all, every owner or breeder should understand that under no circumstances should one get carried away with various drugs that are used to stop or suppress estrus in cats. This is explained by the fact that these drugs have a hormonal structure. Therefore, increased use of these medications can lead, at a minimum, to hormonal disruption in the cat’s body, and at maximum, provoke the development of serious diseases.

Sphynx mom and baby

Owners keeping male Sphynx cats should be careful throughout the mating process to ensure that it does not involve two animals that have not previously mated (so-called “untied” animals). Failure to do so may result in both physical and psychological harm.

Mating takes place in the male's territory

In most cases, mating occurs on the territory of the owner of the male. This additionally imposes additional obligations on the cat’s owner, because it depends on him how comfortable the cat will feel while in the cat’s territory. In addition, the owner of a male or female should take care of a special enclosure, which may be useful for the cat when it settles into the territory of the male.

It must be delivered to the mating site in advance so that the cat has the opportunity to sit out in a familiar place from the first minutes of its appearance in a new place. In addition, if the acquaintance with the “groom” is unsuccessful, the cat will be able to hide there and calm its nerves. Therefore, both the cat’s owner and the cat’s owner should try to control the entire course of the mating and, if the need arises, help the animals.

We suggest you read: HEAT IN A CAT: how long does it last, how often does it happen, what to do and how to calm it down. How long does the first heat last?

In most cases, mating of Canadian Sphynxes lasts no more than half a minute. She is accompanied by rather loud cries of a cat and a strong purring of a cat. Just at this moment, an egg is released from the cat's ovaries. However, fertilization does not occur immediately, taking about a day. In some cases, one mating is not enough for pregnancy to occur, and therefore both partners must spend a few more days with each other.

If you look closely at the behavior of the Canadian Sphynx, it will be very easy to understand when mating has completed. Indeed, immediately after the end of mating, the female begins to roll on the floor, turning over on her back, and she can do this for a fairly long period of time. As for the cat, after finishing mating he strives for privacy and begins to wash himself and lick his fur.

The first mating of a Canadian Sphynx should only occur when your four-legged friend is at least one and a half years old. The cat will be completely ready for mating after she has gone through 2-3 heats. For cats, the ideal age for mating is one and a half to two years, because only at this stage the animal is already fully formed. It is definitely worth noting that by this time both cats and female cats need to have all the necessary vaccinations.

First of all, every breeder must know that it is impossible to abuse various drugs that suppress or stop estrus in cats. After all, excessive use of these drugs can lead not only to hormonal disruption in the body of cats, but also cause very serious diseases.

Throughout the mating process, the owner of a Sphynx cat needs to ensure that two “untied” (not previously mated) animals mate under any circumstances, otherwise such an action can cause both psychological and physical trauma in pets.

As a rule, the owner of a Sphynx cat accepts the cat on his territory, and that is why he must provide her with the most comfortable conditions. Also, the breeder of a male Canadian Sphynx needs to make sure that the female has a special enclosure, in which, in the event of an unsuccessful acquaintance with the cat, she can hide in order to get used to sudden changes.

As a rule, mating of animals lasts only half a minute and is accompanied by a strong rumbling of the cat and quite loud screams of the cat. And it is at this moment that an egg is released from the ovaries of cats, but fertilization does not occur immediately, but only within 24 hours after mating. In some cases, mating alone is not enough for pregnancy to occur, which is why the male and female cat must spend a couple of days together.

The completion of mating is very easy to recognize by the behavior of the sphinx, because after the mating process the cat immediately turns over on its back, after which it can roll on the floor for a long time. And the cat, in turn, after mating has occurred, retires and begins to lick the fur.

Features of the first heat

How is the first heat going? The first heat signals the cat's readiness to reproduce, but the timing of its onset varies among different breeds and is not always typical. Therefore, the owner cannot always understand in time that the pet has reached puberty. In order not to miss the moment, you need to remember that calm and passive breeds enter puberty at the age of ten months to one and a half years, and active ones mature a little earlier, starting from nine months. But there are cases when the first signs of estrus are observed at the age of 4–6 months - this is an abnormal process in which mating cannot be started, because the pet’s body is not fully formed and early pregnancy can lead to disastrous results. Late estrus, which begins at one and a half years and later, is a deviation from the norm. In this case, you should contact a specialist to identify the reasons for the delay.

Choosing a mating partner

Before mating, the Sphynx must be taken to the veterinarian to make sure that the cat does not have any diseases. Also, about two weeks before mating occurs, the cat needs to undergo preventive deworming, with the help of which your pet will get rid of worms, if she has any.

Before the mating process itself, both the male and female cat must have their claws trimmed, otherwise the animals may injure each other during the mating process. And remember that cats should never be washed before mating. All this is due to the fact that bathing destroys the natural smell of cats, which attracts cats, as a result of which mating may be unsuccessful.

Before mating, animals must be prepared

Shortly before breeding Canadian Sphynxes, you should definitely take the animals to the veterinarian to make sure that your cat does not have any diseases. In addition, approximately fifteen to twenty days before mating, both partners should undergo deworming for the purpose of prevention. This will allow your pet to receive a guarantee that pregnancy will not be complicated by the presence of worms.

Check your cat's readiness to bear offspring with a veterinarian

Immediately before mating, both the male and the female must trim their claws, otherwise the animals may injure their partner during the mating process. And keep in mind that you should never wash cats before breeding. This is explained by the fact that washing can destroy the real smell of the cat, which attracts the male, which, in the end, can result in a failed mating.

How to recognize heat

Estrus in cats is always accompanied by a set of certain symptoms and changes in behavior. Some show more aggression and anxiety, others begin to shit in the room and mark the territory, and cats in heat “sing”, calling the cats. The main symptoms include:

1. Howling, especially at night;
2. The desire to rub against furniture and other interior items; loss of appetite;
3. Frequent licking of the groin area to remove discharge;
4. The desire to run outside;
5. Taking characteristic poses.

If signs of estrus appear, the animal should not be allowed out for walks, and you should also pay attention to the color and nature of the discharge.

How often does estrus occur?

Cats come into heat every 2-3 weeks, but there may be deviations from the established norms. The frequency of estrus is determined by the following factors:

• the physiology of the individual animal;
• seasons - the mating season begins in early spring and continues until the end of summer;
• conditions of detention;
• breed - Siamese and Persians have less time between heats than Scots or Britons.

If a cat becomes pregnant, she will not go into heat before lambing (about 9 weeks) and after it (about three months). If the kittens were born in the summer, the new cycle will resume with the arrival of spring. If the offspring is born non-viable, then estrus will occur earlier.

Pregnancy and childbirth

Pregnancy in Sphynx cats is very easy to recognize by their behavior. If a female becomes pregnant, for the first time in a few days she will demand more care and affection from her owners. Also, some cats become picky about food during pregnancy and until birth occurs.

Sometimes Sphynx cats like to retire with their favorite toy during pregnancy. At this time, the Canadian Sphynx can be not only affectionate, but also aggressive. However, this behavior of the Canadian Sphynx should not bother you at all, because after a while the cat’s aggressiveness will go away, it just needs to get used to its condition.

As a rule, a cat's pregnancy lasts only 63 days, after which the long-awaited birth occurs. It also happens that birth occurs 3-5 days earlier or, conversely, later than the due date, in which case there is no reason to worry - this is considered the norm. In cats, childbirth is generally uneventful.

Childbirth lasts several hours depending on the number of kittens. Pregnancy and childbirth of cats end with the birth of 1 to 12 babies. It is definitely worth noting that kittens are born in the amniotic sac. And after the birth takes place, the cat itself chews the amniotic sac, and then licks the kitten’s face, and also cleans its mouth and nose so that it can breathe on its own. Healthy newborn kittens squeak very rarely. At birth, kittens should have the same body temperature as their mother.

In general, childbirth proceeds without complications

As a rule, Sphynx kittens are born with a Rex-like wavy coat, as well as a small bald spot on the forehead. However, literally after a couple of months they rapidly begin to lose their fur. And by the age of three months, kittens become completely hairless.

Kittens begin to open their eyes very early - approximately 1–5 days of life. Their eye color can vary in shades of blue and blue.

Immediately after birth, babies must be given nicknames, which they will have to get used to. Kittens of this breed are very smart and that is why they remember their names very quickly.

If you know all of the above rules for mating Sphynx animals, conception, pregnancy and childbirth will be successful and you will see strong and healthy little kittens!

If you have a Sphynx cat, then it will not be difficult for you to determine when she is pregnant, since the behavior of females of this breed gives a very clear idea of ​​this condition. Being pregnant, a Sphynx cat becomes much more affectionate; she begins to literally cling to her owners, demanding more affection and care from them.

Canadian Sphynx kitten

Please note that not all females behave in this way, becoming a source of tenderness and affection. Along with such behavior, there may also be manifestations of aggression.

However, owners should not worry about manifestations of aggression on the part of the Canadian Sphynx. This reaction on the part of the sphinx is explained by the fact that they are not yet accustomed to the new state for them (especially if this is the cat’s first pregnancy). After some time, they will get used to pregnancy and the aggressiveness will pass.

In most cases, the Sphynx pregnancy lasts sixty-three days, ending with childbirth. But sometimes it happens that childbirth occurs three to five days later or earlier than a certain date. There is no point in worrying about this, since such deviations are considered absolutely normal. In most cases, births in Canadian Sphynx cats occur without any complications.

Cat with litter

In some cases, childbirth can be quite difficult. For this reason, during childbirth, the owner must be close to his cat in order to provide all possible assistance if necessary.

The duration of labor depends mainly on how many kittens the cat will give birth to. The Canadian Sphynx is capable of bearing and giving birth to up to 12 kittens. It is very important to draw the attention of owners to the fact that Sphynx kittens are born in the amniotic sac. When the birth is over, the mother cat will chew the bubble and lick the kitten's face.

In addition, she will clear his nose and mouth to ensure his ability to breathe on his own. Please note that if your kittens are quiet, this is not a cause for concern: newborn Sphynx cats squeak extremely rarely. Check: after birth, the kittens' body temperature should be the same as their mother's.

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Sphynx babies are funny and playful

In most cases, kittens of this breed are born with wavy “Rex” hair and a small bald patch on the forehead. But after about two months, kittens begin to lose their fur very quickly, and already at the age of three months they become completely hairless.

Kittens open their eyes much earlier than kittens of other breeds. This usually occurs on the first to fifth day of life. The color of the iris can vary within a very narrow range from blue to light blue.

Many people note the fact that Sphynx kittens are extremely playful and active. It is for this reason that kittens, within twelve to fifteen days after birth, will begin to pester their owners with demands for affection and care.

Sphynxes differ from other cats in their high intelligence.
Owners should give their kittens nicknames immediately after birth, since Sphynxes very quickly get used to their names. Don't forget that Sphynx kittens are highly intelligent!

And if the owner or novice breeder of Canadian Sphynx cats follows all the rules for mating representatives of this breed, which were listed above, then mating, gestation and the birth itself will take place without complications, and he will be able to see healthy, smart and strong kittens.

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How can you help your pet?

With the onset of puberty, every owner thinks about how they can help their cat during periods of heat and not harm its health. The optimal solution is sterilization, but it is only relevant if breeding is not planned.

When sterilization is inappropriate, several methods can be used to make the condition of the pet and the life of household members easier.

Without resorting to medications. These methods do not give a 100% result, but they help calm the turmoil for a while:

1. Bathing, after which the pet will begin to lick itself, which will distract her from searching for a sexual partner and calm her down for a while;
2. Purchasing a new toy or having fun with active games (jumping or climbing) will help release excess energy;
3. Normalized nutrition will help eliminate digestive problems and improve the animal’s well-being;
4. Communication with your pet and moderate caresses will help relieve nervousness, but you should not stroke the cat on the back and back of the body - this will only increase excitement;
5. The company of castrated khat will reduce the female's sex drive; twilight shortens the duration of estrus.

Medications with a calming effect are harmless drugs that help your pet calm down:

1. Drops with joy pheromones (“Feliway”) will help temporarily calm down a screaming, thrashing animal;
2. Sedatives that do not affect the estrus process;
3. Herbal infusions have a calming effect and reduce tension. These include “Kota Bayuna” and “Stop Stress”.

But you should refrain from hormonal injections that unscrupulous veterinarians may recommend, especially if you plan to breed a cat in the future in order to produce offspring. Complications can include purulent inflammation in the uterus, ovarian cyst, breast tumors and other “joys”. An alternative to such methods would be more humane sterilization. But it does not always relieve estrus.

Suitable age for mating Sphynx

Puberty in Don cats begins quite quickly, when the cat is only six months old. Her first heat begins just as early. If by this period you have already found a suitable male, then you should not rush things and immediately resort to his services. The cat will be needed after the third heat.

Basic Rules:

1. The first heat is not suitable for mating Don Sphynxes, even if the cat is already more than a year old.
2. The male must grow up and mature for mating.

A cat matures to be able to give birth a little later than a female cat. By 8 months, the male’s behavior changes, and the sweet, kind cat suddenly becomes harmful and aggressive.

The first mating of sphinxes (both male and female) should occur at 1.5–2 years.

Reasons for estrus after sterilization

In rare cases, after a cat is spayed, her heat continues. This is explained:

• Ectopic ovarian tissue syndrome is a difficult to distinguish congenital pathology in which tissue cells are displaced and hormonal changes stimulate their appearance;
• A tumor that produces hormones;
• Delegation of functions by the gonads to the adrenal glands;
• The production of hormones by the pituitary gland.

Such conditions are extremely rare, but there are points that occur quite often, so they should also be taken into account before undergoing surgery:

• A cat should not be spayed during mating season. There is a possibility of a prolonged riot of hormones after the intervention;
• Danger of ovariominant syndrome. When a particle of ovarian tissue remains not removed and the regeneration process begins. Over time, the revived tissue will be able to form sex hormones and estrus will resume.

Features of estrus in purebred cats

Many purebred cats are bred by mixing different species. The mixing of different genotypes from different continents has caused their estrus to proceed differently.

Scottish cat in heat

This cutie begins puberty at the age of nine months or a year. But at this point, the cat’s body is not yet completely ready for pregnancy and lambing. It is advisable to breed during the second or third heat.

The frequency of estrus is small - up to four times a year for 5-7 days. But if matings are carried out frequently, the number of estrus decreases to twice a year.

Estrus in British breed cats

Peculiarities:

• Reaches sexual maturity at 8–9 months of age;
• Estrus of 8–9 days is repeated every three weeks;
• Mating can be carried out from one to two years;
• If you do not plan to produce offspring, then it is better to sterilize your pet.

Sphinx in heat

They are particularly aggressive during estrus. The first discharge may begin at 8-9 months, but knitting should begin no earlier than a year. By this age, reproductive functions are fully formed.

Features of estrus:

• Lasts up to five days;
• Takes place once a month;

Estrus in Kurilian Bobtails

They are distinguished by late puberty. The first heat can be observed at the age of one or one and a half years.

Peculiarities:

1. Lasts from five to ten days;
2. It takes place once every two months;
3. If there is no mating, then periods of estrus may become irregular: lasting 14 days with a week break.

Before getting a pet of a certain breed, you should consult with experienced breeders and understand all the features of care at different periods.

Frequency and duration

How often a cat will go into heat depends on the individual characteristics of her body. Some sphinxes experience estrus once every 30 days. Other cats are susceptible to this condition twice a month with a break of one week. Irregularity is often due to lack of sexual intercourse. In other words, a Sphynx cat can be in heat all year round, with a break between periods ranging from 7 to 21 days. Pets reach their peak of sexual desire towards the end of winter and the onset of autumn. The duration of estrus is the same for both Don and Canadian cats. The duration of the period varies from 5 to 8 days. However, experienced breeders note that in some pets the estrus period can reach 2 weeks.

What discharge indicates health problems?

During estrus, vaginal discharge is normal as long as it is clear or contains a small amount of blood. Within two to three weeks after lambing, there may be a dark discharge, which is considered normal.

If discharge of pink, red, brown, green or purulent shades is observed, then this is a signal of the development of diseases. These may include: infections and inflammations of the genital organs, injuries or bleeding disorders.

Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the course of the cat’s estrus in order to promptly seek help, identify the causes of the disorder and begin treatment. It is important to understand that the animal cannot say what is bothering it, which means the owner must learn to understand his pet without words and identify any deviations from the norm.