| reeding is an expensive undertaking both as far as | | | | After the kittens are born be sure that they are |
| the money it costs and the time it takes. It's | | | | gaining weight. You should be able to see the kittens |
| important to realize that cat breeding is serious | | | | gaining weight. If they are not gaining weight there is |
| business and cannot be done well without a lot of | | | | something wrong. You should know ahead of time |
| effort. | | | | how to tube feed a kitten and you should have that |
| The first thing you need to do if you want to get | | | | equipment available in case something is going wrong. |
| into cat breeding is learn everything you can find | | | | The problem will most likely correct itself in a few |
| about your chosen breed. Research the breed, it's | | | | days but if it does not you may need veterinarian |
| origin, it's history, and it's Cat Fancier Association | | | | assistance. |
| breed standard. | | | | Weigh your kittens every day at the same time. Do |
| Becoming a cat breeder is a huge commitment. Cat | | | | not weight them in the morning one day and in the |
| breeding is not easy. Make sure you are ready to | | | | evening the next. Pick one time like 10 AM and weigh |
| make this huge commitment before you take the cat | | | | them at that one time every day to be sure you are |
| breeding plunge! | | | | getting an accurate reading. Little or no weight gain |
| Health is the most important consideration when | | | | one day to the next is a sign of a problem. Kittens |
| selecting cats for breeding. You also must consider | | | | should be gaining weight every day! |
| coat color and pattern. It's important to have a | | | | After the 3rd week kitten food should be made |
| thorough knowledge of your breed so you know | | | | available. Sometimes kittens ages 3 and 4 weeks will |
| exactly what you are looking for. | | | | become curious about their mother's food and may |
| Breeding a male and female cat usually produces | | | | try to eat it themselves. |
| kittens in about 65 days. But it is not that unusual for | | | | Handle your kittens from an early age so they |
| cat pregnancies so don't necessarily be concerned if | | | | become more socialized. This will make them better |
| the pregnancy goes past 65 days. | | | | pets and also better show cats. |
| It's very important that the mother cat is fed very | | | | No kittens should leave your home prior to 12 weeks. |
| well during her pregnancy. Of course you want to be | | | | They should never leave your home before |
| consulting with your veterinarian during this very | | | | inoculations are complete. |
| important time. Some feel it is a good idea to restrict | | | | Hopefully you've got some better idea about cat |
| the movement of the mother during her pregnancy | | | | breeding basics from this article and you have a clear |
| not only to lower the chance of injury but also to | | | | idea of whether you want to become a cat breeder |
| get the mother cat used to her more sedentary | | | | and if you do, you should have some basic cat |
| lifestyle she'll be living once her kittens are born. | | | | breeding knowledge now. |