Persian cats usually have their first heat cycle between 5 and 10 months of age. On the average, they will have 2 to 4 heat periods every year. The heat cycle will last 15 to 22 days.
If the Persian female is bred, the heat cycle usually does not last more than 4 days. If the mating is not successful, the heat cycle may continue for 7 to 10 days and then recur at 15 to 21 day intervals. There is a possibility the unmated Persian cat will cycle every 3 to 4 weeks indefinitely. To complicate matters even more, cats can have a heat cycle 1 to 6 weeks after giving birth. She may be nursing one litter and pregnant with another.
What are the symptoms of a Persian cat heat cycle?
- There is usually no obvious vaginal discharge or swelling of the genitals
- She may carry her tail to one side
- The Persian cat may keep her hindquarters elevated and make “treading” movements of the hind legs
- She may be more affectionate
- Spend a lot of time rolling on the floor
- May be more restless than usual
- About 1 to 2 days before the Persian cat accepts the male, her voice may seem more piercing than usual
Once bred, how long is a Persian cat’s gestation period?
- 63 to 65 days
What are the physical changes?
- There are few noticeable changes during the first 4 – 5 weeks
- After the 5th week, weight gain and enlargement of the abdomen usually becomes noticeable
- During the 5th week, the mammary glands may start to enlarge
- A very noticeable enlargement of the mammary glands can be seen at the 7th week of pregnancy
- The Persian cat will have milk present 1 to 2 days before delivery
How do you know when the Persian cat is about to deliver?
- She may become extremely restless during the last weeks of pregnancy
- She will probably seek out secluded areas
- She may also soil the house instead of the litter box because the uterus presses the bladder or colon
Should the Persian cat have limited amounts of exercise during pregnancy?
- These cats are usually fairly calm anyway and kept indoors
- You should have a particular place prepared for her delivery
What should you feed the pregnant cat?
- She will require 2 to 4 times as much food as normal
- Probably a good idea to keep food out all the time for her
Are there any foods that absolutely should not be given?
- Raw egg whites
- Raw fish
- Exclusive meat or fish diets
- Your vet may even prescribe a special diet or supplements