Can a Mother Cat Get Pregnant Again While Nursing?

Part 1: Can a Nursing Queen Cat Get Pregnant Again?

Many people mistakenly believe that queen cats cannot become pregnant while nursing, and even if they could, the cat would naturally refuse to mate. However, the truth is that the likelihood of a queen cat getting pregnant during lactation is surprisingly high.

Unlike male cats, female cats have cyclic estrous cycles. Approximately one and a half to two months after giving birth (towards the end of the nursing period) and as her body recovers, she will begin to ovulate again. If she is unable to mate during estrus, she may experience discomfort. Therefore, if she comes into contact with an unneutered tomcat, she might still mate and become pregnant.

However, her body is still in the process of healing. If she becomes pregnant again, it could severely harm her health. It is, therefore, not advisable to allow a queen cat to become pregnant during this time. If you have a tomcat at home, consider isolating them for a short period. If you have no intention of allowing your cat to become pregnant again, it's best to have her spayed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of reproductive diseases like pyometra and to extend her lifespan effectively.

Part 2: Can a Nursing Queen Cat Be Spayed?

It's recommended to wait at least two months after giving birth before spaying a queen cat, as her body is mostly recovered by then, and the surgery will have minimal impact on her.

Some queens may continue to lactate for a longer period. You can observe whether her breasts have stopped producing milk completely. It's better to schedule the spaying after her breasts have fully flattened out.

Avoid spaying a queen cat during lactation, as the pain from the surgical wound can affect the kittens' ability to nurse.

Also, avoid spaying a cat during estrus, as it can lead to excessive bleeding and pose a greater risk.

If the queen cat is particularly weak after giving birth, it's not advisable to spay her immediately. Instead, focus on providing her with adequate nutrition and sunlight, and only proceed with the spaying once she has fully recovered to minimize any impact on her health.

During the nursing period, queen cats can be particularly sensitive. As a responsible pet owner, it's important to provide extra comfort, ensure proper nutrition, and maintain a clean environment to prevent parasites or fungal/bacterial skin diseases from affecting both the mother and the kittens.

For more information, explore the topic of "Pet Birth." If you have any further questions, feel free to consult an online veterinary expert.