How Old Does A Cat Have To Be To Get Pregnant? It's Younger Than You Think

If you think your kitten is too young to get pregnant, think again. While the average age of sexual maturity in female cats is six months, it's possible for a kitten as young as four months to start their heat cycle and thus be able to become pregnant. Once a cat goes into heat, she will typically get her heat cycle every two to three weeks.

A kitten doesn't have the full skeletal growth needed to carry a litter, and she may lose necessary nutrients needed for her personal development to her offspring. Because kitten pregnancies are so risky, it's important to spay your female cat as soon as you can do so safely, with most spay surgeries happening at around four to six months old outside of shelters. Heat can often be uncomfortable for cats, so it's important to talk to your vet about when you can get your kitten spayed to stop them from entering heat and prevent pregnancy.

Breeding seasons for cats take place in the spring and summer months, which means your kitten will be more likely to experience heat cycles during these times of year. Cats do not bleed during their heat cycles, so you'll have to watch out for behavioral indicators instead.

Loud and frequent vocalization could indicate your kitten is in heat. Additionally, she may start spraying around the house. If your kitten seems more affectionate than usual, this could also clue you in. Other signs include loss of appetite and excessive grooming. You can comfort your feline in heat by playing with her and giving her other things to focus on, like a cat puzzle toy.

If your kitten enters heat before she can be spayed, keeping her away from any male cats who aren't neutered is key. While your kitten might be eager to go outside, confine her indoors to prevent encounters with such felines who may roam the neighborhood.