Quick off the mark! (Cat thread)

[BarleySugar]

As some of you may remember, 9 weeks ago we posted some pictures of our cat Smokey, with her new kittens. The babies are still with us, although all have eager new families waiting for them.
Anyway, I was upstairs just now, when I heard a dreadful cat squeal. I went rushing downstairs, to find out that she and Jack had been at 'IT', so she's in season already
Typical, I only intended to let her have 1 litter this year, but it looks like she's got other ideas (it must be the siamese in her!). I was under the impression that while she was still feeding she wouldn't come into season. I just hope this is the first time, and we haven't already been visited by the local tabby (although DD wouldn't mind!).
We're in for a noisy few days .

[FionaH]

Hmmm maybe thats up there with you cant get pregnant while breast feeding?

[sweetiepea]

Definately agree with that FionaH!!!

One of our cats, Daisy had kittens eight weeks ago. When the little ones were barely six weeks she had at least four very persistant admirers. Felt so sorry for her. She couldn't move without one of them pouncing on her. She was still feeding the kittens at the time and I don't know how they survived during the whole thing. All came out of it OK though!

[SlugLobber]

Mammals are most fertile not long after giving birth, BS. With humans, the first 2 months I think it is, so probably even sooner for cats.

[Hilary B]

Mammals are most fertile not long after giving birth, BS. With humans, the first 2 months I think it is, so probably even sooner for cats.

Surely it varies a lot with species? Predators usually want one litter weaned (and usually getting somewhere with learning to hunt) before starting to produce the next, horses and cows breed again within a few weeks.
A lioness with cubs won't come into season again for a year or 2 (unless something happens to the cubs).

[julesapple]

No Idea....

Maybe some creatures just have a glutton-for-punishment gene?

We've been lucky so far, none of our cats have come back into season whilst still nursing kittens. One to watch for though, as I suppose there's a first time for everything!

Jules