Ensuring your cat’s health before breeding is crucial to prevent hereditary or infectious diseases in future kittens. A comprehensive health check can identify potential issues and optimize the chances of a complication-free pregnancy. Below are the recommended veterinary examinations before cat mating:
Comprehensive Physical Examination
A thorough veterinary check-up is strongly advised before mating to detect any anomalies that could be passed to the offspring. Common issues include:
- Heart murmurs, which may indicate hereditary heart disease.
- Umbilical or inguinal hernias, sometimes requiring surgical correction.
- Patellar luxation, a frequent condition in certain breeds.
- Congenital malformations that could affect the kittens’ health.
A healthy cat is more likely to carry a pregnancy to term without complications and give birth to robust kittens.
Screening for Infectious Diseases
Cats should be tested for Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). These diseases are transmissible through direct contact, especially during mating or from mother to kittens.
It is recommended to:
- Perform an initial test at the time of adoption.
- Conduct a second test three months later to confirm the absence of infection.
A cat carrying FIV or FeLV should not be used for breeding, as these diseases compromise the health of future kittens and can reduce their lifespan.
Vaccination and Deworming
An appropriate vaccination and deworming protocol is essential before mating. These measures reduce the parasitic and viral load transmitted to newborns.
Vaccination
Vaccines should be up to date to protect against major feline diseases:
- Coryza, which can cause severe respiratory infections.
- Feline panleukopenia, a potentially fatal viral disease for kittens.
- Rabies, especially if the cat has outdoor access.
It is recommended that both parents be vaccinated at least two weeks before mating to provide optimal immunity to their kittens.
Deworming
Antiparasitic treatment is advised to prevent the transmission of internal parasites to kittens. An appropriate dewormer should be administered to the female before mating and repeated regularly throughout pregnancy.
Blood Typing
Knowing the blood type of both the male and female is particularly important in certain breeds, such as:
- Abyssinian
- Persian
- Devon Rex
These breeds have a higher risk of having blood type B, which can lead to blood incompatibility between the mother and her kittens.
If a type B female gives birth to type A kittens, they risk developing fatal neonatal anemia during nursing. A blood test can anticipate this risk and allow for appropriate measures, such as temporary artificial feeding.
Genetic Testing and Screening for Hereditary Diseases
Some breeds are predisposed to specific genetic diseases. Tests can be conducted to limit the transmission of these conditions:
- Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) screening, notably in Persians and Exotic Shorthairs.
- Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) screening, recommended for Maine Coons and Ragdolls.
- Breed-specific tests, according to veterinary recommendations.
A responsible breeder should consider these genetic predispositions to ensure healthy offspring.
Conclusion
Before proceeding with cat mating, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive health assessment, including a physical examination, screening tests, appropriate vaccination, and deworming. These precautions optimize pregnancy and ensure the health of future kittens.
For more information on recommended examinations for feline reproduction, please contact our veterinary clinic.
