Reproduction
The domestic cat is capable of having up to three litters
annually. A female cat is able to get pregnant after about
seven months of age. A male cat becomes sexually mature
around the age of nine months. The gestation period lasts
63 days
and each litter consists, on average of four kittens,
however it can range anywhere from one to nine kittens. Each kitten has its own separate amniotic sac that should
break open after birth. If it doesn't, the mother will break
it open herself. She then may eat the placenta which may
stimulate lactation.
At birth, kittens' eyes and ears are closed. When they do
begin to open their eyes after about eight days- they will
appear blue and will not get their permanent color for a
couple of months. This is evident in the picture at the top
of the page: My cat Jasmine's eyes are blue, however they
eventually changed to yellow.
After about two weeks,
auditory orientation occurs and after four weeks, hearing is
well-adapted. Kittens are born without
teeth, which they begin to grow between 2 to 3 weeks. The
cat should have all of its permanent teeth by the age of six
months. The typical lifespan of the domestic cat is about
17, however many cats have been known to reach 20 years,
even 30.
If you do not want your cat(s) to have kittens- I strongly
suggest getting them spayed or neutered. A female cat that
is not spayed will become very irritable and lose her
appetite if she is not allowed to mate. Also, an unneutered
male cat will meow very loudly, spray urine on household
items, and be very likely to run away.
To learn about adaptations that cat's have developed, click here.