Persian cats usually have their first heat cycle between 5 and 10 months of age. On the average, they will have 2 to 4 heat periods every year. The heat cycle will last 15 to 22 days.

If the Persian female is bred, the heat cycle usually does not last more than 4 days. If the mating is not successful, the heat cycle may continue for 7 to 10 days and then recur at 15 to 21 day intervals. There is a possibility the unmated Persian cat will cycle every 3 to 4 weeks indefinitely. To complicate matters even more, cats can have a heat cycle 1 to 6 weeks after giving birth. She may be nursing one litter and pregnant with another.

What are the symptoms of a Persian cat heat cycle?

" There is usually no obvious vaginal discharge or swelling of the genitals

" She may carry her tail to one side

" The Persian cat may keep her hindquarters elevated and make "treading" movements of the hind legs

" She may be more affectionate

" Spend a lot of time rolling on the floor

" May be more restless than usual

" About 1 to 2 days before the Persian cat accepts the male, her voice may seem more piercing than usual

Once bred, how long is a Persian cat's gestation period?

" 63 to 65 days

What are the physical changes?

" There are few noticeable changes during the first 4 - 5 weeks

" After the 5th week, weight gain and enlargement of the abdomen usually becomes noticeable

" During the 5th week, the mammary glands may start to enlarge

" A very noticeable enlargement of the mammary glands can be seen at the 7th week of pregnancy

" The Persian cat will have milk present 1 to 2 days before delivery

How do you know when the Persian cat is about to deliver?

" She may become extremely restless during the last weeks of pregnancy

" She will probably seek out secluded areas

" She may also soil the house instead of the litter box because the uterus presses the bladder or colon

Should the Persian cat have limited amounts of exercise during pregnancy?

" These cats are usually fairly calm anyway and kept indoors

" You should have a particular place prepared for her delivery

What should you feed the pregnant cat?

" She will require 2 to 4 times as much food as normal

" Probably a good idea to keep food out all the time for her

Are there any foods that absolutely should not be given?

" Raw egg whites

" Raw fish

" Exclusive meat or fish diets

" Your vet may even prescribe a special diet or supplements