When I first got the Gs, Gabriel was the just plain cuddly one and Gabby kept her distance-although she was cuddly, it was more on her terms. Now, Gabby is the one who is just plain cuddly and Gabriel is cuddly on his terms. Both are becoming so much more curious about their surroundings. I am concerned because I have read that when a female cat starts becoming more affectionate she could be starting to go into heat. I am going to e-mail or call my vet about that. My vet has not wanted to spay Gabby til six months of age. Unfortunately, with Christmas expense I would have to wait til after the beginning of the year anyway. The Gs will not be six months til the end of January.
I say call your vet because that's not something that can be determined over the internet... I have heard of cats going into heat at 5 months old, though all of my knowledge about that is anecdotal. I don't know at what age male cats become sexually mature (anyone else on here have insight into that?), but if it turns out that Gabby IS in heat, you will want to just get them spayed and neutered ASAP just in case, and if need be just pay with a credit card to pay off later. Finance charges on that charge, for a month or 2, are much less expensive than caring for a pregnant cat and then kittens! (not to mention, a brother-sister mating should (obviously) be especially avoided, though I'm sure this is something you already know so it almost goes without saying)
They reccomend neutering at 6 months over here in the UK as that is about the time when the male hormones kick in as well. When I had my female cat, she was speyed at 5 months, just before she would have come into season. She wasn't a ragdoll, but I doubt that would make much difference. I had frankie neutered at 5.5 months. I agree with Sarah, I would get them sorted ASAP.
I have left a message with my vet. Unfortunately, the ole credit card is maxxed out (don't have a very high line of credit on it to start with). I will discuss the situation with the vet. She may be willing to work out some type of payment plan with me if necessary.
also, try google (or ask your vet) about low-cost spay/neuter clinics in your area, if finances are really the issue.
Sarah, I am having a brain cramp. Had not thought about that. Thanks! My county's humane society would be a good place to start.
oh that would make me nervous - would anyone recommend separating the two kitties till you in fact find out when you can get one neutered or spayed? Or maybe if you cannot afford it all at once - let gabby go first, and then Gabriel.
(12-24-2009 07:29 AM)karissa Wrote: [ -> ]oh that would make me nervous - would anyone recommend separating the two kitties till you in fact find out when you can get one neutered or spayed? Or maybe if you cannot afford it all at once - let gabby go first, and then Gabriel.
or Gabriel first, since neutering is typically cheaper than spaying since it's a much less invasive surgery.
I have a vet appointment for both of the Gs on 12/29. Gould not get one any sooner. Gonna talk to vet about going ahead and getting both Gs done.
Four month old cats can breed. If you have a whole male and female, you have to either get one speutered or not allow them to be together until after one is done. They will figure out it is possible before you can intervene to stop it.