Do female cats choose who they mate with?

Answered by Phillip Nicastro

Well, let me tell you about my experiences with my unspayed female cat. Her name is Luna, and she definitely had a say in choosing her mates.

When Luna went into heat, she became quite restless and vocal. She would meow loudly and constantly, and it was clear that she was looking for a mate. I didn’t want her to get pregnant, so I kept a close eye on her and tried to keep her indoors. But one night, she managed to escape through an open window. I searched for her everywhere, but she was nowhere to be found.

After a couple of days, Luna returned home, looking a bit disheveled. I suspected that she had found a mate during her escapade. It was only a few weeks later that I noticed her belly starting to grow. It was then that I realized she had successfully mated and was now pregnant.

This experience made me realize that female cats do have a significant role in choosing their mates. Luna, despite being a domestic cat, still had strong instincts and desires to reproduce. She took matters into her own paws and found a male cat to fulfill her needs.

I did some research to understand this behavior better, and it turns out that female cats have a highly developed sense of smell. They can detect pheromones released by male cats that indicate their reproductive readiness. This ability helps them choose mates that are suitable for breeding.

Female cats also have the ability to reject potential mates if they are not interested or if they do not meet their criteria. This could be based on factors such as the male cat’s health, size, or dominance. It’s fascinating to think that even in a domestic setting, these instincts are still prevalent.

It’s important to note that spaying your female cat is a responsible choice to prevent unplanned pregnancies and the potential health risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth. It also helps control the cat population and reduces the chances of your cat contracting certain diseases.

Female cats do have the ability to choose their mates. They rely on their instincts, sense of smell, and reproductive readiness to find suitable partners. While we may not always be aware of their escapades, it’s important for us as pet owners to take the necessary steps to prevent unplanned pregnancies and ensure the well-being of our feline friends.