Cats are very efficient at reproducing and are able to have several litters a year with multiple kittens in each.Most cats go through puberty at an early age – somewhere between five and nine months. This is why it is so important to sterilize your cat at the time recommended by your veterinarian (typically 4 to 6 months of age). Female cats can be fertile for about seven years, while males may be able to reproduce for 11 years or longer!
The large numbers of feral cats (animals that have returned to a wild existence) demonstrate that in an uncontrolled environment, they will keep reproducing. Today's methods of feline sterilization are surgical and thus are not easily applied to the vast number of feral cats. Researchers are working on new methods of feline contraception, including oral medications and even vaccines. We look forward to new options to stop kitty overpopulation in the future.
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