It is why we have spaying and neutering of domestic cats and many feral cats through TNR programmes. Even without sterilization the theoretical becomes very unattainable through accident, predation and disease. You’ll see the ravages of disease on kittens among the feral cat population. For example, cat flu often leads to secondary bacterial eye infections which can lead to partial or complete blindness. Feral kittens have a tough time surviving.
The wildcat ancestor of the domestic cat have a single litter each year and an average of two to six kittens per litter, substantially less than the domestic cat. Domestication has made the cat a better procreator. See more on this below.
A female domestic cat can have up to three to four litters per year, depending on several factors:
- Estrus Cycle: Cats are polyestrous, meaning they can go into heat multiple times throughout the year, especially during longer daylight months (spring through early fall). Each estrus cycle lasts about a week, and if the cat doesn’t mate, she may go back into heat within 1-3 weeks.
- Gestation Period: The average gestation period for a cat is 63–65 days (roughly two months). After giving birth, a female cat can go into heat as soon as 4-6 weeks postpartum if she’s nursing, or even sooner if not.
Given these cycles, and allowing for brief recovery time, a cat could have as many as three to four litters per year, although some cats may only have two, depending on health, environment, and natural cycles.
Wildcat ancestor
A female North African wildcat (Felis lybica lybica) typically has 1-2 litters per year, with each litter containing 2-6 kittens.
Breeding and Litter Details:
- Breeding Season: Unlike domestic cats, North African wildcats tend to have a more defined breeding season, typically in late winter to early spring. This seasonal cycle limits the number of litters to about one or, at most, two per year.
- Gestation Period: The gestation period is similar to that of domestic cats, around 60-65 days.
- Kittens per Litter: Each litter usually has 2-6 kittens, though 3-4 is most common.
Because of these seasonal constraints, wildcats rarely reach the litter frequency of domestic cats.
The survival rate of wildcat kittens, including those of the North African wildcat (Felis lybica lybica), varies depending on several factors such as predation, food availability, and environmental conditions. Here are some key points regarding their survival:
- Survival Rate: Generally, the survival rate for wildcat kittens during their first year can be around 50-70%. Many kittens do not survive to adulthood due to predation, disease, and other environmental pressures.
- Predation: Kittens are vulnerable to various predators, including birds of prey and larger carnivores. Their risk of predation is highest in the early weeks after birth.
- Parental Care: The mother typically keeps the kittens hidden in a den for the first few weeks, which helps protect them from predators. Maternal care is crucial for their survival during this vulnerable period.
- Social Structure: Unlike domestic cats, wildcats are more solitary and do not form social groups. This can affect the survival of the young, as there is less communal protection.
- Environmental Factors: Availability of food, habitat quality, and human impacts (like habitat destruction) also play significant roles in kitten survival rates.
Overall, while wildcat kittens have a relatively high mortality rate in their early life stages, those that survive past the first few months can often thrive in the wild and reach adulthood.
Domestic cats (Felis catus) tend to procreate more effectively than their wildcat ancestors (such as the African wildcat, Felis lybica) due to several factors:
1. Human Influence
- Habitat and Resources: Domestic cats live in environments managed by humans, providing consistent food sources, shelter, and protection from many predators. This stability increases survival rates for both the mothers and their kittens.
- Breeding Control: Humans often facilitate breeding by providing care for pregnant cats and their kittens, ensuring a higher survival rate than in the wild, where competition and predation are significant threats.
2. Reproductive Behavior
- Year-Round Breeding: Domestic cats can breed throughout the year, while many wildcat species have specific breeding seasons influenced by environmental factors. This ability allows domestic cats to have multiple litters per year, often resulting in larger population growth.
- Higher Litter Sizes: Domestic cats can have larger litters compared to their wild counterparts. While wildcats typically have 1-5 kittens per litter, domestic cats may average around 4-6 or more.
3. Social Structure
- Cooperative Care: Domestic cats often benefit from human assistance, and in some cases, they may have a social structure that allows for cooperative rearing of kittens among related females, increasing the chances of survival for the young.
- Reduced Territoriality: While wildcats are often territorial, domestic cats are less so, especially in urban environments. This allows them to cohabitate in larger groups, which can increase breeding opportunities.
4. Genetic Diversity
- Hybridization: Domestic cats often have a broader genetic pool due to interbreeding with various breeds and occasional wildcat hybrids, which can introduce traits that enhance reproductive success.
5. Adaptability
- Behavioral Flexibility: Domestic cats are more adaptable to various environments, which allows them to thrive in both urban and rural settings. This adaptability enables them to exploit different niches and maintain higher reproductive rates.
6. Reduced Risks
- Predation and Disease: Domestic cats face fewer threats from predators and have access to veterinary care that can prevent diseases that might otherwise affect wild populations. This contributes to higher survival rates of both mothers and their offspring.
Conclusion
In summary, the combination of human support, reproductive strategies, social behaviors, and environmental factors allows domestic cats to procreate more effectively than their wildcat ancestors. These adaptations have led to successful population growth and a diverse range of breeds in domestic cats.
