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My cat is in heat after kittens. Can she get pregnant? How to prevent?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 8 lbs

will my cat be impregnated on her first meet with the tomcat in her heat? Is there a way to prevent her pregnancy early on before I can get her spayed (she just had kittens) ?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Claudia Fioravanti

Veterinarian

Published on June 29th, 2018

Yes, she will because female cats ovulate just when they mate, so the chances of her getting pregnant when mating is close to 100%. The way to prevent pregnancy is to have her spayed, if not keep her indoors and spay any males that could come in contact with her. Male surgery is normally less invasive and cheaper and perhaps something to consider if kittens are newborns.In 6 weeks time you could have her neutered. She could also be neutered sooner if really necessary, but it is a bit more risky in terms of surgery for herself and for the kittens. Hope this helps !

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Yes, if a cat is in heat then she is likely to go in kitten if she is mated. Chastity is the best option so keep her isolated from all intact male cats until you can have her spayed - this can be done as soon as the kittens are eating semi-solid food and able to be left alone for a few hours, often by 3-4weeks of age

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