Some experts say the effects of climate change may be responsible for the increase in cat birth rates. Especially when winters are milder and spring starts earlier.
In February of this year, Dunn’s shelter opened a spay and neuter clinic for outdoor cats. Although kitten season doesn’t usually start until May in Northern California, organizers found that more than half of the cats were already pregnant.
Estrus in cats can occur several times a year and lasts up to two weeks (each cycle). The birth rate generally increases from April to October. It is well known that longer daylight hours cause cats to go into heat, but the increase in temperature during “kitten season” has not yet been studied.
One of the scientists’ speculations is that milder winters may mean cats have the resources to mate earlier. After all, no animal can reproduce if it cannot survive. There may also be more food available for outdoor cats: Warm weather may increase the population of small rodents. As winters become less severe, the kittens’ odds of survival increase.
Other experts, such as Peter J. Wolf, senior strategist at Best Friends Animal Society, believe that the increase in the number of kittens is not due to biological reasons, but because people can get out earlier and more often and notice it. these kittens.
Source: Ferra
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