Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Is it safe for a cat to have multiple litters in a single year?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 4 lbs

How many litters it it safe for a cat to have? This is her fourth litter and I think she is under 3 yrs old. In two litters some died. I have always heard it is not safe for the cat to have many litters but I can't find anywhere on the net that says that. Thank you

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 19th, 2018

Great question! Cats on average can have three litters a year, but typically it's recommended they should only have one or two at most per year. This is to give their body a chance to recover after having kittens, and to help keep the kitten population down. It's not good for them to have multiple litters a year, and it's also not recommend to have them breed past five or six years of age. This is because it will become too much strain on their body. I would not breed Macie more than once a year, and once she reaches five years of age, I would have her spayed so she can no longer have kittens. Good luck, I hope this helps!
Vote Icon48Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button