What is the latest age you have bred a queen for the first time?

I have Maine Coons and I know that they mature later then other breeds. Mine have already had 4 heats but I have not bred them yet. What complications would arise from waiting longer to breed them? Their heats have started to arrive further and further apart. Is this normal?

I don't breed Maine Coons but understand the maturing more slowly than other breeds. Mine does also (Silver and golden Persians). The risks could be Pyometra, or decreased fertility due to unbred heats. This is what I have experienced. The best option would be to talk to a more experienced Maine coon breeder whom you trust, or a feline reproductive specialist. Personally, depending on the age of the cat, I would worry about more heats if not bred.

Thank you. What age are your queens when you first breed them?

bubastis said:

I have Maine Coons and I know that they mature later then other breeds. Mine have already had 4 heats but I have not bred them yet. What complications would arise from waiting longer to breed them? Their heats have started to arrive further and further apart. Is this normal?

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So your female isnt that old?  How old is she exactly?  Its this balance, not too early (even if biologically its possible - and in nature quite common among many mammals with mating on first or second heat), but definitely not too old.

One reason is the increasing risk of pyometra with many empty heats.  (and if you use the Pill, the risks even accelerates).  the skeleton and tendons gets stiffer with the age and so on.

So there IS really a question, how late its possible, if she is unspayed?   I have heard of a shorthair whom was mother for first time at 8.  But this was of course to strech all safety margins.   I presume she was in excellent condition AND a very interesting gene carrier.  Also, she had of course insurance and full access to vet care.  Otherwise, its not worth the risk, it would be sheer crime.

Queens whom HAD already litters, may have late litter compared to virgins.  with the same conditions as skissed above.

Lets notyfie  @GemsGem   whom knows a lot, especielly about Maine Coons breeding specifically.

Others whom know, are of course also welcomed to answer.

My females are 15 1/2 and 16 months old.

My girls were bred at around 1 - 1 1/2 years old - at least the ones who were successful. When I waited longer, we had trouble. We waited not because of age of the girls, but because the stud was slow. He didn't figure things out until almost 3 years old.

Thank you. That is my studs issue as well. Can you please tell me what type of trouble you ran into with your queens?

One developed pyometra. Another just never got pregnant despite being bred- vet suggested decreased fertility was due to repeated unbred heats. I never confimed it though, I just kept her as a pet. I would really suggest talking to someone with experience in the breed since all are different.

Can you tell me how old your queen was when she developed pyometra? Also how many heats do you think she had before she developed it?

Do you have a mentor for your breeding program? I know the mentors do not always raise the same breed of cats, but he or she should be able to put you in contact with another Maine Coone breeder who would be more knowledgeable. If you don't have a mentor you can apply for one on the CFA website.

It was to long ago to remember, right after I started in the fancy. Guessing, I would say around 2. I was going to try treating her, but it went from an open pyo to closed and my vet told me it would be safer to spay. The cat was more important to me than possible future kittens so I had her spayed. As for the number of heats - not sure. I got her as an adult from a breeder who was retiring. I know she had 2 here before she got sick.