Recognizing heat and understanding the cycle
Queens are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they come into heat repeatedly during the lighter part of the year, and they are induced ovulators, so ovulation is triggered by the mating itself rather than happening on a fixed day. A queen in heat calls loudly and persistently, rolls on the floor, rubs against everything and shows lordosis, lowering her front end, raising her hindquarters and treading with her back legs. There is no bleeding, so behavior is your main signal. A heat usually lasts around a week, and if she is not mated a new one often follows within two to three weeks, so keep notes on her individual rhythm.
Planning the mating: paperwork before romance
A good mating is planned long before the queen starts calling. Both cats should have current health tests relevant to their lines, up-to-date vaccinations and recent parasite control, and you should see the documentation, not just hear about it. Agree on a written stud agreement before the visit, covering the stud fee, what happens if the queen does not conceive, whether a repeat mating is included and how the litter will be registered. It can feel formal between friendly breeders, but a clear contract protects both parties and both cats, and it saves the friendship if something unexpected happens later.
The stud visit in practice
By tradition the queen travels to the stud, since a male on unfamiliar territory is often too insecure to work. Plan for the cats to spend several days together, because a stressed queen may need a day or two to settle before she accepts the male. Try to observe actual matings, the queen typically cries out and rolls vigorously afterwards, so you can note the dates and estimate the due date, roughly sixty-five days from mating. Keep the introduction gradual, give the queen a safe retreat, and stay in touch with the stud owner daily so you both know how things are progressing.
Living with a stud and confirming pregnancy
An intact male sprays urine to mark territory, and this is normal behavior, not a fault, so most studs need their own spacious, easy-to-clean quarters rather than free run of the house. What he must never lack is company, plan daily social contact, play and grooming so he stays confident and people-oriented, and keep his space warm, enriched and hygienic. After the mating, watch the queen, her heat behavior usually stops within days if she has ovulated. Book a veterinary ultrasound around week three to four, which confirms the pregnancy early and lets you plan feeding, care and the nest in good time.