Dogs and cats don't grow up with social restraints that discourage copulation between siblings, so when they reach puberty, littermates can and do spontaneously mate. Some animal breeders purposefully pair brothers and sisters to maintain bloodlines and develop desired pedigree-associated characteristics. Conversely, inbreeding can also lead to birth defects, an increased likelihood of genetic diseases, and chronic health problems.
Call to Breed in Dogs and Cats
When a female goes into heat (also known as the estrus cycle), males simply follow their instinct to pass on their genes without any concern for the genetic ramifications. Littermates living in the same home naturally respond when the time is right. The estrus cycle varies in dogs and cats.
The age of animal puberty varies. It can sneak up on you, resulting in an unplanned pregnancy and the shock of an additional five to 10 puppies or kittens in your care. Generally speaking, dogs and cats enter puberty at around six months of age, but it can happen for some at four months old. Dogs go into heat on average twice per year; though some may cycle more or less frequently. Cats, on the other hand, cycle into heat about every few weeks during a breeding season that generally occurs between January and October.
A cat in heat may suddenly become vocal or start exhibiting excessive affection. An indoor cat who wants to get outside can also indicate a heat cycle, while the estrus posture of butt in the air with tail tilted to one side may be the most telling sign. Female dogs may urinate excessively, lick their genitals and seem clingy and agitated. Bloody discharge and a swollen vulva also occur with a dog in heat. Signs of heat can also be signs of a problem, such as a urinary tract infection, so see your vet whenever you feel uncertain of the cause of a particular behavior.
Procreating
The average canine pregnancy lasts 58 to 68 days and a feline gestation period takes 64 to 67 days. Statistically, most dogs could safely produce two litters per year but a cat could feasibly give birth four times. This would not, however, be good for your pet's health or longevity, and could result in overpopulation and the death of unwanted animals.
Pregnancy can easily become an issue when you adopt brother/sister littermates or keep litters of puppies and kittens past the age of 4 months. The onset of the first heat cycle, when a female can become pregnant, follows the same time frame as puberty (4 to 6 months) for cats and small dogs, though it may be delayed until 18 to 24 months in larger breeds of dogs.
Preventing Pregnancy
The only guaranteed way to prevent unplanned pregnancies is to spay or neuter your pets. Animals can get creative when there is a female in heat. Keeping males away when pets live in the same household may prove difficult or even impossible. Consider shaving your pet spayed or neutered to avoid contributing to the huge problem of pet overpopulation.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.