If you want to breed your cat, but you don’t have an intact male cat to breed them with, a stud service could be the perfect solution for you.
A stud service is where a cat breeder lends out their male cat, called a stud, to another cat breeder so that the male cat can mate with the female cat, called a queen.
Stud services are often for cat owners or breeders looking to carry on or improve a specific cat breed.
Read on to learn how a cat stud service works and whether it’s the right option for you.
How Does a Cat Stud Service Work?
If you’re interested in breeding your female cat but not sure how a stud service would work, here is a quick guide to help you decide if the service is right for you.
Have the Necessary Health Screenings for Your Cat
Before finding a suitable stud, you need to bring your cat to the vet to get a full screen of its health.
Any reputable breeder will ask that your female cat be screened for FeLV (Feline Leukemia) and FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) before mating to ensure no diseases or health conditions are passed on to the kittens.
A trip to the vet will also point out less severe health conditions that could affect your cat’s fertility, so it’s a great idea to get that checked out beforehand.
Wait Until the Queen Cat is Ready to Breed
Once your cat passes the health screening, you have to wait until your cat is in heat and ready to breed.
Your cat’s behavior will change when it’s time for your cat to breed. Their meows will become louder and longer, and she will meow more frequently.
You’ll also notice that your cat is more affectionate and active. She will rub herself against furniture or your leg, and she might flip onto her back to expose her stomach.
A queen cat is most likely to be in heat during the spring and summer, so that’s an excellent time to plan for the stud service.
Find a Stud That Meets Your Criteria
Once you are ready to look for a stud, you’ll want to make a list of characteristics that are important to you.
If you’re breeding your cat to carry on or improve the breed, you’ll want to look for a stud that’s a great representation of the breed.
You’ll also want to look for a stud with good health and the personality traits you want.
Make sure that the stud’s owner is also reputable. Double-check their credentials, the health of their litters, and any reviews they might have before you make your decision.
Sign a Contract and Schedule the Mating Visit
Once you’ve decided on the breeder and stud that you want, it’s time to finalize the details.
Make sure you’re both clear about the compensation and expectations of the stud service and get the agreement in writing.
Traditionally, the female cat owner will pay the stud’s breeder for their service, but there are other exchanges, like the pick of the litter.
Discuss the options with the stud’s owner to come to a mutual agreement.
How to Choose a Stud for Your Cat
Choosing the right stud is the most crucial decision during the entire process because it will determine the look, health, and disposition of your litter of kittens.
Here are a few helpful criteria to think about as you make your decision.
Health
Just like your cat will need to be screened by a vet, the stud should have all of the necessary paperwork from a vet.
Ask for a document of health from the breeder to ensure the stud is free of common feline diseases like FIV and FeLV and overall good health.
Beyond just their general health, you’ll want to make sure they’re a good representation of the breed. Are their size and coat typical?
These will be important if you want kittens that continue the breed.
Another essential factor to consider is their age. A stud should be between 1.5 and 2 years old to have the best prospect to mate.
Reproductive History
If the stud has mated with other cats before, this will give you an idea of what their offspring could look and behave like.
Ask the breeder if they have any information about other litters from the stud and if they have a history of the cat’s pedigree.
The pedigree is especially important if you’re looking for a pure-breed cat. This history will show you information about the cat’s parents and grandparents.
Temperament
The health of the stud is crucial, but their temperament is equally important. Many behavioral issues are hereditary, especially from the male’s bloodline.
Make sure your cat’s history is free of any potential issues.
You’ll also want to interact with the stud beforehand to determine if they have the type of personality that you’re looking for.
Some cats are more laidback, while others are bursting with energy, so it’s important to pick a cat with the right temperament.
Is a Stud Service Right for Your Cat?
Before deciding on a stud service, consider why you want to breed your cat. Is it to continue and improve the breed? If so, breeding your cat via a stud service could be a great solution.
It’s important to remember that you’ll be responsible for a new litter of kittens when you breed your cat.
These kittens will require time, patience, and money to ensure they are happy and healthy. Consider the cost and commitment before you decide to pursue a stud for your queen.
If you’re not prepared for an entire litter of kittens, adopting one kitten from a breeder could be a better option.
However, if you’re ready and excited for a full litter of kittens, then definitely consider a stud service for your queen.