Although Estrus cycles can vary greatly among individuals, small breed dogs typically come into heat around 6 to 8 months old. Large breed dogs may not come into their first heat cycle until 8 to 10 months old and may be even later for some giant breeds. Puberty in kittens typically occurs at 6 to 10 months of age depending on when the kittens are born. Typical breeding season for cats is February to August.

In the world of breeding cats, the female cat is usually called a "queen". Her heat cycle is often called the "estrus cycle" or simply "estrus". There are many factors that contribute to the length and frequency of the estrus cycle, including the female's age, her overall health, her genetic background, and also environmental factors such as temperature and daylight hours. Once a queen begins her estrus, she may stay in heat anywhere from several days, to 2-3 weeks.

No. You are welcome to come to the shelter at any time during business hours and see our pets available for adoption. Our business hours are 11-3 Tuesday through Friday and 1-4 on Saturday. Also, all of our pets are available to view at any time on this web site by clicking the "Our Pets" link at the top of each page. Each pets' bio includes at least one photo and all of the information we have on that specific pet.

Cats can come into heat as early as six months of age. Increasing day length stimulates them. During the spring and summer, female cats will be receptive to breeding for several days. This will continue to cycle about every 2 weeks or until the cat is bred. The heat cycle will end with coming of fall and decrease in day length.

The heat cycle is the mating period for female animals. Cat's normally have their first heat cycle between 5 to 10 months of age with the average being 6 months. Dog's first heat cycle are normally between 6-12 months. Some females of larger breeds may not have their first cycle until they are 12-24 months of age. Remember the above information is general not all females follow these patterns. Consult with your veterinarian if your pet does not seem typical.

We recommend against spaying a dog that is in heat but it can be done. During this time the ovaries and uterus are swollen and filled with blood, increasing the risk of hemorrhage. We prefer to wait until about 4 weeks after your dog goes out of heat to perform surgery. We can spay cats that are in heat. What is a neuter and what are the benefits? Neutering is the surgical removal of both testicles.

The age of onset of the heat cycle varies with the breed of dog. Small breeds tend to begin cycling sooner, as early as six months of age. Larger breeds begin later, sometimes not until 12-18 months of age. Heat cycles then occur approximately every six months and last approximately three weeks.

The best way to determine your dog's or cat's age is to use a chart for the dog and a chart for the cat.

We generally recommend spaying and neutering dogs and cats at six months of age. Spaying your dog or cat at 6 months of age and before her first heat cycle decreases the incidence of life-threatening mammary tumors and uterine infections. Neutering your dog or cat at this age protects him from developing aggressive behaviors and potentially life-threatening prostate disease.

If ingested, make sure the pieces pass in the pet's bowel movement. If nothing passes within 24-48 hours or the animal seems uncomfortable, contact your vet and let them know of the incident.

Yes - Although rare cats have been infected by the H5N1 avian influenza virus. Dogs at this time have not been found infected with the H5N1 avian influenza virus, however other mammals have become infected and it is thought dogs could also become infected.

Please refer to the list provided on Metro Animal Services website). An application can also be downloaded from the Metro website.

Call the Oakland Pet Adoption Center at 248-391-4102 to find out if the pet has been reported missing. If so, you will be given the name and phone number of the possible owner. If you wish to keep the pet for a few days to see if the owner turns up, you should leave a found report at the Pet Adoption Center. Otherwise, you can bring the pet to the center or request that the pet be picked up.

All Rock Island County residents should obtain their pet registration tags from Rock Island County Animal Care and Control. Pet tags may be purchased at the county animal shelter located at 4001 - 78th Avenue in Moline, or by calling (309) 558-3483 and requesting a tag by mail. Pet owners must have a copy of a current rabies vaccination certificate to buy a tag.

Cats can be safely desexed from eight weeks of age. As females come into season at four months age and can have their first litter by six months of age, the sooner they are desexed the better! Your cat can be pregnant at four months ? 18 percent of female cats have had at least one litter before being desexed. Go to a vet who does 'early desexing'. No, a cat will only become fat and lazy if overfed. If desexed, the cat will have a longer, healthier life and will not roam.

Well, we didn't actually make the cat treats, we made a bundle of cat treats with a cat food bowl (and these are in limited quantity). We did this because we found a good deal on the bowls. Unfortunately, the dog bowls were much more expensive at the time, so we never produced a dog treat. Should the demand arise, or we find a good deal on bowls, we will consider producing dog treats. Besides, it's harder to find good treats for cats.

No, you will need to contact Animal Control at 800.249.0911. You may also want to file a report in our lost and found department by calling 616.399.2119.

A dog is in season about 21 days. The first 10 days include bleeding from the vagina, then your dog is ready to accept the male. A cat is completely different from a dog. They go in and out of season from January to June. It is always best to neuter your pet if you do not intend to breed her so that she does not develop breast or uterine cancer.

Every cat will be a bit different while in heat. Where dogs have vaginal bleeding during estrus, this is very rarely the case with cats. However, you will surely notice a change in their behavior! The majority of queens become quite vocal and loud, and become very needy and wanton of affection. They may roll around on the floor or lay down right in front of your feet as you are walking. Constantly wanting to be with you and to be stroked may be an understatement for most queens.

Yes, if they are covered by Healthy Pet Insurance prior to reaching the stated age of ineligibility (8 years of age for dogs and 10 years of age for cats).