Signs of pregnancy in a British cat. Duration of pregnancy of a British cat How to determine whether a cat is pregnant after mating

Quite often, owners of British cats are faced with pregnancy in order to procreate their pet. After all, many have repeatedly dreamed of breeding large offspring. And when this happened, the question arises about how long pregnancy lasts in cats of the British breed, since very often, without knowing about the term and time, how long your pet needs to walk, there are cases of unplanned birth. And if complications arise, which are almost impossible to foresee, then the owner is unlikely to be able to do anything.

How to distinguish a pregnant cat from an ordinary one

You can find out in advance about the interesting situation of your British pet. And you don’t have to be a doctor for this, since your pet independently demonstrates physical changes and behavior. Also, the main signs of pregnancy in British pets include:

• weight gain;
• swelling and discoloration of the nipples;
• improved appetite;
• possible attacks of vomiting.

Other characteristic features

Changes in the behavior of the cat itself are also observed. During pregnancy, short-haired British darlings turn into calm, quiet and gentle animals. They avoid sudden movements and mostly stay indoors than on the street. In addition, they need support from the owner and they often remind him of this.

A British woman requires special attention in the second half of pregnancy. After all, the reason for this is the manifestation of such signs precisely after 6 weeks.

In recent days, British pregnant cats walk very carefully, in order not to harm the small lumps. Also, at the end of gestation, animals begin to look for a suitable place to give birth.

Young representatives of the British breed reach the required age for mating only at 6-7 months. Then fertilization is already possible, but in most cases the first pregnancy occurs only after 1 year of life. The reason for this is the inability of a 7-month-old cat to fully bear a fetus. This applies equally to representatives of both sexes, since in British cats early matings can lead to a shortening of the fertile period.

In each pet, the average number of heats is reduced to two per year. But if your British pet lives only in the house, then this may happen much more often. Approximately every 15-25 days, and their duration is 6-8 days.

But it is important to remember that the process of mating representatives of the British breed does not always end in pregnancy. Therefore, it is necessary to take this significant nuance into account.

Many kittens - how it happens

The duration of pregnancy for British pets is on average 9 weeks. And during this period the animal can bear 5 or even 6 kittens. The reason for this is the exceptional features and shape of the uterus.

After mating, eggs are formed in the cat’s body within 23-30 hours, the average number of which can reach up to 6. Therefore, there is a high probability that your British pet can give birth to so many kittens.

Stages of pregnancy

The walking period for each representative of this breed is 63-66 days. This number can vary by 5 days less or more, which depends mainly on the body of the animal itself.

The main stages of pregnancy of a British cat are as follows:

• 1-3 weeks;
• 3-6 weeks;
• 6-9 weeks.

Features of the first stage

During this period, first of all, the behavior of the animal changes. The cat sleeps more often, eats less and spends more time with its owner than usual.

Around the third week of pregnancy, your British pet may experience some changes. The first most obvious sign is swollen nipples. They change color to distinct pink and increase in size. This especially happens during pregnancy of young cats, since this sign may not be present in more mature pets.

No less important is the so-called toxicosis in representatives of the British breed. This unpleasant moment can last for several days, on average 2 times a day.

Second three weeks

At this stage, a very rapid progression of pregnancy in a British cat can be observed. The embryos become larger and can be felt in your pet's belly, but the exact number of kittens is still impossible to determine.

The middle part of this period is characterized by a significant increase in the abdomen due to the rapid growth of British babies. And already at the end of 6 weeks, the uterine cavity is filled with fluid, thanks to which it is almost impossible to determine the exact number of future kittens.

Final stage

At the beginning of the 7th week, the pregnancy of a pet of the British breed has some peculiarities. In particular, you can feel the babies’ heads well and feel their movements. The cat's large size does not allow it to walk quickly, so it moves very slowly. The behavior of the British pet is also changing, which is expressed in greater attachment to its owner, the so-called “following.”

A few days before giving birth, anxiety appears in the animal's character, and the search for a place to give birth begins. Basically, it should be a secluded and cozy corner.

Most owners of British cats take a crate or box in which they need to create a place for small kittens and their mother.

A necessary point in this period of pregnancy is radiography and ultrasound. The purpose of this procedure is to study information about the number of fetuses and their placement in the uterus. And if some kittens are in the wrong position, then this will need to be taken into account during childbirth.

Nuances

Estrus during pregnancy is considered an important point. It often happens that cats in this position can be re-fertilized. And the result of this will be the formation of embryos with already existing formed fetuses, which should soon be born.

As a result, the animal will give birth to all babies, but some of them, namely embryos, will be premature, the likelihood of survival of which is reduced to a minimum.

British woman's diet during pregnancy

An important factor is your pet's daily diet. After all, the health of future kittens primarily depends on it. Therefore, this part of pregnancy must be treated very carefully.

Diet features

During the entire pregnancy period of a British cat, it is necessary to take care not only of the animal, but also of its nutrition. After all, many owners, having learned about the situation of their pet, think about how to feed it.

The diet of a pet during pregnancy has a number of features:

• increasing the amount of food taken;
• variety of foods consumed;
• your daily diet should contain foods that contain a lot of protein;
• Food rich in minerals and vitamins will also be beneficial.

Staged nutrition

At the beginning of pregnancy, the amount of food consumed increases significantly. The average figures are 10% of the norm. In other words, the volume does not increase much, but the frequency of food intake increases up to 4-5 times, sometimes there are even additional feedings at night.

If the owner gives a lot of food or other food to his pet, then most likely he will not avoid sudden obesity. Then complications may arise during pregnancy in cats of the British breed and during the birth process itself.

Therefore, it is not advisable for representatives of this breed to significantly increase the portion size of food intake.

Many owners prefer to give their pets food designed specifically for newborn kittens. It contains a large amount of proteins and other equally important substances, which is so necessary for a pregnant cat.

After 3 months

But already at 3-6 weeks of pregnancy, a British pet needs to be given 40-50% more food. The reason for this is the rapid growth of fruits and due to this the amount of food consumed increases. It is also during this period that you need to include a lot of protein in your pet’s diet, which will be very necessary during lactation.

In the last weeks of pregnancy, your British cat may experience a decrease in appetite. This is due to the large size of the fetuses, which occupy a significant part of the abdominal cavity.

Therefore, you need to reduce the amount of food consumed and increase the frequency of its intake.

What does the diet look like during pregnancy?

Nutrition is an important part of your pet's life, especially in this position. Therefore, you need to familiarize yourself in advance with the basic principles that you need to know and follow when feeding. After all, pregnancy in a British cat can have complications due to poor nutrition. Therefore, you need to add to your diet:

• cereals and raw vegetables (carrots, cabbage), which can be discreetly mixed with your pet’s favorite food;
• It is important to give dairy products at the end of pregnancy because of the large amount of calcium they contain, which is necessary to strengthen the bones of kittens;
• boiled cartilage, thanks to which your British pet will receive a significant amount of vitamin D;
• In addition, you need to give other vitamins, especially groups A and B.

Prematurity or postmaturity

The average gestation period for representatives of a British, Scottish Fold or other breed can last 63-66 days or 9 weeks. But sometimes, due to a very young body or for other reasons, your cat begins to give birth earlier than expected.

The time comes and your furry pet grows up, demanding communication with the opposite sex. This is where the fun begins: the date with the cat took place, but how can you tell that the cat is pregnant? A number of signs and symptoms that you will learn about from our article will be the correct answer to this difficult question.

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Signs of early pregnancy

Waiting for kittens is a condition that almost every cat experiences, whose owners are determined to “replenish” the family and have bred. Like any process occurring in the body, pregnancy is associated with changes in the animal’s mood, behavior and appearance. Sometimes it is difficult for owners, especially inexperienced ones, to determine whether a cat is planning to have kittens. Fortunately, there are a number of signs that can help loving owners decide whether their pet will become a mother, and find out this in the early stages.

Termination of heat

Drowsiness

If before pregnancy your pet was playful and active, then after mating you may notice that she began to lie down on her bedding for a long time. The animal's sleepy state is caused by changes in the hormonal system. This process is also accompanied by weakness. If you see a similar symptom in your pet, do not rush to get scared - most likely, your pet is not sick, but is simply expecting kittens.

Change in appetite

In the early stages of pregnancy, it happens that the cat eats too little. In addition, she may feel nauseous, which is typical during this difficult period for her. Fortunately, nothing lasts forever, so vomiting does not last long, and not all cats have it.

Late signs of pregnancy

It may happen that you did not immediately notice changes in the behavior of your furry pet, because the first signs of pregnancy in cats may not be too bright. Don't worry: you still have time to prepare for the joyful event - the appearance of kittens. However, if you are still wondering how to find out that a cat is pregnant, its state in the later stages will certainly help you decide.

Weight gain, overeating

If at the beginning of the path to future motherhood the striped pet did not show much love for food and ate little by little, then after several weeks of pregnancy her appetite becomes simply brutal. This can be determined by the amount of food eaten in the bowl, which will be required much more than usual.

Belly enlargement

Changing nipple size

If at the beginning of pregnancy the cat may only have redness in this area, then in the later stages you may notice an enlargement of the nipples. This is due to the fact that the cat will have to feed the kittens milk and the body is already preparing for this. This sign makes it possible to determine the pregnancy of a pet almost certainly a couple of weeks after fertilization.

Uncharacteristic behavior

As we noted earlier, hormonal levels, which invariably change during pregnancy, especially the first, can also affect the cat’s behavior. So, if she was previously uncommunicative and prone to loneliness at home, now the pet can become affectionate and demand reciprocal attention. After fertilization, many cats tend to care for someone (such as other pets in your home). The opposite situation also happens, when a once affectionate cat becomes aggressive and hides in the corners. There is nothing wrong with this: she only protects her offspring from imaginary enemies.

Nesting

Speaking about what other signs of pregnancy there are in cats, we can also note the animal’s unusual desire to create a safe territory for future kittens. As a rule, the “nest” in which she and the babies will be is chosen very carefully: warm, without drafts, in silence. At this stage, the owner should be careful, as the animal may well take a fancy to his bed. After pregnancy, the pet is sensitive to everything related to the safety of the kittens, so a warm place on the owner’s bed will suit her quite well. Well, it’s important not to miss this moment and help your cat set up a “nest” for kittens away from your bedroom.

If for one reason or another you still doubt that your pet is pregnant, it makes sense to consult a veterinarian. The doctor will not only accurately answer this question, but also, with the help of modern technologies, will determine how many kittens the expectant mother is carrying. In addition, after the examination, the doctor will rule out the possibility of cat diseases (some diseases may cause symptoms such as excess weight and abdominal enlargement) and the so-called false pregnancy, in which all the signs are present, but there are still no embryos.

If the cat’s “interesting position” is confirmed, the specialist will tell you how to care for your pet during pregnancy and after birth. Paying close attention to your beloved cat will help you not only make sure whether kittens are planned, but also take proper care of the expectant mother and her furry babies.

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People have always treated cats with special tenderness. These animals are very cute and it is a pleasure to play with them. And for every cat there comes a moment when she is preparing to give birth to offspring. The gestation period passes calmly, and the cat does not require the help of its owners. However, so that the owner is not surprised when kittens appear in the house, you need to know how to determine if a cat is pregnant.

Some cats will still need help, and during pregnancy you should pay more careful attention to your pet so that the birth and postpartum period go smoothly and without problems.

People who have an animal in their home for the first time will not be able to independently determine how to determine if a cat is pregnant. Signs of pregnancy have some peculiarities. In addition to various recommendations, the owner should become more attentive to his pet in order to detect pregnancy or other changes in the cat’s health as early as possible in order to provide timely assistance.

How does a cat's condition change during pregnancy?

As you know, after mating between a cat and a cat, pregnancy is not always observed. Sometimes signs of fertilization may be false due to hormonal changes in the animal’s body. Therefore, it is necessary to figure out how to determine if a cat is pregnant in the early stages.

Signs of a cat's behavior change:

• first of all, you should monitor the animal carefully: if after sexual intercourse the pet is not in estrus, this may mean pregnancy; if estrus does not stop within 24 hours, there is no fertilization;
• during the period of bearing kittens, the cat’s behavior changes, some constantly ask to be held, want to be petted, love to sleep near their owners, some cats experience a sudden deterioration in appetite, they become too calm, vomiting is possible;

This behavior of a pet appears at the very beginning, but it is too early to say for sure about pregnancy. One can only assume that changes are occurring in the cat’s body.

At home, owners are usually able to determine a cat’s pregnancy no earlier than 3-4 weeks after fertilization. During this period, it is necessary to palpate the abdomen, but only very carefully, without excessive pressure, otherwise, if there is pregnancy, it can cause harm to the future offspring. Conduct self-examination only using fingertips.

A month after mating, changes in the cat’s nipples begin to occur – their color becomes distinctly pink and significantly increases in size. When feeding, the cat will also behave differently - its appetite increases, foods it previously loved may not be accepted, and a desire to eat certain foods appears.

The cat's belly noticeably rounds and increases in size, and from the third week of pregnancy, the animal begins to hover around the bowl of food more often, constantly asking for food.

At the beginning of the sixth week of the cat's pregnancy, kittens can be palpated. If the pregnancy is the first, the number of offspring is usually less than in a multiparous woman.

When 7–8 weeks have passed, the kittens’ movements in the cat’s belly become visible. During this period, you can feel the kittens and identify their head and body, as well as feel their heartbeat.

Before lambing, 4–5 days before lambing, the cat becomes more restless in its behavior, this is due to the search for a convenient place to give birth. Usually the animal is rarely seen, because for the upcoming birth she will need the most secluded corner in the house.

Important! It is advisable to find a good place during this period, otherwise everything can happen on your bed, or even in the closet with clothes.

The most obvious signs of an early pregnancy (within 2-3 days) are excessively swollen nipples and the release of colostrum from them, and scanty mucous fluid appears from the vulva.

On a note! One day before the kittens are born, the cat sits in her corner, and this means the beginning of preparation for childbirth. At this time, you should not disturb the cat or take it out and pick it up.

The most accurate confirmation of pregnancy in a cat is ultrasound diagnostics, but even this method is effective only 1-2 weeks after the animal is mated. However, the beginning of changes in the behavior of a pet is a reason to take it to the veterinarian to make sure that there are no diseases or that pregnancy is present.

Features of pregnancy

In cats, the opportunity for fertilization appears after the onset of puberty. For the first 6 months, the cat is considered a kitten, and you don’t have to think about pregnancy yet. But in order to further determine a cat’s pregnancy and its timing, you need to become familiar with the concept of estrus in an animal.

- this is the beginning of puberty

A cat's heat is the onset of puberty, therefore the period when a cat can become pregnant for the first time. For the owner, this will be a signal about the animal’s ability to fertilize after mating with a cat.

Some features of the onset and course of pregnancy:

• During the year, a cat may come into heat 2-3 times;
• during the period of heat, the pet changes greatly in behavior: it falls to the floor and begins to rub its stomach and back, while meowing without stopping, it can rub against people, sometimes it makes marks around the house;

• at the beginning of estrus, days 1 and 2, the cat loses its appetite, meowing becomes loud and intense, however, when meeting a cat these days, the cat may not let him near her, but after the first days of estrus, the cat will be ready for mating;
• It is quite rare to see a pregnant cat after the start of her first heat; fertilization usually occurs as a result of several meetings with the opposite sex;

If the owner has a need to sterilize a pet, then it should be remembered that this procedure is best carried out in a cat after pregnancy, first or secondary, it does not matter, the main thing is to know how to correctly determine the moment of puberty and only then contact a specialist.

How long is the gestation period in cats?

The first thing to remember is the time from which pregnancy begins - from the moment of mating and fertilization and at the end of this period with childbirth. The average gestation period for kittens ranges from 62 to 68 days. In cases of premature birth, kittens appear dead.

But this does not apply to all cat breeds; there have been cases where Siamese representatives gave birth to offspring on the 71st day of pregnancy, and the kittens were alive and completely healthy.

How should you handle a cat during pregnancy?

To exclude various infectious diseases, it is better not to let the animal out of the house for the entire period of pregnancy. Communication with cats should be excluded so that a new mating does not occur, otherwise the kittens may die in the womb. Unless there is an urgent need, do not feed the cat with medications. Your daily diet should include healthy foods with enhanced nutrition, for example, buckwheat, rice, chicken egg yolk. This will be beneficial for both the cat and future kittens.

Find a cozy corner for future births, preferably in a warm place, without drafts or cold.

Important! If your cat begins to show signs that are not characteristic of pregnancy, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic to have the animal examined.

Cat behavior just before labor begins

If the initial period of pregnancy is missed due to the owner’s carelessness, you should know how to determine the onset of labor in a cat.

A few days before lambing, the animal may completely stop eating, and its behavior becomes quite nervous. During this period, you can notice how the stomach drops, water flows out, the shade of which is gray with a red admixture. Labor can last about a day.

Most cats do not require assistance when giving birth to kittens; they are able to gnaw the umbilical cord themselves using their teeth. However, not all animals are the same, which is why some cats ask their owners for help.

During the postpartum period, the animal should be helped to recover by showing care. It is worth treating the mammary glands to prevent bacteria from entering.

It is difficult for inexperienced cat owners to understand that their pet is pregnant. But it is advisable to find out about this at an early stage. This is primarily due to the fact that the pregnancy process in a cat proceeds very quickly and the owners of the animal need to prepare in a timely manner for childbirth in order to get healthy offspring.

Today, there are reliable signs of pregnancy in cats, thanks to which it becomes possible to promptly identify symptoms of a piquant condition in an animal. At the same time, mastering them will require attentive care and understanding of the future cat mother. But the main thing is to know how to determine if a cat is pregnant?

Pregnancy in a cat - timing and symptoms

Like a person, a pet must reach puberty before having offspring. It is for this reason that until the pet reaches six months of age, there is no need to worry about the appearance of cubs. The signal that a cat is ready for pregnancy will be the first heat. In addition, the pet owner should understand other features of pregnancy in cats.

Sterilization of cats possible only after 3-4 heats and, if possible, at least after one birth. In turn, if sterilization is not carried out, then the animal will be capable of reproduction throughout its life, and each time you will have to check again and again whether the cat is pregnant.

Animal mating does not lead to pregnancy in all cases females, so when the heat is over, the pet owner has to figure out how to find out if the cat is pregnant? Moreover, if it is early, then determining pregnancy is much more difficult than if it is 3 weeks, but some signs still exist.

1. You need to pay attention to the animal’s habits after mating. If the heat does not stop within the next 24 hours, the cat is not pregnant. If the discharge has stopped, then, most likely, you should expect offspring in the near future.
2. Almost all cats are pregnant turn into affectionate and tame animals, rubbing against their owners.
3. When determining the piquant state of an animal, you should not blindly rely on the behavior of your pet. But if drastic changes in the animal’s behavior are noticed, then you should think about it and contact a veterinarian.
4. More precisely, it will be possible to determine a cat’s pregnancy 4 weeks after mating. During this period, you can feel certain lumps in the lower part of the animal’s abdomen. To do this, press into the lower part of the abdominal region with your fingertips. It is important to do this with maximum tenderness to avoid miscarriage.
5. With the onset of 3 weeks after mating, obvious signs of pregnancy appear: the nipples swell, which acquire a pronounced pink tint; the mammary gland of the animal is also subject to changes.
6. During the same period of pregnancy eating behavior changes in a pet: in most cases this is manifested by increased appetite. In addition, previously favorite foods will not be accepted by the cat, and those that she did not like will become a treat.
7. During the 3-5 weeks, the belly begins to quickly increase and become rounded, and the appetite grows literally by the hour.
8. With the onset of the 6th week of pregnancy, formed kittens will begin to be felt in the abdomen. By placing your palm on the animal’s tummy, you can feel the round lumps located on both sides of the middle of the belly.
9. By 7-8 weeks, the kittens begin to move inside the mother’s belly. You can also feel the head and body of the cubs and feel the beating of small hearts.
10. A week before childbirth will occur again dramatic changes in animal behavior. The cat will begin to scour the apartment in search of a secluded place in which to build a cozy nest. Moreover, if you do not take care of a convenient shelter, your pet will present a surprise in the closet or on the owners’ bed.
11. 2-3 days before the kittens appear, the cat's nipples sharply increase in size and colostrum begins to be released.
12. Approximately 10–12 hours before giving birth, the cat will hide in a prepared shelter. At the same time, it is very important that no one disturbs her, since the stage of preparation for the appearance of kittens occurs. In such a situation, even the most inattentive owners will understand that their cat is pregnant.

It is possible to check pregnancy at an early stage only using ultrasound, and even then it will show the result 2 weeks after the conception of the offspring. Moreover, this is the most optimal time to go to the veterinarian after the first changes in the pet’s behavior have been noticed. In addition, a doctor's examination will help determine how many cubs the cat will have. It is very important to understand that if the pregnancy is progressing normally, then in the later stages it is not recommended to contact a veterinarian.

Features of caring for pregnant cats

A pregnant cat, like a person, demands affection and close attention. Therefore, there are several recommendations for caring for an animal in a sensitive position.

Closer to the time of the birth of the offspring, ask for the phone number of the nearest veterinary clinic, whose doctors will be able to arrive in time to help the animal if it is needed.

In the first week, when your beloved pet becomes pregnant, there may not be any significant changes in her habits, but her activity and the animal often goes to sleep. At the same time, the animal eagerly makes contact with its owners, asks to be petted and climbs into their arms. An increase in appetite may be observed - the animal constantly asks for food, and does this with great persistence. At 5–7 weeks, the kittens begin to move imperceptibly in the mother’s womb.

A couple of days before the kittens appear, the animal takes special care and attentiveness, starting to lick the owners or other inhabitants of the apartment in every possible way, showing concern for them. Naturally, such changes are not inherent in all cats, which is primarily due to the individual characteristics of the animal. On the day when childbirth occurs, the pet becomes restless, unable to find a place for itself.

Most people prefer to have pets, namely cats, so all owners of such lovely pets need to be aware of the signs of pregnancy. In order to prepare for such an event, you also just need to know how to care for the animal properly.

First signs of pregnancy in cats

So, let's look at the first signs of pregnancy and highlight the most important:

After half a month has passed, other signs will appear:

1. As already mentioned, the belly will increase significantly.
2. Some cats suffer from bouts of morning sickness, this is quite normal given this condition.
3. Periodically, a period of heat may occur, as before, but they absolutely do not pay attention to the cats. But they can express aggression towards the cat that also lives in the house.
4. At such a moment, cats especially require increased attention from their owners.
5. They try to arrive indoors, but at the same time she must have access to the street so that she can easily go out at any time. They usually sleep all the time.

When cats are late in pregnancy, the main signs of pregnancy are: unlimited appetite, and they begin to build a nest.

In order for her to eat more, she needs high-calorie food. Most veterinarians recommend feeding them the food you feed kittens.

Soon cats begin to look for a draft-free, warm, secluded place. Of course, such signs indicate pregnancy, and that in two weeks she will have offspring.

Signs of false pregnancy in cats

In cats, as in other animals, false pregnancy occurs; the signs of such pregnancy completely coincide with the signs of ordinary pregnancy:

• Nipples increase in size;
• Appetite increases greatly;
• They are completely indifferent to the courtship of males;
• The abdomen increases in size;
• The cat begins to make a nest;
• In some cases, milk begins to secrete.

But then, as your pet has become much more demanding of itself and capricious, and you have already gotten used to the idea that the addition of a cat family will soon be added, after 45 days everything disappears and the cat begins to behave as if nothing had happened.

Main signs of pregnancy in British breed cats

For owners of purebred breeds, it is much more important to know with certainty that the mating was carried out safely and the cat was truly pregnant.

Let's consider a situation where a British breed cat lives in the house. They may well give birth at about 7-9 months of age. However, it is recommended to breed cats of this breed for the first time only when they are one year old and preferably on their second heat. But, in no case before. It is necessary to feed her with anthelmintic drugs 2-3 days before mating.

How can you find out on your own if your cat is pregnant?

After 21 days have passed since mating, the first signs of pregnancy in a British breed cat may appear. The most obvious sign is the nipples becoming swollen and turning pinkish-red.

But still, the best option would be to visit a veterinarian. To be 100% sure of her pregnancy, and not to confuse this phenomenon with a false pregnancy, the symptoms of which are the same as the real one. If the veterinarian has given you good news, then she needs an individual feeding schedule in order to give birth to strong and healthy kittens.

When the pregnancy is short, fish should not be present in the diet, because it destroys B vitamins, and this can lead to interruption of the intrauterine development of the offspring. Definitely, the diet should be rich in calcium, therefore, cats should be fed cottage cheese. But it happens that they don’t want to eat it, then you need to add calcium gluconate to the food. In other respects, pregnancy in cats of the British breed proceeds in the same way as in other breeds.