A dog cannot impregnate a cat because their reproductive systems, genetics, and mating cycles are extremely different. However, it’s still best for your pets to have them spayed and neutered. If your cat is pregnant, it is because they’ve mated with another cat—perhaps even without your knowledge.
The best thing to do for both animals is still to have the male cat neutered and the female cat spayed as soon as the kittens are weaned. These surgeries tackle a lot of health and behavioral problems. Spayed or neutered cats and dogs also tend to live longer.
Lastly, they’ll then have no chance of mating with their own species—so you won’t have to worry about having unwanted kittens or puppies.
In this article, I’ll discuss why a dog cannot impregnate a cat, what to do if your dog mounts your cat, and why you should spay and neuter your pets to avoid impregnation.
A Dog Cannot Impregnate a Cat
If your animals are not spayed or neutered, there is no risk of having baby cat-dog hybrids running around in your future!
Dogs cannot impregnate cats as they are different species. While there are some examples of different species mating, such as mules (offspring of donkeys and horses) and Ligers (offspring of lions and tigers), these are closely-related species.
Cats and dogs are very different from one another physically and genetically. Even if the two hypothetically tried to mate, or the cat was artificially inseminated, no offspring would be produced.
The two have different mating cycles, reproductive systems, and other differences that simply make mating impossible.
A dog’s sperm cannot fertilize a cat’s egg, nor can a cat’s sperm fertilize a dog’s egg. Only fertilized eggs can become fetuses, which is what baby animals are called when they are still in their mother’s tummies.
You likely know that humans absorb unfertilized eggs during menstruation when they shed the lining of their uterus. It works similarly for female cats who haven’t successfully mated with another cat.
Instead of bleeding, they reabsorb the lining of their wombs. This occurs about once every three weeks and is what we call going into “heat.”
During this time, your female cat will be very vocal, may try to escape home to search for a mate, and may seem very loving or as though she’s begging to be mated with. She may rub against you, your dog, or objects in your home.
Your Dog Can Impregnate Another Dog
While your male dog cannot impregnate your cat, they can impregnate another dog. Some owners of male dogs don’t understand the problem with this—after all, the owner of the female dog will have to deal with the puppies.
However, this is still a very irresponsible choice to make. If you choose not to neuter your male dog, they should not be allowed around female dogs—especially unsupervised.
As I’ll discuss below, neutering your male dog also protects you and him from several behavioral and health risks.
Your Cat Can Be Impregnated by Another Cat
Along the same lines, your female cat can be impregnated by another cat. If your cat is pregnant, this is without a doubt what has happened.
Cats usually become pregnant if there are multiple cats in your home or you allow your cat to go outside. Outdoor cats face many risks including impregnation, but also illness, injury, and a shortened life.
Indoor cats are much less likely to get pregnant and also live longer, healthier, and happier lives!
If your indoor cat has become pregnant, it’s possible they escaped home through an open door or window. They might’ve also been impregnated by one of your other cats.
Sometimes people think they’re adopting two female cats, but instead are adopting a female and misgendered male cat!
You can bring your cats to the veterinarian to find out if this is the case.
Dogs Might Mount Cats
Dogs, especially unneutered males, might mount cats. This is a natural behavior that could be done out of play or aggression.
However, it is usually for sexual reasons.
Many people think it’s funny when a dog mounts their cat or chases the cat around the house. I’ve heard several people say they allow it to happen for this reason.
However, it’s far from funny to the cat! Most cats will find the behavior distressing. They could even be hurt by the dog trying to mount them.
While mounting is natural for dogs, that doesn’t mean they can be allowed to do so.
Train your dog not to mount your cat by teaching commands such as “leave it” or “off.” If your dog won’t stop mounting your cat, keep them separated.
Dogs and Cats Benefit From Spaying and Neutering
Lastly, it’s important to note that spaying and neutering does more than stop baby animals from being born. Even if your cat and dog never interact with other cats or dogs, I highly recommend spaying and neutering them both.
This is because it will lessen their behavioral problems and health risks.
Benefits to spay and neuter surgeries include:
- Spaying reduces reproductive cancer risks in both cats and dogs.
- Neutering also comes with health benefits like reducing their chances of developing testicular cancer or prostate issues.
- Spaying and neutering lead to longer life expectancies. Neutered dogs live up to 18% longer, while spayed dogs live up to 26% longer. In cats, the life expectancy increases up to 39% for spayed females and an incredible 62% for neutered males!
- Spayed pets won’t go into heat. No more yowling and searching for a mate!
- Neutered and spayed pets have less tendency to roam. Unneutered and unsprayed pets often try to escape confinement to go search for a mate. They might tear out window screens, escape enclosed yards, and run far away from home.
- Neutered pets will be less aggressive and territorial. This includes the reduction of behaviors like spraying urine.
- Neutered pets will be less likely to mount and hump objects, people, and other pets.
- You’ll save money when compared to caring for a litter of kittens or puppies.
It’s usually best to spay and neuter your pets as early as possible. However, young adults can still be spayed and neutered.
The surgery is riskier for senior pets, and you should speak with a veterinarian for advice if you’re unsure.
If you can’t afford to spay and neuter your pets, I recommend looking into low-cost programs that can help.
Writer: Katelynn Sobus
