If a cat does not ask for a cat, can it get pregnant? - briefly
Yes, a female cat can become pregnant without displaying any overt signs of being in heat. The absence of vocalization or other typical behaviors indicating estrus does not preclude successful mating and subsequent pregnancy.
If a cat does not ask for a cat, can it get pregnant? - in detail
The ability of a female cat to become pregnant is intricately tied to her reproductive cycle and hormonal fluctuations. Cats are induced ovulators, which means they do not release eggs (ovulate) unless they are stimulated to do so by mating or manual manipulation.
During the estrous cycle, a female cat will exhibit signs of heat, such as increased vocalization, restlessness, and attracting males with pheromones. If she is not bred during this period, her body will eventually cease these behaviors due to the absence of stimulation. This phase is known as diestrus, where the cat's reproductive system resets itself for the next cycle.
If a female cat does not mate with a male during heat, she will not release eggs and therefore cannot become pregnant. The absence of mating or manual stimulation means that ovulation does not occur, and without fertilization, pregnancy is biologically impossible.
In summary, a female cat's ability to conceive is directly dependent on the presence of mating or artificial insemination during her estrous cycle. Without this stimulus, she will not ovulate and thus cannot become pregnant.