What's the record for how many kittens a cat has given birth to? - briefly
The current Guinness World Record for the largest litter of kittens is held by a Burmese cat named Dotty, who gave birth to 19 kittens on August 7, 1970. This remarkable feat was achieved without any form of artificial insemination or genetic manipulation.
What's the record for how many kittens a cat has given birth to? - in detail
The record for the largest number of kittens born in a single litter is held by a domestic shorthair cat named Dotty. In June 2016, Dotty gave birth to an astonishing 19 kittens at her home in Gloucestershire, UK. This remarkable event captivated global attention and set a new benchmark for feline reproduction.
The birth was a result of natural conception, not assisted reproductive technology. Dotty's owner, Georgina Groves, initially thought she was expecting around 10 kittens based on the ultrasound scan. However, the actual number far exceeded expectations when Dotty delivered her litter over the course of several hours.
Dotty's impressive feat surpasses the previous record held by a Burmese cat named Tia, who gave birth to 15 kittens in 1970. The extraordinary size of Dotty’s litter is attributed to a combination of factors, including her age and health status at the time of conception.
Despite the challenges posed by such a large litter, all 19 kittens were born healthy, and with proper care and nourishment, they thrived. This remarkable achievement underscores the incredible reproductive capabilities of domestic cats under optimal conditions.