how long

Question
We have a cat who just had kittens.  She is an outside cat who was a stray and was pregnant when we found her.  She wants to go outside now.  How long after giving birth can they get pregnant?  It has been 10 days.

Answer
Lisa,

Most mama cats have a "lactation heat" about 3-5 weeks after kitten birth.  So, I would keep an eye on her and not let her out until she has had this season and gotten over it.  They are fertile and can conceive during these lactation heats.  

The rule of thumb is that a female who has had kittens should not be allowed to breed again for at least 3 months plus 1 month for every kitten nursed.  So, if she is nursing 4 kittens, you should wait at least 7 months before she is allowed to breed again. We bnreed our females at most once a year.

Best regards... Norm.