Reproduction in the Cat

Feline Physiology and Reproduction Reproduction in the Queen Average age of puberty in the queen is 10 months (range 4-18). Queen is seasonally polyestrous breeder in that photoperiod controls the period of cyclicity. Breeding season is from March to September. Actually split seasons with January to March and August to October. Queen is anestrous during late fall and winter. Household queens can cycle during winter with lights in house giving 12 to 14 hours of light.

Estrous Cycle of Queen Reproductive cycle in the queen is similar to other species with one unique difference. Queen requires copulation to stimulate ovulation. Average length of the estrous cycle is 14 to 21 days. Estrus will last approximately 7 days followed by a period of non-receptivity for 10 days if no mating occurs. Estrous Cycle Proestrus: Duration one day or less Characteristic: Rolling, head rubbing, vocalization, crouching often with rear quarters elevated, treading movement of feet but still rejecting male.

Estrus: Metestrus: Pseudopregnancy: Duration is 6 to 7 days. Characteristic: Increase intensity of proestrus activity but will now accept male. Acceptance allows mating with deviation of tail to one side and permission of Tom to grasp her neck, mount and copulate Duration is 1 to 2 weeks Characteristic: Following non-ovulation (no mating) there is no acceptance of male and loss of signs of heat. Sterile mating induces ovulation of follicles and formation of CL release progesterone which is maintained for 35-45 days

Anatomy of Queen Reproductive Tract Ovary Ovarian Bursa Bladder Uterine Horn Uterine Body Cerivx Vagina Vestibule Clitoris Vulva

Reproductive Tract Oviduct Ovarian Bursa Ovary Bladder Uterine Horn Uterine Body Cerivx Urethra Vagina Vestibule Clitoris Vulva

Ovary in Bursa Ovarina Bursa Follilcles Oviduct Opening to Bursa Ovary Uterine Horn

Hormonal Changes during Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy Copulation LH Parturition Estradiol Progesterone Heat Heat 10 20 30 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Days

Mating of Queen induces LH surge for Ovulation Duration of Gestation in Queen: Mating by male induces ovulation but it takes approximately a minimum of 4 matings to induce ovulation in queen. Male may breed 10x/hour The penial spines on the cranial end of the Tom’s penis induces the stimulation of the vagina for the LH surge to ovulate. 63-66 days Pregnancy Diagnosis Abdominal Palpation: 20-30 days

Termination of Pregnancy Treatment: Prostaglandin F2a at 0.75 mg/kg BW 2X 24 hours apart after day 40 of gestation

Unlike the dog, the Tom has a pair of bulbo-urethral glands. The penis of Tom is located ventral to scrotum and is directed backwards. Cranial two-thirds of penis contains about 100-200 cornified papillae or spines (1 mm long) which are directed towards base of the penis. Related to “Mating Cry” of female upon withdrawal of penis following copulation. Average age at Puberty is 9 months. Semen Characteristics: Volume: 0.04 ml Total Sperm 15-130 x 106 Motility 60-95%

Breeding and Mating Behavior Cats are nocturnal Female in heat crouches, rolls stamps hind feet and raises pelvis Male detects female through pheromones Female bends tail to one side and male bites back of neck to insert penis. When penis is withdrawn, female will move forward and give out the “copulation cry”. The copulation cry is thought to be caused by the penial spines as the penis is withdrawn. Breeding is repeated several times