1. Reproduction in the Cat

4. Feline Physiology and Reproduction Reproduction in the Queen 10 months (range 4-18). Average age of puberty in the queen: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.

5. 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: Characteristic: Rolling, head rubbing, vocalization, crouching often with rear quarters elevated, treading movement of feet but still rejecting male. Duration one day or less

6. Estrus: 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 Metestrus: Duration is 1 to 2 weeks Characteristic: Following non-ovulation (no mating) there is no acceptance of male and loss of signs of heat. Psuedopregnancy: Sterile mating induces ovulation of follicles and formation of CL release progesterone which is maintained for 35-45 days

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

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

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

11. Termination of Pregnancy Cabergoline was given orally (n=5; 50 µg/cat/day) for five consecutive days. Prostaglandin F 2  was administered SC (n=5; 2.5 mg/cat/day) for five consecutive days. Both cabergoline (n=5; 50 µg/cat/day) and prostaglandin F 2 . (2.5 mg/cat/day) were administered. Ahmadzadeh et al, 2000

12. Anatomy of Tom Kidney Bladder Rectum Bulbourethral Gland Testis Scrotum Glans Penis Ductus Deferens Ureter Prostate Gland Glans Penis Cornified Spines Urethra Os Penis

13. Reproductive Anatomy of Tomcat Bladder Ureter Ductus Deferens Prostate Gland Scrotum Glans Penis Urethra

14. 9 months Average age at: 9 months. Semen Characteristics: Volume:0.04 ml Total Sperm15-130 x 10 6 Motility60-95%

15. 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

16. Breeding and Mating Behavior

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

18. Scrotum and Penis Scrotum Penis Note opening to penis in the tomcat is below scrotum

19. Scrotum and Testis Testis Caput Epididymis Corpus Epididymis Scrotum

20. Penis and Pelvic Region Glans Penis Bladder Prostate Gland Bulbourethral Gland Urethra Ductus Deferens Crus Penis

21. Testis Cauda Epididymis Caput Epididymis Testis Pampiniform Plexus Ductus Deferens Corpus Epididymis

22. Penis and Accessory Glands Glans Penis Penial Spines Crus Penis Bulbourethral Gland Urethra Prostate Gland Penis