Reproduction in the Cat
Feline Physiology and ReproductionFeline Physiology and Reproduction
Reproduction in the Queen
Average age of puberty in the queen:10 months (range 4-18).10 months (range 4-18).
Queen is seasonally polyestrous breeder in that photoperiodcontrols 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 housegiving 12 to 14 hours of light.
Estrous Cycle of QueenEstrous Cycle of Queen
Reproductive cycle in the queen is similar to other specieswith one unique difference. Queen requires copulation to stimulate ovulation.
Average length of the estrous cycle is 14 to 21 days. Estruswill last approximately 7 days followed by a period of non-receptivity for 10 days if no mating occurs.
Estrous CycleEstrous 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
Estrus: Duration is 6 to 7 days.Estrus: Duration is 6 to 7 days.
• Characteristic: Increase intensity of proestrus activitybut 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 weeksMetestrus: 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:Psuedopregnancy:
• Sterile mating induces ovulation of follicles and formation of CL release progesterone which is maintained for 35-45 days
Reproductive Tract
Ovary
Oviduct
Ovarian Bursa
Bladder
Uterine HornUterine Body
Cerivx
VaginaVestibule
Vulva
Urethra
Clitoris
Hormonal Changes during Estrous Cycle and PregnancyHormonal Changes during Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy
10 20 30 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
Est
rad
iol
P
rog
este
ron
e
LH
Copulation
Heat Heat
Parturition
Days
Mating of Queen induces LH surge for OvulationMating of Queen induces LH surge for Ovulation
Duration of Gestation in Queen:Duration of Gestation in Queen:63-66 days63-66 days
Pregnancy Diagnosis:Pregnancy Diagnosis:Abdominal Palpation: 20-30 days
•Mating by male induces ovulation but it takes approximatelya minimum of 4 matings to induce ovulation4 matings to induce ovulation in queen.
•Male may breed 10x/hour (WOW!!!)
•The penial spines on the cranial end of the Tom’s penisinduces the stimulation of the vagina for the LH surge toovulate.
Termination of PregnancyTermination of Pregnancy
• Cabergoline was given orally (n=5; 50 µg/cat/day) for five consecutive days.
• Prostaglandin F2 was administered SC (n=5;
2.5 mg/cat/day) for five consecutive days.
• Both cabergoline (n=5; 50 µg/cat/day) and prostaglandin F2. (2.5 mg/cat/day) were
administered.
Ahmadzadeh et al, 2000Ahmadzadeh et al, 2000
Anatomy of Tom
Kidney
Bladder
Rectum
Bulbourethral Gland
Testis
Scrotum
Glans PenisDuctusDeferens
Ureter
ProstateGland
Glans Penis
CornifiedSpines
Urethra
Os Penis
Reproductive Anatomy of Tomcat
Bladder
UreterDuctus Deferens
ProstateGland
Scrotum
GlansPenis Urethra
Average age at: 9 months9 months.
Semen Characteristics:Volume: 0.04 mlTotal Sperm 15-130 x 106
Motility 60-95%
Breeding and Mating Behavior
Cats are nocturnal
•Female in heat crouches, rollsstamps hind feet and raises pelvis
•Male detects female throughpheromones•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
Breeding and Mating BehaviorBreeding and Mating Behavior
Ovary in Bursa
Ovary
Ovarina Bursa
Opening to Bursa
Follilcles
Oviduct
Uterine Horn
Scrotum and Penis
Scrotum
Penis
Note opening to penis in the tomcat is below scrotum
Scrotum and Testis
Testis
CaputEpididymis
CorpusEpididymis
Scrotum
Penis and Pelvic Region
GlansPenis
Penis
Bladder
ProstateGland
BulbourethralGland
Urethra
DuctusDeferens
CrusPenis
Testis
CaudaEpididymis
CaputEpididymis
Testis
PampiniformPlexus
DuctusDeferens
CorpusEpididymis
Penis and Accessory Glands
GlansPenis
PenialSpines Crus
Penis
BulbourethralGland
Urethra
ProstateGland
Penis