1. Reproduction in the Cat

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 days

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

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

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

8. Hormonal Changes during Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy
Copulation LH
Parturition
Estradiol Progesterone
Heat
Heat
Days

9. 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: days

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

11. 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 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 x 106
Motility 60-95%

12. 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