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Reproduction in the Cat. Feline Physiology and Reproduction. Reproduction in the Queen. 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.
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Feline Physiology and Reproduction Reproduction in the Queen 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.
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. 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.
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
Reproductive Tract Oviduct Ovarian Bursa Ovary Bladder Uterine Horn Uterine Body Cerivx Urethra Vagina Vestibule Clitoris Vulva
Hormonal Changes during Estrous Cycle and Pregnancy Copulation LH Parturition EstradiolProgesterone Heat Heat 10 20 30 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Days
Mating of Queen induces LH surge for Ovulation • Mating by male induces ovulation but it takes approximately • 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. Duration of Gestation in Queen: 63-66 days Pregnancy Diagnosis: Abdominal Palpation: 20-30 days
Termination 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, 2000
Anatomy of Tom Bulbourethral Gland Scrotum Kidney Rectum Testis Ureter Bladder Glans Penis Ductus Deferens Prostate Gland Cornified Spines Urethra Os Penis Glans Penis
Reproductive Anatomy of Tomcat Ductus Deferens Ureter Scrotum Glans Penis Urethra Prostate Gland Bladder
Average age at: 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
Ovary in Bursa Ovarina Bursa Follilcles Oviduct Opening to Bursa Ovary Uterine Horn
Scrotum and Penis Penis Scrotum Note opening to penis in the tomcat is below scrotum
Scrotum and Testis Caput Epididymis Testis Corpus Epididymis Scrotum
Penis and Pelvic Region Ductus Deferens Bulbourethral Gland Glans Penis Bladder Urethra Penis Crus Penis Prostate Gland
Testis Pampiniform Plexus Ductus Deferens Caput Epididymis Corpus Epididymis Testis Cauda Epididymis
Penis and Accessory Glands Prostate Gland Bulbourethral Gland Glans Penis Penis Penial Spines Urethra Crus Penis