Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
allowing several males to mount them during estrus.This makes it possi-
ble for different males to sire different kittens in the same litter. A female
may allow four or more breedings (with the same or different males) to
occur during a few days of a heat cycle. Intact tomcats are ready to do their
duty at all times, but they are not the decision makers.They may attempt
to mount females who are not in heat, but they will be rebuffed.As a dom-
inant behavior, some male cats even try to mount other male cats.
An average healthy male is usually fertile. Problems with male
reproduction may be caused by:
•
Lack of libido
•
Low sperm counts
•
Hair caught around the penis
•
Cryptorchidism
•
Lack of coordination
If someone is trying to breed a male cat, they will most likely put
him with an experienced female for the first attempt. Often when two
kitty virgins are put together, neither knows what to do and the male
can get frustrated and lose interest if he is not successful.
Most professional cat breeders keep one or two intact males in their
catteries with four or more females. Keeping a tomcat can be a smelly
experience, and because one male can breed with several queens
(unspayed female cats), fewer males are needed to have a good breed-
ing program.
The entire mating process of cats can last a few short minutes and
can be repeated several times within a day. Cats do not care who their
partners are, and the female could care less about the male after he has
done his duty.
If you have ever observed cats mating, you've likely noticed that it
is a rough activity.The tom will mount the female and bite her on the
back of the neck.After intromission, the queen will scream, turn around
and bite the male until he releases her.
WHEN YOUR CAT IS PREGNANT
If she's in heat and given the opportunity to be with an intact male,
chances are a female cat will get pregnant. The average cat's gestation
period is 63 to 65 days. There are many physical changes a female cat
will experience during a pregnancy.
