Feline Estrous Cycle Overview
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Questions and Answers

At what age should kittens begin to be weaned?

  • 7-8 weeks (correct)
  • 6-7 weeks
  • 5-6 weeks
  • 9-10 weeks

    • What is the recommended number of feedings per day for a kitten between 1-2 weeks old?

  • 4
  • 10
  • 6 (correct)
  • 8

    • What is the correct kilocalories per day for a kitten weighing up to 2 weeks?

  • 6 kcal/oz (correct)
  • 8 kcal/oz
  • 10 kcal/oz
  • 4 kcal/oz

    • When do kitten eyes and ear canals typically open?

    <p>1-2 weeks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of dewormer is recommended for kittens at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of age?

    <p>Pyrantel</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary hormone responsible for initiating ovulation in cats?

    <p>Luteinizing Hormone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What condition may occur if a queen mates but is not impregnated?

    <p>Pseudopregnancy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does mating frequency affect the likelihood of a queen conceiving?

    <p>It increases the chances of ovulation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical duration of the gestation period in cats?

    <p>63-65 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which posture is exhibited by a queen during the mating process?

    <p>Lordosis posture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should NOT be used to determine the estrous stage of a queen?

    <p>Vaginal cytology</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What may be indicated by a rise in progesterone levels in a queen?

    <p>Conception has occurred.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the average duration of the interestrus phase in cats?

    <p>3-14 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the cycling of a cat's estrous cycle?

    <p>Natural lighting exposure</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which months is the highest incidence of feline estrus likely to occur?

    <p>February and March</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of induced ovulation in cats?

    <p>Breeding must occur for ovulation to happen</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What behavior might indicate a cat is in estrus?

    <p>Vocalizing and affectionate behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common characteristic of the proestrus stage in the feline cycle?

    <p>Duration lasts about 12-48 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) play in the feline reproductive cycle?

    <p>Stimulates growth of ovarian follicles</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which factor can lead to seasonal anestrus in female cats?

    <p>Daylight duration less than 12 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What triggers the surge of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) in cats?

    <p>Vaginal stimulation from copulation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the typical gestation period for cats?

    <p>63-65 days</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During which stage of parturition does the cervix dilate?

    <p>Stage 1 - Preparatory Stage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one sign that a queen is entering the preparatory stage of labor?

    <p>Increased vocalization</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should be avoided to prevent interrupted labor in cats?

    <p>Disrupting the queen while she prepares for labor</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long can a queen rest during interrupted labor before active labor resumes?

    <p>24-36 hours</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a common cause of dystocia in cats?

    <p>First kitten complications</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is mastitis in cats and how can it be treated?

    <p>Infection of the mammary glands, treated with antibiotics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What crucial substance must newborn kittens receive within the first 12-24 hours?

    <p>Colostrum</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should the environment for newborn kittens be like?

    <p>Warm and draft-free</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of the queen licking her kittens?

    <p>To stimulate urination and defecation</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Feline Estrous Cycle

    • Cats are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they have multiple cycles during spring and summer.
    • Outdoor cats are more likely to cycle due to exposure to natural daylight.
    • Cycling begins when daylight exceeds 12 hours daily.
    • Peak estrus occurs in February and March.
    • Seasonal anestrus occurs in fall and winter when daylight is less than 12 hours daily.
    • Anestrus usually occurs from October to December, but can last as long as September to January.
    • Long-haired cats are more prone to seasonal anestrus.
    • Some cats may cycle year-round, especially indoor cats exposed to consistent long periods of artificial or natural lighting.
    • Puberty onset is around 8-10 months, but can be as young as 4 months, depending on daylight length.

    Feline Proestrus

    • Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles, which contain oocytes and produce estrogen.
    • Proestrus typically lasts 12-48 hours and often goes unnoticed by owners.
    • Cats in proestrus are attracted to males but will not mate.
    • Vaginal bleeding is not observed during proestrus.

    Feline Estrus

    • Cats are receptive to breeding during estrus.
    • Estrus lasts about a week on average, but can range from 3-14 days.
    • Behavioral changes during estrus include:
      • Increased affection
      • Vocalization, which can be pronounced and mistaken for injury or pain
      • Lordosis posture (lifting hindquarters and deviating tail to one side)
      • Spraying
      • Trying to get outside

    Induced Ovulation in Cats

    • Cats are induced ovulators, meaning ovulation only occurs after breeding.
    • Penile spines on the male's penis scrape the vaginal wall during dismount, inducing a surge of Luteinizing Hormone (LH).
    • The queen’s "copulation cry" signals vaginal stimulation.
    • The LH surge triggers ovulation, but hormone levels must be high enough.
    • Low LH levels can result from early mating or insufficient vaginal stimulation.
    • Multiple breeding episodes over several days increase LH levels and the likelihood of conception.
    • Ovulation occurs approximately 24 hours after an LH surge.

    Feline Diestrus

    • Diestrus only occurs after mating.
    • If the queen mates but does not become pregnant:
      • Diestrus lasts about 40 days and is known as pseudopregnancy (false pregnancy).
      • Interestrus follows diestrus, and then proestrus/estrus cycling resumes.
      • The cat may enter seasonal anestrus depending on the time of year.
    • If the queen is impregnated:
      • Gestation lasts 63-65 days after mating.
      • The corpus luteum (site where the egg detaches from the ovary) produces progesterone throughout pregnancy, which is essential for maintaining pregnancy.
      • Interestrus follows pregnancy, and then proestrus/estrus cycling resumes.
      • The cat may enter seasonal anestrus depending on the time of year.
    • Pseudopregnancy is less common in cats than dogs.

    Feline Interestrus

    • A brief period before the next proestrus/estrus cycle in cats that do not breed or ovulate.
    • Interestrus lasts about a week on average, but can range from 3-14 days.

    Feline Breeding Recommendations

    • The queen should be at least 12 months old.
    • The tom should be at least 12 months old.
    • Both cats should be up-to-date on all vaccinations.
    • Both cats should be on heartworm preventative and flea control.

    Feline Breeding Diagnostics

    • Breeders typically breed the queen 2-3 times on consecutive days to increase the likelihood of ovulation.
    • Do not use vaginal cytology to determine the stage of estrous, as it can induce ovulation.
    • Vaginal stimulation can be used to induce ovulation and end estrous cycling if the queen is not going to be bred.
    • Bloodwork can be used to monitor hormone levels:
      • A rise in LH indicates potential ovulation.
      • A rise in progesterone indicates conception.

    Feline Breeding Behaviors

    • The queen exhibits lordosis posture: hindquarters elevated, tail deviated to one side, back legs “treading.”
    • The tom will bite the queen’s neck and mount.
    • Withdrawal of the penis triggers the queen’s “copulation cry,” indicating successful mating.
    • The queen may turn and attack the male after mating and should be left alone for 30 minutes.

    Feline Pregnancy

    • Feed the queen a high-quality kitten food throughout gestation and nursing.
    • Provide plenty of calories to support kitten growth and lactation.
    • Only administer killed vaccines during pregnancy; no MLV vaccines.
    • Continue heartworm prevention and flea control.

    Feline Gestation

    • Gestation lasts 63-65 days after mating.
    • Kittens can be detected:
      • On ultrasound after day 14 of gestation.
      • By palpation at 3-4 weeks of gestation.
      • On radiographs after 42 days of gestation.
    • Litter size is usually 3-5 kittens.

    Feline Parturition

    • Establish a safe nesting area for the queen one week before her due date.
    • Parturition (labor) occurs in three stages:
      • Stage 1 (Preparatory):
        • Lasts 24-36 hours, ending when the first kitten enters the pelvic canal.
        • Includes cervical dilation, potential temperature drop, restlessness, vocalization, panting, frequent trips to the litter box, nesting behavior (hiding), and potential for diarrhea.
      • Stage 2 (Expulsion):
        • Parturition occurs, usually lasting 2-6 hours total but can extend to 24-36 hours.
        • Includes 30-60 minutes of mild labor and 5-10 minutes of heavy labor per kitten, with the first kitten taking the longest.
        • 10 minutes to 2 hours between kittens.
        • The queen may stand, lay, or squat.
      • Stage 3 (Cleaning):
        • Expulsion of the placenta (usually with each kitten).
        • Stage 2 and 3 occur with the birth of each kitten.
        • Uterine involution (shrinkage and repair of the uterus) occurs.
        • Vaginal discharge may last up to 3 weeks.

    Interrupted Labor In Cats

    • Active labor can stop, and the queen can rest comfortably, which is common and considered normal.
    • The queen continues caring for neonates and eats regularly during this period.
    • Interrupted labor can last 24-36 hours, after which active labor resumes.
    • To avoid interrupting labor, keep the queen in a quiet, safe place and leave her alone. Stress and anxiety can stop labor.

    Dystocia in Cats

    • Dystocia (difficult labor) is less common in cats than dogs.
    • Keep the queen in an isolated, safe area as anxiety can prolong labor, leading to dystocia and kitten death.
    • Dystocia is usually associated with the first kitten.
    • If the first kitten is born without problems, labor typically proceeds without complications.
    • Contact the veterinarian immediately if you see any of the following:
      • More than 30 minutes of hard labor without delivery of a kitten.
      • Acute depression in the queen.
      • Discharge of fresh, red blood for more than a few minutes.

    Postpartum Complications in Cats

    • Retained placenta can lead to metritis (uterine infection).
    • Retained fetus is less likely than in dogs but can also lead to metritis.
    • Metritis is uncommon in cats unless a retained placenta or fetus is present, and symptoms and treatment resemble those in dogs.
    • Mastitis is uncommon in cats but can cause illness or death in kittens. Treat with antibiotics and discontinue nursing.
    • Eclampsia is uncommon in cats and happens during peak lactation, potentially caused by poor diet, excessive calcium loss, hormonal imbalance, or calcium supplements taken during gestation.

    Caring for Kittens

    • Colostrum is crucial within the first 12-24 hours.
    • Newborn kittens nurse every 2-3 hours.
    • The queen will lick kittens to stimulate urination and defecation.
    • Kittens cannot maintain their body temperature, so their environment must be kept warm.
    • Cold kittens cannot digest food properly.
    • Weigh kittens daily to monitor progress; they should gain about ½ an ounce per day and double their weight in a week.

    Feeding Orphan Kittens

    • Commercial milk replacers have 0.8-0.9 kcal/ml.
    • Feeding Schedule:
      • Birth to 2 weeks: 6-8 feedings per day, 6 kcal/oz. body weight.
      • 2-4 weeks: 4-6 feedings per day, 8 kcal/oz. body weight.
    • Feeding Amount:
      • Birth to 1 week: 0.9 ml per oz. body weight.
      • 1-2 weeks: 1.2 ml per oz. body weight.
      • 2-3 weeks: 1.5 ml per oz. body weight.
      • 3-4 weeks: 2.3 ml per oz. body weight.
    • It is better to feed smaller amounts more frequently.

    Kitten Development

    • Eyes and ear canals open at 1-2 weeks of age.
    • Development continues after opening, do not force open the eyes!
    • Kittens begin exploring their surroundings around 3 weeks.
    • Wean kittens at 7-8 weeks.
    • Deworming:
      • Deworm with Pyrantel at 2, 4, and 6 weeks of age.
      • Deworm the queen with Pyrantel after delivery and at 2 weeks postpartum.
      • Roundworms: no transplacental transmission; transmammary transmission is rare.
      • Hookworms: transplacental and transdermal transmission; no transmammary transmission.

    Kitten Socialization

    • Socialization should begin at 3 weeks of age.
    • Kittens should be exposed to as much stimuli (noises, sights, touch) as possible.
    • Bottle-fed kittens may be more aggressive, so lots of human contact and love are crucial to prevent aggression.

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    Description

    This quiz covers the intricate details of the feline estrous cycle, including seasonal patterns and hormonal influences. Learn how outdoor and indoor environments affect cycling, as well as the phases of proestrus. Perfect for cat owners and enthusiasts looking to understand feline reproductive behavior.

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