Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does the uterine anatomy of a queen compare to that of a bitch?
How does the uterine anatomy of a queen compare to that of a bitch?
- Queens have a shorter uterine body and longer uterine horns compared to bitches. (correct)
- Queens and bitches have identical uterine anatomy.
- Queens have a longer uterine body and shorter uterine horns compared to bitches.
- Queens lack a uterine body entirely, possessing only uterine horns.
Feline reproductive cyclicity is primarily dependent on which environmental factor?
Feline reproductive cyclicity is primarily dependent on which environmental factor?
- Photoperiod (correct)
- Rainfall patterns
- Availability of food resources
- Ambient temperature
During which months of the year would a queen in the northern hemisphere most likely exhibit estrous cycles?
During which months of the year would a queen in the northern hemisphere most likely exhibit estrous cycles?
- November through March
- May through December
- February through September/October (correct)
- October through February
What is the minimum daylight exposure required for a queen to maintain regular estrous cycles?
What is the minimum daylight exposure required for a queen to maintain regular estrous cycles?
How does light exposure of less than 8 hours affect folliculogenesis in queens?
How does light exposure of less than 8 hours affect folliculogenesis in queens?
At what age does puberty typically begin in queens?
At what age does puberty typically begin in queens?
How does the season of birth affect the onset of puberty in kittens?
How does the season of birth affect the onset of puberty in kittens?
Which of the following best describes the feline estrous cycle?
Which of the following best describes the feline estrous cycle?
What is the average duration of proestrus in queens?
What is the average duration of proestrus in queens?
Which behavior is characteristic of the proestrus phase in queens?
Which behavior is characteristic of the proestrus phase in queens?
What is the typical duration of estrus in queens?
What is the typical duration of estrus in queens?
Which hormonal profile characterizes estrus in queens?
Which hormonal profile characterizes estrus in queens?
Which of the following behaviors is NOT typically associated with estrus in queens?
Which of the following behaviors is NOT typically associated with estrus in queens?
What is meant by 'induced ovulation' in queens?
What is meant by 'induced ovulation' in queens?
Approximately how long after copulation does the LH surge occur in queens?
Approximately how long after copulation does the LH surge occur in queens?
How does the number of breedings affect LH release in queens?
How does the number of breedings affect LH release in queens?
When does ovulation occur in queens relative to the LH surge?
When does ovulation occur in queens relative to the LH surge?
What progesterone concentration is indicative of ovulation in queens?
What progesterone concentration is indicative of ovulation in queens?
What is the main difference in the preovulatory hormonal profile between queens and bitches?
What is the main difference in the preovulatory hormonal profile between queens and bitches?
Under what condition does diestrus occur in queens?
Under what condition does diestrus occur in queens?
What is the primary source of progesterone during diestrus in queens?
What is the primary source of progesterone during diestrus in queens?
What are the two possible outcomes of diestrus in queens?
What are the two possible outcomes of diestrus in queens?
How long does pseudopregnancy typically last in queens?
How long does pseudopregnancy typically last in queens?
How long does diestrus last in pregnant queens?
How long does diestrus last in pregnant queens?
What is 'interestrus' (postestrus) in the feline estrous cycle?
What is 'interestrus' (postestrus) in the feline estrous cycle?
What is the duration of interestrus (postestrus) in queens?
What is the duration of interestrus (postestrus) in queens?
What hormonal characteristic defines anestrus in queens?
What hormonal characteristic defines anestrus in queens?
During which season does anestrus typically occur in queens in the northern hemisphere?
During which season does anestrus typically occur in queens in the northern hemisphere?
Which anatomical feature of the tom's penis is crucial for inducing ovulation in the queen?
Which anatomical feature of the tom's penis is crucial for inducing ovulation in the queen?
What happens to the penile spines of a tom cat after castration?
What happens to the penile spines of a tom cat after castration?
When should queens ideally be introduced to a tom for natural breeding?
When should queens ideally be introduced to a tom for natural breeding?
Why are multiple breedings recommended for successful ovulation in cats?
Why are multiple breedings recommended for successful ovulation in cats?
What is the average duration of gestation in queens?
What is the average duration of gestation in queens?
What is the primary source of progesterone during gestation in queens?
What is the primary source of progesterone during gestation in queens?
Which type of placentation is observed in felines?
Which type of placentation is observed in felines?
At what stage of pregnancy is palpation generally recommended for pregnancy diagnosis in queens?
At what stage of pregnancy is palpation generally recommended for pregnancy diagnosis in queens?
When does fetal skeletal calcification typically begin to be radiographically visible in kittens?
When does fetal skeletal calcification typically begin to be radiographically visible in kittens?
Is a temperature drop a reliable predictor of parturition in queens?
Is a temperature drop a reliable predictor of parturition in queens?
How long can stage I of parturition last in queens?
How long can stage I of parturition last in queens?
What is a notable characteristic of stage II parturition in queens regarding kitten delivery intervals?
What is a notable characteristic of stage II parturition in queens regarding kitten delivery intervals?
What percentage of kitten presentations are breech (posterior)?
What percentage of kitten presentations are breech (posterior)?
When should kittens ideally nurse for the first time postpartum?
When should kittens ideally nurse for the first time postpartum?
How soon after weaning do queens typically resume cyclicity?
How soon after weaning do queens typically resume cyclicity?
What term is used to refer to an intact female cat?
What term is used to refer to an intact female cat?
Feline reproductive cyclicity is best described as:
Feline reproductive cyclicity is best described as:
In the Northern Hemisphere, during which period are queens most likely to exhibit estrous cycles?
In the Northern Hemisphere, during which period are queens most likely to exhibit estrous cycles?
What is the minimum daylight exposure typically required for queens to maintain regular estrous cycles?
What is the minimum daylight exposure typically required for queens to maintain regular estrous cycles?
Exposure to less than 8 hours of light can have what effect on folliculogenesis in queens?
Exposure to less than 8 hours of light can have what effect on folliculogenesis in queens?
Compared to bitches, queens typically reach puberty:
Compared to bitches, queens typically reach puberty:
How does the season of birth typically influence the onset of puberty in kittens?
How does the season of birth typically influence the onset of puberty in kittens?
Which of the following behaviors is characteristic of proestrus in queens?
Which of the following behaviors is characteristic of proestrus in queens?
During estrus in queens, serum estradiol levels are typically:
During estrus in queens, serum estradiol levels are typically:
What is the term for ovulation in queens, in contrast to bitches?
What is the term for ovulation in queens, in contrast to bitches?
How does the frequency of breedings affect LH release in queens?
How does the frequency of breedings affect LH release in queens?
What progesterone concentration is generally indicative of ovulation in queens?
What progesterone concentration is generally indicative of ovulation in queens?
Diestrus in queens occurs under which condition?
Diestrus in queens occurs under which condition?
Why is it recommended to introduce a queen to the tom's territory for natural breeding?
Why is it recommended to introduce a queen to the tom's territory for natural breeding?
When is palpation generally recommended for pregnancy diagnosis in queens?
When is palpation generally recommended for pregnancy diagnosis in queens?
When does fetal skeletal calcification typically become radiographically visible in kittens?
When does fetal skeletal calcification typically become radiographically visible in kittens?
What is a notable characteristic of stage II parturition in queens regarding kitten delivery intervals compared to bitches/puppies?
What is a notable characteristic of stage II parturition in queens regarding kitten delivery intervals compared to bitches/puppies?
What percentage of kitten presentations are estimated to be breech (posterior)?
What percentage of kitten presentations are estimated to be breech (posterior)?
How soon after weaning do queens typically resume cyclicity if conditions are favorable?
How soon after weaning do queens typically resume cyclicity if conditions are favorable?
Which of the following is NOT an accessory sex gland in the tomcat?
Which of the following is NOT an accessory sex gland in the tomcat?
If a queen is presented for suspected dystocia but appears calm and stable with normal vitals, what is the most important consideration based on feline parturition physiology?
If a queen is presented for suspected dystocia but appears calm and stable with normal vitals, what is the most important consideration based on feline parturition physiology?
In the context of artificial insemination (AI) in cats, which method is used to mimic natural mating stimuli to induce ovulation?
In the context of artificial insemination (AI) in cats, which method is used to mimic natural mating stimuli to induce ovulation?
A breeder reports that their queen mated with a tom 35 days ago, and they are seeking pregnancy confirmation. Which pregnancy diagnosis method would be LEAST reliable at this stage according to the provided material?
A breeder reports that their queen mated with a tom 35 days ago, and they are seeking pregnancy confirmation. Which pregnancy diagnosis method would be LEAST reliable at this stage according to the provided material?
Considering both canine and feline reproduction, which statement accurately contrasts a key difference in their reproductive physiology mentioned in the lecture?
Considering both canine and feline reproduction, which statement accurately contrasts a key difference in their reproductive physiology mentioned in the lecture?
A client is considering a vasectomy for their tomcat instead of castration. What benefit of vasectomy over castration, relevant to feline physiology, is highlighted in the provided text?
A client is considering a vasectomy for their tomcat instead of castration. What benefit of vasectomy over castration, relevant to feline physiology, is highlighted in the provided text?
If a queen does not mate during estrus, which stage of the estrous cycle will she enter next?
If a queen does not mate during estrus, which stage of the estrous cycle will she enter next?
During a fetal viability assessment via ultrasound in a queen undergoing parturition, what fetal heart rate is generally considered stable, as per the information provided?
During a fetal viability assessment via ultrasound in a queen undergoing parturition, what fetal heart rate is generally considered stable, as per the information provided?
Which of the following best describes the reproductive cycle of a queen?
Which of the following best describes the reproductive cycle of a queen?
During which season would anestrus most likely be observed in queens within the Northern Hemisphere?
During which season would anestrus most likely be observed in queens within the Northern Hemisphere?
What anatomical feature is present in the tomcat but absent in the dog?
What anatomical feature is present in the tomcat but absent in the dog?
What is the average duration of pregnancy in queens?
What is the average duration of pregnancy in queens?
What is lordosis?
What is lordosis?
In feline parturition, how does the duration between kitten deliveries typically compare to that between puppy deliveries in bitches?
In feline parturition, how does the duration between kitten deliveries typically compare to that between puppy deliveries in bitches?
What is the source of progesterone that maintains pregnancy?
What is the source of progesterone that maintains pregnancy?
Why is bringing the queen into the tom's territory important?
Why is bringing the queen into the tom's territory important?
During pregnancy in queens, when is ultrasound typically recommended for assessing fetal viability?
During pregnancy in queens, when is ultrasound typically recommended for assessing fetal viability?
What behavioral cue after mating indicates successful copulation?
What behavioral cue after mating indicates successful copulation?
What is the significance of multiple breedings over a short period in cats?
What is the significance of multiple breedings over a short period in cats?
Regarding pregnancy diagnosis in queens, which method is typically considered most reliable for accurate fetal counts near term?
Regarding pregnancy diagnosis in queens, which method is typically considered most reliable for accurate fetal counts near term?
What is the zonary endothelial choriole?
What is the zonary endothelial choriole?
What causes the LH surge?
What causes the LH surge?
What is the typical duration of the inter-estrous period in queens who do not ovulate?
What is the typical duration of the inter-estrous period in queens who do not ovulate?
Why is it important to be cautious about immediately intervening during a queen's parturition, even if there are perceived delays?
Why is it important to be cautious about immediately intervening during a queen's parturition, even if there are perceived delays?
Which factor is most important to consider when advising a cat breeder experiencing difficulty with natural breeding?
Which factor is most important to consider when advising a cat breeder experiencing difficulty with natural breeding?
How does the absence of a reliable pre-parturient temperature drop influence strategies for predicting parturition in queens?
How does the absence of a reliable pre-parturient temperature drop influence strategies for predicting parturition in queens?
In a stable queen presented for suspected dystocia with normal vitals, what fetal heart rate (beats per minute) during an ultrasound viability assessment would suggest fetal stress?
In a stable queen presented for suspected dystocia with normal vitals, what fetal heart rate (beats per minute) during an ultrasound viability assessment would suggest fetal stress?
Compared to dogs, why is artificial insemination (AI) less commonly performed in cats?
Compared to dogs, why is artificial insemination (AI) less commonly performed in cats?
How does the function of penile spines in tomcats directly relate to their induced ovulation?
How does the function of penile spines in tomcats directly relate to their induced ovulation?
If AI is performed in a cat, what procedure, other than semen deposition, is critical to ensure successful fertilization?
If AI is performed in a cat, what procedure, other than semen deposition, is critical to ensure successful fertilization?
When evaluating a queen for potential dystocia, under what circumstances should a veterinarian prioritize fetal viability assessment via ultrasound over immediate radiography?
When evaluating a queen for potential dystocia, under what circumstances should a veterinarian prioritize fetal viability assessment via ultrasound over immediate radiography?
In feline reproduction, what distinguishes stage II parturition from stage III?
In feline reproduction, what distinguishes stage II parturition from stage III?
What is the functional significance of the tomcat's penile spines?
What is the functional significance of the tomcat's penile spines?
Within what timeframe after birth should kittens ideally begin nursing to ensure adequate colostrum absorption?
Within what timeframe after birth should kittens ideally begin nursing to ensure adequate colostrum absorption?
What type of estrous cyclicity do Northern Hemisphere queens exhibit?
What type of estrous cyclicity do Northern Hemisphere queens exhibit?
How can artificial light exposure impact a queen's estrous cycle?
How can artificial light exposure impact a queen's estrous cycle?
How does age at puberty compare between spring and fall kittens?
How does age at puberty compare between spring and fall kittens?
Relative to canine estrus, how is the feline estrus phase characterized?
Relative to canine estrus, how is the feline estrus phase characterized?
What happens after a queen mates with a tom?
What happens after a queen mates with a tom?
Which factor is most crucial for triggering ovulation in queens?
Which factor is most crucial for triggering ovulation in queens?
During which months are queens in the Northern Hemisphere least likely to cycle?
During which months are queens in the Northern Hemisphere least likely to cycle?
What is the term for an intact male cat?
What is the term for an intact male cat?
What is queening?
What is queening?
What is the approximate age range when puberty begins in queens?
What is the approximate age range when puberty begins in queens?
Why is it important for queens to have multiple breedings?
Why is it important for queens to have multiple breedings?
What is the effect of castration on a tomcat's penile spines?
What is the effect of castration on a tomcat's penile spines?
How do the signs of proestrus compare between queens and bitches?
How do the signs of proestrus compare between queens and bitches?
You are presented with a queen demonstrating signs of estrus. Natural breeding is planned. In what location should breeding ideally take place and why?
You are presented with a queen demonstrating signs of estrus. Natural breeding is planned. In what location should breeding ideally take place and why?
Flashcards
Feline Reproductive Anatomy (Queen)
Feline Reproductive Anatomy (Queen)
Similar to the bitch, but with longer uterine horns and a short uterine body.
Seasonally Polyestrous (Felines)
Seasonally Polyestrous (Felines)
Long day breeders that cycle from about February through September/October in the northern hemisphere. Less seasonally dependent near the equator.
Light's Effect on Feline Estrus
Light's Effect on Feline Estrus
Estrus can be controlled by light exposure; inhibited by less than 8 hours of light.
Feline Puberty Onset
Feline Puberty Onset
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Feline Proestrus
Feline Proestrus
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Feline Estrus
Feline Estrus
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Estrus Behaviors (Felines)
Estrus Behaviors (Felines)
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Feline Coitus
Feline Coitus
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Feline Diestrus
Feline Diestrus
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Feline Interestrus (Postestrus)
Feline Interestrus (Postestrus)
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Feline Anestrus
Feline Anestrus
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Feline Testicles
Feline Testicles
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Feline Penis
Feline Penis
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Natural Feline Breeding
Natural Feline Breeding
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Feline Pregnancy
Feline Pregnancy
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Corpus Luteum (CL) in Feline Pregnancy
Corpus Luteum (CL) in Feline Pregnancy
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Feline Placentation
Feline Placentation
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Feline Pregnancy Diagnosis
Feline Pregnancy Diagnosis
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Predicting Feline Parturition
Predicting Feline Parturition
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Stage I of Feline Parturition
Stage I of Feline Parturition
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Stage II of Feline Parturition
Stage II of Feline Parturition
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Stage III of Feline Parturition
Stage III of Feline Parturition
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Breech/Posterior Presentation (Felines)
Breech/Posterior Presentation (Felines)
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Feline Parturition
Feline Parturition
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Postpartum Cyclicity (Felines)
Postpartum Cyclicity (Felines)
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Feline Terminology
Feline Terminology
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Seasonality in Cats
Seasonality in Cats
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Breeding Frequency and Ovulation
Breeding Frequency and Ovulation
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Feline Coitus Details
Feline Coitus Details
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Artificial Insemination Challenges
Artificial Insemination Challenges
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Study Notes
Reproductive Pathophysiology – Feline
- Feline reproductive pathophysiology relates to the queen and tom reproductive tracts.
- It also relates to estrus and copulation.
Learning Objectives
- Review the feline reproductive tract in queens and toms, along with its relevance to estrus and copulation.
- Learn about seasonality and how it affects reproduction in felines.
- Understand hormonal changes in the feline estrous cycle and ways that it differs from canines.
- Evaluate the importance of induced ovulation and how it affects feline breeding programs.
- Compare and contrast the physiology of pregnancy and parturition in felines and canines.
- Compare feline physiology to canine physiology by observing the differences between cats and dogs
Reproductive Anatomy - Queen
- Similar to the bitch
- Possess long uterine horns
- Possess a short uterine body
Seasonality
- Felines are seasonally polyestrous
- This is different than bitches, which are non-seasonal monoestrous
- They are long-day breeders and are photoperiod dependent
- They require >12hrs of daylight for cyclicity
- Cycle from about Feb through Sept/Oct in the northern hemisphere
- They are less seasonally dependent near the equator
- Estrus is controlled by light exposure
- Folliculogenesis is inhibited with <8hrs of light
- This includes artificial light
- Normal daylight cycles, or artificial lighting cycles, so entering a room or exiting a room, won’t affect them
- Puberty begins at 5-9m0 of age
- Puberty is based on the season when born; spring kittens will be later than fall kittens
- It is also based on breed, long-haired breeds are a bit later
Feline Estrous Cycle
- The feline estrous cycle includes: proestrus, estrus, diestrus, interestrus, and anestrus
- Proestrus lasts 1-2 days in only about 1/4 of cases
- Signs of proestrus include rubbing of the head and neck, however they will not allow the male to breed at this time
- Estrus is a period of sexual receptivity that occurs during peak follicular activity
- Estrus lasts an average of 7 days (anywhere from 2-19 days)
- During estrus there is high serum estradiol and low serum progesterone, with follicular development
- There are distinct feline behaviors in estrus
- Lordosis (spinal curvature) with a prominent rear end
- Vocalization is common
- Restlessness
- Attention-seeking behavior such as head rubbing
- The queen is an induced ovulator
- Dogs are spontaneous ovulators
- LH gets released following copulation from vaginal/cervical stimulation
- LH surge occurs within 10 min of coitus
- More breeding leads to higher LH release due to cervical vaginal stimulation
- Ovulation occurs 24-36 hours after LH surge
- Progesterone >1 ng/mL indicates ovulation and has no preovulatory rise unlike the bitch
- There no external genitalia changes visible
- Diestrus only occurs with induced ovulation
- During diestrus, serum progesterone is high (>1-2 ng/mL) from the CL
- The 2 outcomes to note in diestrus are pseudopregnancy, where elevated progesterone lasts ~40 days
- As well as pregnancy where elevated progesterone lasts ~60 days
Interestrus AKA Postestrus
- Period following estrus in the event where the queen failed to ovulate/copulate
- Duration is 8-10 days
- There is low plasma estradiol
- There is no sexually receptive behavior
- They will cycle with pro/estrus if there is no (induced) ovulation
Anestrus
- Period of seasonal absence of cycling
- Usually autumn/winter in the northern hemisphere (Oct - Feb)
- Baseline plasma estradiol and progesterone
Reproductive Anatomy - Tom
- Testicles are located perineally
- They are normally descended at birth, but can freely move within the inguinal canal until puberty (6-9mo)
- The penis is located ventral to the scrotum and directs caudally
- It is initially adhered inside the prepuce, attachment breaks down at puberty ~6-9mo
- The penis faces forward during coitus
- There are spines that help trigger LH release through vaginal stimulation
- Keratinous projections are testosterone dependent
- They regress within 4-6 weeks post castration
- Accessory sex glands include the prostate and bulbourethral gland
Natural Breeding
- When signs of estrus are evident, bring the queen to the tom's territory
- Place together on day 2 or 3 of estrus
- Allow multiple breedings over at least 2 days, as important for ovulation success by triggering an LH surge
- Data suggest that 50% of cats fail to ovulate after only a single breeding
- Mate ideally 4-8 times in a 2hr period (average amount is 5)
- Signs the female exhibits are lordosis and making vocalizations
- The male will mount and bite her neck
- The erect penis faces forward
- Mating takes 5-50 seconds, then the female will cry, swat and roll/lick her vulva
- Copulatory cry is a good end cue
Managing Challenges
- Males may be unable to mount a female if there is a size mismatch or personality issues
- Unfamiliar environments impact mating success
- The Female should travel to the male
- The experience a male has dictates how it will do with any given female
- AI (artificial insemination) is possible, but uncommon
- Vasectomies are a good approach for population control while still allowing the hormonal benefits necessary for growth and maturity
Feline Semen Collection
- Methods include artificial vagina and ex copula ejaculation
- Al is very rarely performed in cats, unlike in dogs
- It is stimulated using a moistened Q-tip with an AV in place
- A vasectomized male to perform all behaviors and inseminate after the LH surge has been induced is another method
Pregnancy
- The average duration is approximately 63-65 days
- The average litter size is 3-5 kittens
- Average duration is not as precise as in bitches, it is often based on litter size and breed
Gestational Hormones
- CL is the primary source of progesterone throughout gestation, like in the bitch
Placentation
- The placentation is the same as the dog, with a zonary endotheliochorial placentation
Pregnancy Diagnosis
- Palpation is recommended at 17-25 days (breeders >> vets)
- Palpation is harder to count >35 days due to confluence
- Ultrasound is recommended at 20-30 days to assess viability, but rarely performed
- Radiograph can also occur, but fetal calcification begins around 30-40 days
- This gives a more accurate fetal count >56 days
Predicting Parturition
- Cats do not experience a reliable temperature drop like bitches
- Progesterone declines from increase in fetal cortisol
- Some queens will have observable milk in mammary glands, but this is uncommon
- "Pinking" of the nipples has anecdotally been shown to work
Parturition
- Most cats seek a secluded place to give birth, also known as "queening"
- Stage I (2-12 hrs) involves nesting and vocalization
- This stage lasts longer in primiparous queens
- Stage II involves delivery of kittens one at a time, this can normal to go for 12-24hrs between each kitten delivery
- Stage III involves delivery of the placenta and alternates with Stage II
- Unlike dogs, queens have huge variability in parturition duration
- It can be up to 16 hrs +/- 14 hrs
- They will deliver healthy kittens over 1-3 calendar days
- Is is OK to have long pauses in delivery as long as the queen is not actively laboring or stressed
- Quiet and secluded areas are important
- Breech/posterior presentation is normal and unproblematic (~40%)
Postpartum
- Kittens should nurse within the first 24 hrs after birth to absorb colostrum
- Queens resume cyclicity 1-3 weeks following weaning if we’re in that long day period
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