Feline Reproductive Pathophysiology

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Questions and Answers

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?

  • 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?

  • 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?

<p>More than 12 hours (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does light exposure of less than 8 hours affect folliculogenesis in queens?

<p>It inhibits folliculogenesis. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what age does puberty typically begin in queens?

<p>5-9 months (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the season of birth affect the onset of puberty in kittens?

<p>Fall kittens reach puberty earlier than spring kittens. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the feline estrous cycle?

<p>Seasonally polyestrous (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average duration of proestrus in queens?

<p>1-2 days (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which behavior is characteristic of the proestrus phase in queens?

<p>Rubbing of head and neck, but rejection of males (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of estrus in queens?

<p>2-19 days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which hormonal profile characterizes estrus in queens?

<p>High serum estradiol and low serum progesterone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is NOT typically associated with estrus in queens?

<p>Increased appetite (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is meant by 'induced ovulation' in queens?

<p>Ovulation occurs as a result of vaginal/cervical stimulation during copulation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how long after copulation does the LH surge occur in queens?

<p>10 minutes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the number of breedings affect LH release in queens?

<p>More breedings lead to higher LH release. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does ovulation occur in queens relative to the LH surge?

<p>24-36 hours after the LH surge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What progesterone concentration is indicative of ovulation in queens?

<blockquote> <p>1 ng/mL (B)</p> </blockquote> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference in the preovulatory hormonal profile between queens and bitches?

<p>Bitches have a preovulatory progesterone rise, while queens do not. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition does diestrus occur in queens?

<p>Only if the queen has (induced) ovulation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary source of progesterone during diestrus in queens?

<p>Corpus luteum (CL) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two possible outcomes of diestrus in queens?

<p>Pregnancy or pseudopregnancy (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does pseudopregnancy typically last in queens?

<p>~40 days (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does diestrus last in pregnant queens?

<p>~60 days (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is 'interestrus' (postestrus) in the feline estrous cycle?

<p>The period following estrus if ovulation failed. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of interestrus (postestrus) in queens?

<p>8-10 days (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What hormonal characteristic defines anestrus in queens?

<p>Baseline plasma estradiol and progesterone (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which season does anestrus typically occur in queens in the northern hemisphere?

<p>Autumn/Winter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which anatomical feature of the tom's penis is crucial for inducing ovulation in the queen?

<p>The presence of spines on the penis (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the penile spines of a tom cat after castration?

<p>They regress within 4-6 weeks. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should queens ideally be introduced to a tom for natural breeding?

<p>On day 2 or 3 of estrus (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why are multiple breedings recommended for successful ovulation in cats?

<p>To maximize LH release and ensure ovulation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average duration of gestation in queens?

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

What is the primary source of progesterone during gestation in queens?

<p>Corpus luteum (CL) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which type of placentation is observed in felines?

<p>Zonary endotheliochorial (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At what stage of pregnancy is palpation generally recommended for pregnancy diagnosis in queens?

<p>17-25 days (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does fetal skeletal calcification typically begin to be radiographically visible in kittens?

<p>30-40 days (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Is a temperature drop a reliable predictor of parturition in queens?

<p>No, cats do not experience a reliable temperature drop like bitches. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long can stage I of parturition last in queens?

<p>2-12 hours (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of stage II parturition in queens regarding kitten delivery intervals?

<p>It is normal for queens to have pauses of 12-24 hours between kitten deliveries. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of kitten presentations are breech (posterior)?

<p>Approximately 40% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When should kittens ideally nurse for the first time postpartum?

<p>Within the first 24 hours after birth (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How soon after weaning do queens typically resume cyclicity?

<p>1-3 weeks following weaning (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What term is used to refer to an intact female cat?

<p>Queen (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Feline reproductive cyclicity is best described as:

<p>Seasonal polyestrous (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the Northern Hemisphere, during which period are queens most likely to exhibit estrous cycles?

<p>February to October (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the minimum daylight exposure typically required for queens to maintain regular estrous cycles?

<p>12 hours (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Exposure to less than 8 hours of light can have what effect on folliculogenesis in queens?

<p>Inhibits folliculogenesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compared to bitches, queens typically reach puberty:

<p>Significantly earlier (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the season of birth typically influence the onset of puberty in kittens?

<p>Fall kittens reach puberty earlier than spring kittens. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following behaviors is characteristic of proestrus in queens?

<p>Head and neck rubbing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During estrus in queens, serum estradiol levels are typically:

<p>Elevated (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for ovulation in queens, in contrast to bitches?

<p>Induced ovulation (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the frequency of breedings affect LH release in queens?

<p>Higher frequency leads to higher LH release. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What progesterone concentration is generally indicative of ovulation in queens?

<p>Greater than 1 ng/mL (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Diestrus in queens occurs under which condition?

<p>Only if induced ovulation occurs (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it recommended to introduce a queen to the tom's territory for natural breeding?

<p>Toms are highly territorial and breed best in their own environment. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When is palpation generally recommended for pregnancy diagnosis in queens?

<p>17-25 days post-mating (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When does fetal skeletal calcification typically become radiographically visible in kittens?

<p>30-40 days of gestation (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable characteristic of stage II parturition in queens regarding kitten delivery intervals compared to bitches/puppies?

<p>Queens can have longer intervals between kitten deliveries (12-24 hours) compared to bitches. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of kitten presentations are estimated to be breech (posterior)?

<p>Up to 40% (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How soon after weaning do queens typically resume cyclicity if conditions are favorable?

<p>One to three weeks (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an accessory sex gland in the tomcat?

<p>Seminal vesicles (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>Recognize that queens can control parturition and may be delaying due to stress; avoid rushing to intervention if clinically stable. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In the context of artificial insemination (AI) in cats, which method is used to mimic natural mating stimuli to induce ovulation?

<p>Using a moistened Q-tip or vasectomized male to stimulate the vagina and cervix (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>Palpation (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Considering both canine and feline reproduction, which statement accurately contrasts a key difference in their reproductive physiology mentioned in the lecture?

<p>Queens are induced ovulators, whereas bitches are spontaneous ovulators. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>Vasectomy preserves hormonal benefits necessary for growth and maturity while achieving population control. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a queen does not mate during estrus, which stage of the estrous cycle will she enter next?

<p>Interestrus (Postestrus) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>Greater than 200 bpm (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the reproductive cycle of a queen?

<p>Seasonal polyestrous (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which season would anestrus most likely be observed in queens within the Northern Hemisphere?

<p>Winter (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What anatomical feature is present in the tomcat but absent in the dog?

<p>Bulbourethral gland (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the average duration of pregnancy in queens?

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

What is lordosis?

<p>A spinal curvature with the rear end being more prominent (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In feline parturition, how does the duration between kitten deliveries typically compare to that between puppy deliveries in bitches?

<p>Longer and more variable (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the source of progesterone that maintains pregnancy?

<p>Corpus luteum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is bringing the queen into the tom's territory important?

<p>Toms are highly territorial (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During pregnancy in queens, when is ultrasound typically recommended for assessing fetal viability?

<p>20-30 days post-mating (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What behavioral cue after mating indicates successful copulation?

<p>Female copulatory cry (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of multiple breedings over a short period in cats?

<p>It increases the likelihood of inducing an LH surge (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Regarding pregnancy diagnosis in queens, which method is typically considered most reliable for accurate fetal counts near term?

<p>Radiography (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the zonary endothelial choriole?

<p>A placental style (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What causes the LH surge?

<p>Vaginal or cervical stimulation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical duration of the inter-estrous period in queens who do not ovulate?

<p>8-10 days (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to be cautious about immediately intervening during a queen's parturition, even if there are perceived delays?

<p>Queens can voluntarily delay parturition if stressed (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most important to consider when advising a cat breeder experiencing difficulty with natural breeding?

<p>The environment in which breeding occurs (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the absence of a reliable pre-parturient temperature drop influence strategies for predicting parturition in queens?

<p>It shifts the focus to behavioral and environmental cues. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

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?

<p>Less than 200 bpm (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Compared to dogs, why is artificial insemination (AI) less commonly performed in cats?

<p>Cats have a higher natural breeding success rate (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the function of penile spines in tomcats directly relate to their induced ovulation?

<p>The spines provide vaginal stimulation necessary for LH release. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If AI is performed in a cat, what procedure, other than semen deposition, is critical to ensure successful fertilization?

<p>Artificially inducing an LH surge (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When evaluating a queen for potential dystocia, under what circumstances should a veterinarian prioritize fetal viability assessment via ultrasound over immediate radiography?

<p>When the queen is stable, but labor is prolonged (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In feline reproduction, what distinguishes stage II parturition from stage III?

<p>Stage II involves delivery of the fetus, while stage III involves delivery of the placenta. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the functional significance of the tomcat's penile spines?

<p>To stimulate the cervix during mating (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Within what timeframe after birth should kittens ideally begin nursing to ensure adequate colostrum absorption?

<p>Within the first 24 hours (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What type of estrous cyclicity do Northern Hemisphere queens exhibit?

<p>Seasonal polyestrous (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can artificial light exposure impact a queen's estrous cycle?

<p>Limited light exposure can inhibit folliculogenesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does age at puberty compare between spring and fall kittens?

<p>Fall kittens reach puberty sooner (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Relative to canine estrus, how is the feline estrus phase characterized?

<p>Similar in duration but marked by induced ovulation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens after a queen mates with a tom?

<p>Diesterous occurs (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is most crucial for triggering ovulation in queens?

<p>Cervical stimulation during mating (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which months are queens in the Northern Hemisphere least likely to cycle?

<p>December and January (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for an intact male cat?

<p>Tom (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is queening?

<p>The process of giving birth (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate age range when puberty begins in queens?

<p>5-9 months (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important for queens to have multiple breedings?

<p>The frequency of breeding is important for LH release (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of castration on a tomcat's penile spines?

<p>They regress over several weeks (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the signs of proestrus compare between queens and bitches?

<p>Less visible physical signs in queens than bitches (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

You are presented with a queen demonstrating signs of estrus. Natural breeding is planned. In what location should breeding ideally take place and why?

<p>The tom's territory to leverage the male's territorial behavior. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Feline Reproductive Anatomy (Queen)

Similar to the bitch, but with longer uterine horns and a short uterine body.

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

Estrus can be controlled by light exposure; inhibited by less than 8 hours of light.

Feline Puberty Onset

Begins at 5-9 months, based on season of birth and breed (later for spring kittens/long-haired breeds).

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Feline Proestrus

Short duration (1-2 days); seen in less than 1/4 of cases. The queen rubs head and neck but refuses to breed.

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Feline Estrus

Period of sexual receptivity, occurring during peak follicular activity. Average duration is 7 days.

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Estrus Behaviors (Felines)

Includes lordosis, vocalization, restlessness and head rubbing. External genitalia changes not visible.

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Feline Coitus

Queen is an induced ovulator. The LH surge occurs within 10 minutes of coitus, leading to ovulation in 24-36 hours.

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Feline Diestrus

Only occurs if ovulation is induced; high serum progesterone (>1-2 ng/mL) from CL. Can result in pseudopregnancy (~40 days) or pregnancy (~60 days).

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Feline Interestrus (Postestrus)

Period following estrus if the queen failed to ovulate/copulate; duration 8-10 days with low plasma estradiol.

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Feline Anestrus

Period of seasonal absence of cycling (typically autumn/winter). Baseline plasma estradiol and progesterone.

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Feline Testicles

Located perineally and normally descended at birth, but can move within the inguinal canal until puberty.

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Feline Penis

Located ventral to scrotum, directs caudally. Spines help trigger LH release. Development is testosterone dependent.

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Natural Feline Breeding

When signs of estrus are evident, bring queen to the tom's territory. Allow multiple breedings over at least 2 days.

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Feline Pregnancy

Average duration is 63-65 days. Litter size is about 3-5 kittens.

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Corpus Luteum (CL) in Feline Pregnancy

The primary source of progesterone throughout gestation.

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Feline Placentation

Same as the dog, zonary endotheliochorial.

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Feline Pregnancy Diagnosis

Recommended at 17-25 days (breeders) or 20-30 days(ultrasound). Fetal calcification begins around 30-40 days (radiograph).

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Predicting Feline Parturition

Cats do not experience a reliable temperature drop like bitches. Progesterone declines from increase in fetal cortisol

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Stage I of Feline Parturition

Includes nesting and vocalization.

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Stage II of Feline Parturition

Delivery of kittens; normal to go 12-24 hours between deliveries.

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Stage III of Feline Parturition

Delivery of placenta; alternates with Stage II.

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Breech/Posterior Presentation (Felines)

Normal and unproblematic (~40%).

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Feline Parturition

Huge variability in duration; queens can control parturition if stressed. Quiet environment important.

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Postpartum Cyclicity (Felines)

Queens resume cyclicity 1-3 weeks following weaning.

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Feline Terminology

Intact female cats are known as queens, and males are called toms or tomcats. The process of giving birth is known as queening.

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Seasonality in Cats

Cats are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they have multiple periods of sexual receptivity within a certain time frame, typically during long day periods.

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Breeding Frequency and Ovulation

Frequency of feline breedings is crucial for LH release, which leads to ovulation roughly one to one and a half days after the LH surge. High frequency leads to high LH release.

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Feline Coitus Details

During coitus, the male mounts and bites the female’s neck; the erect penis, normally facing caudally, faces forward. The female then makes a copulatory cry and may swat at the male.

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Artificial Insemination Challenges

If natural breeding fails, artificial insemination can be considered, involving either collection with an artificial vagina or ex-copula ejaculation, always ensuring the LH surge is triggered.

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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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