Normal feline reproduction: The queen

Abstract

Practical relevance: Cats are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they exhibit multiple estrous cycles within a season, followed by a period of non-cyclicity. Cats cycle when the day length is long but can be induced to cycle year-round with 14 h of continuous artificial lighting. The feline estrous cycle includes the following stages: proestrus, estrus, interestrus and, if ovulation occurs, diestrus. Cats are induced ovulators and ovulate in response to multiple natural matings. Successful breeding in a cattery requires knowledge of the female’s reproductive cycle, behavior and management, and often improper management can be the sole cause of infertility. Aim: The aim of this review is to provide readers with an overview of normal anatomy, cyclicity, management and behavior of the queen. It includes a series of questions veterinarians can ask to obtain a baseline knowledge of the management of the specific breeding set-up. Evidence base: The information in this article is based on the author’s experience, as well as drawing on historical and current literature, and provides the most up-to-date review as possible.

Scientific and technical assistance on welfare aspects related to housing and health of cats and dogs in commercial breeding establishments

“…Light inhibits melatonin production (Dijk and Archer, 2009 ) and since melatonin level affects the release of reproductive hormones (Gonadotropin release hormone, GnRH) in cats, light indirectly affects reproductivity. Cats are long‐day seasonal breeders, as melatonin has negative feedback on GnRH whereas light has positive feedback on GnRH (Leyva et al., 1984 ; Johnson, 2022 ). In cats, ovarian activity, therefore, ceases under decreasing photoperiod (i.e.…”

“…autumn‐winter) and resumes with increasing photoperiod (spring–summer) (Leyva et al., 1984 ). Cat's reproductive activity can be indeed controlled by applying light manipulation with artificial illumination (Johnson, 2022 ).…”

“…The length of the photoperiod has multiple effects on cats' physiology, behaviour and reproduction (Di Pietro et al., 2022 ; Johnson, 2022 ; Parker et al., 2022 ). Queens are long‐day, seasonal polyoestrous breeders (i.e.…”

“…Other factors, such as the management and birth season, influence the onset of puberty (Griffin, 2001). Kittens born in the spring and experiencing 6-8 months of short daylength may not reach puberty until the following breeding season compared to kittens born in winter that may enter puberty at 4-5 months during late spring/summer (Johnson, 2022). Tsutsui et al (2004) undertook a study to analyse the breeding season of cats (n = 125) kept at a constant room temperature and exposed to natural light and natural light:dark periods.…”

Infertility In Queens: Clinical approach, experiences and challenges

“…It is very useful to help determine the stage of the cycle (oestrus, interoestrus, anoestrus) (Figure 1) or to detect vaginal inflammation (Figure 2). Cytological evaluation should therefore be performed routinely in the investigation of infertility as it may help, for example, to confirm if a queen to be mated on the same day is in full oestrus, if an infertile queen suffers from frequent or prolonged heats, if a queen that is not appearing to cycle is indeed in interoestrus or dioestrus (see accompanying review on normal reproduction in the queen 7 ) or if a queen that experiences a pregnancy arrest suffers from a genital inflammatory process.…”