A male to be used as a stud can be trained through habituation to mount and mate an artificial vagina.78 To condition a tomcat to mate quickly in a colony, one should bring receptive females to him in a special area, allow several matings, and then remove the female first.55. However, more experienced tomcats may follow the moderate mating call with running directly to the female and initiating mating behavior.29,33,34 An experienced tomcat may run directly to any cat presented in the breeding area and mount, whereas untrained ones may be partial to certain females and ignore others.11 Only one in three healthy males become vigorous reliable breeders, and even testosterone injections are not effective in increasing low sex drive.77. This behavior may be an inherited predisposition for bringing the female back into estrus so that the next litter would be sired by that male.45,58 In species that have a high turnover of breeding males, a male has a greater chance of his genes being passed on if he can get females pregnant with his offspring instead of having them use energy resources on the offspring of another male. at the testes, where FSH stimulates the production of sperm cells and LH stimulates testosterone production by interstitial cells. Sexual behavior is generally intensified and controlled so desired matings can be achieved, particularly in livestock species. During the first 2 hours, tomcats may copulate three to six times.69 The average number of intromissions per hour is 5.3, with 8.9 mounts during that time.10 In subsequent 2-hour periods the rate drops to 0 to 4 copulations, with the frequency generally not exceeding 15 per 24 hours or 20 to 36 per 36 hours.69,71,72. Even if you could find homes for the kittens, that would be a home you would be taking away from another cat that will be killed at the shelter. False mounts, those without intromission, do occur, with some males having a higher rate than others. Postmating behavior varies because of the latent period, but the tomcat begins by leaping away from the female’s striking “afterreaction,” which may be accompanied by her growling.29 The male then licks his penis and forepaws before he goes to sit near the female, but out of her clawing distance. Although most males do not show interest in newborn kittens, there are a few that do. Figure 5-2 The anogenital approach of an estrous female by the territorial male. Bilateral ablation of these hypothalamic areas eliminates mounting and pelvic thrusts, a result that is not affected by testosterone. If a cat is neutered after he The neck grip is released, the penis withdrawn, and the female rapidly dismounted. Spinal transection in the thoracic region may partially affect posturing but not the capacity for erection and ejaculation or associated caudosacral responses. Anyone who has lived with a calling cat will understand why the term is so apt, as she will indeed call, normally loudly and incessantly. This period of mating is variable, lasting between 10 seconds and 5 minutes, and it occurs primarily at night. Once an area is selected, the tomcat often sprays urine on prominent sites. An experienced tomcat achieves the grip within 16 seconds. In castrates, these levels are therefore quite high. A 4-month-old male kitten mounting an uncooperative littermate in prepubertal play. Can neutered cats still mate? If she is allowed to become pregnant at this age, the result will literally be a case of a kitten birthing kittens, dangerous to both the mother and the kittens. Although female can become pregnant at any time of the year, there are specific mating seasons when cats become sexually active. Rarely does a bond last between estrous cycles. The sexual activity cycle reaches a peak in the spring and a low point during the late fall in the northern hemisphere, when the female is also naturally nonreceptive. Rating. is it even possible for them to have kittens at way diferent ages? At puberty, maturing interstitial cells begin producing adult levels of testosterone, which initiates male behaviors from the premasculinized brain. The complex interrelationship between the brain and body hormones complicated many early reports. The differences between males and females are relative, even though they are under a specific hormone’s control. Siamese cats can show signs of puberty as soon as 4 months of age, while other breeds may not reach sexual maturity until they're 10 months old. Figure 5-1 A 4-month-old male kitten mounting an uncooperative littermate in prepubertal play. As expected, the limbic system, specifically the medial preoptic-rostral hypothalamic region, is primarily responsible. They cannot yet achieve intromission, however. Unneutered males younger than six months old may be interested in unspayed females in heat and may sniff a female's genital area. Cat Behaviors Misinterpreted as Sexual . Pair bonds of long duration are seldom formed. ... it's a pack pyramid thing ... do cats have packs? Male cats are generally regarded as polygamous, fertile, and sexually active throughout the year; however, studies indicate that males do have subtle cyclic patterns. When Male Cats Become Sexually Aroused Male cats as young as a few months may begin to show signs of sexual interest, but are unlikely to father kittens just yet. Male cats are known as tomcats, and they tend to become sexually mature at the same approximate time frame as queens -- about 5 or 6 months in age. It is extremely unhealthy to breed as such an early age. It turns out that both cats and dogs are able to detect menstruation by odor and hormonal levels. The duration of this latent period varies from 5 to 15 minutes, increasing after each mating. I would strongly recommend that you have him neutered if you are not planning on breeding him. For an individual tomcat, the amount of breeding experience and the familiarity with the breeding area are the primary influences on the duration and displays of courtship behavior. Please take him in to get neutered before he does become sexually active or has the desire. The environment does not seem to be particularly important, and the attack is not provoked except by the physical presence of another intact male.80, After the initial intermale encounter, subsequent meetings usually do not involve fights, and courting males do not fight around estrous females.82 This system generally allows all healthy males a chance to mate an estrous female, with territorial males having the best opportunity, especially for the first mating. Mature male cats not only are likely to show sexual interests beyond their mating capabilities but also are likely to maintain this desire even though reproductive functions may decrease with age. The relationship of the brain to male sexual behavior has undergone a great deal of study. but my answer really is, if when both my female and male cats get older will they be able to mate with each other?say my 4 month old is, say.... 1 year old, and the 2 month old is, 8 months. Usually male cats are the ones that that come first when it comes to experiencing the feeling of being Aroused. It has been shown in a number of species that gonadal steroids can have a profound affect on behavior, both with morphogenesis and with specific neuron survival.3 The late prenatal or neonatal male kitten receives a surge of testosterone, which masculinizes the brain. Sympathetic fibers via the hypogastric nerves cause erection to subside and stop emission of prostatic fluids into the urethra, but the exact roles of the autonomic nervous system are not clearly defined. At the same time, an estrogen-binding plasma protein works to prevent estrogen from entering the brain.3 Without this surge, the infant develops female behavior patterns and responds primarily to female hormones. Are you prepared to take over? Feline Behavior of Sensory and Neural Origin. Territorial males become increasingly irritable and protective of their areas during mating season. If you really want to breed them, wait till they are at least a year old, if not longer. This mating or courtship call serves to advertise the tomcat’s availability to estrous females and to warn wandering males of his territoriality. What age does a male cat become sexually active? As expected, the limbic system, specifically the medial preoptic-rostral hypothalamic region, is primarily responsible. It has been shown in a number of species that gonadal steroids can have a profound affect on behavior, both with morphogenesis and with specific neuron survival. For an individual tomcat, the amount of breeding experience and the familiarity with the breeding area are the primary influences on the duration and displays of courtship behavior. Bilateral ablation of these hypothalamic areas eliminates mounting and pelvic thrusts, a result that is not affected by testosterone.37,41,53 Bilateral removal of the neocortex produces variable results, which probably reflect disturbances in motor coordination rather than deficits in mating behavior. Cats can become aggressive when they have too much energy. An experienced tomcat achieves the grip within 16 seconds.97 Biting the skin of the dorsum of the neck is a remnant behavior used to immobilize the female and provide proper orientation for mounting.29,99 The neck grip is not a form of male aggression. Specific androgen-related behaviors include male sexual behavior, intermale aggression, roaming, and scent-marking patterns. Negative feedback mechanisms regulate hypothalamic production so low FSH or LH levels are stimulatory. Although each tomcat has an individual style, a general pattern is often seen, with the neck grip the most consistent behavior (Figure 5-3). However, you should NEVER breed a kitten when it is only just old enough. Most feline reproduction has been dependent on the cats themselves with less human impact. He backs up to objects of about nose level, extends his pelvic limbs, raises his tail, and sprays (see Figure 3-17). If the repeated matings continue long enough, the male may mount without using the neck grip.30 The physiologic component of the postejaculatory refractory period is relatively constant because of its relation with the neural regulation of mating. Does my cat know I'm pregnant even though she is spayed? He occasionally assumes a front-end–down, rear-end–up posture, possibly to spray higher, and as urine forcefully leaves the caudally directed penis, the tomcat usually wiggles his tail characteristically.98 Other locations may be marked by cheek rubbing.12,66,70 The increased frequency of marking during the mating season may help reassure the male of his surroundings, attract estrous females, and reinforce the resident’s odor for the benefit of wandering males that seem oblivious to territories. 2 of my cats are clearly in a sexual relationship, and I have also stumbled upon them getting it on. Neutered pets live longer, healthier lives. Would you be okay with your cat peeing in the sink rather than in a litterbox? You also won't have to deal with the annoyance of the female going into heat, or both spraying. Sexual behavior by cats is a pretty gnarly business. Owners are often aware of increased roaming, intermale aggression, and scent marking with urine, all of which accompany the increase in testosterone at puberty. Initially the tomcat calls with a loud, harsh vocalization, commonly termed caterwauling. Neutered male cats do tend to lose most of their sexual urges, but some tom cats may continue to display signs of sexual desire; ranging from humping inanimate objects, right through to mounting female cats. Territory is very important in male sexual behavior. This is designed to advertise her availability to local roaming males, letting them know that she is ready for mating and is in peak condition to ca… Male cats are generally regarded as polygamous, fertile, and sexually active throughout the year; however, studies indicate … Sexual Kneading by: Anonymous Was searching to see if anyone elses cat did the same as ours. There is no profit in kittens. Mounting is the beginning of the mating copulatory sequence. i have had pets for a number of years the average seems to be between 5 and 7 months old that they are sexually active. Set aside at least two periods of 15 minutes per day to play lively, active games with your cats. Spinal transection in the thoracic region may partially affect posturing but not the capacity for erection and ejaculation or associated caudosacral responses.9,22 Erection can be induced by stimulation of the second sacral nerve, and ejaculation is mediated by the lumbosacral spinal cord at the internal pudendal nerves and is triggered by tactile stimulation of the penile body via the dorsal nerve of the penis.8,42,43,87 Androgens appear to intensify low spinal reflexes.8, Sympathetic fibers via the hypogastric nerves cause erection to subside and stop emission of prostatic fluids into the urethra, but the exact roles of the autonomic nervous system are not clearly defined.8, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window). Is it possible for my male cat to be sexually attracted to a male human? Domestic cats should not be bred. And in every instance (about 12) this has held true. Male cats in particular are biologically wired to fight with other male cats when females in heat are present. Intact males typically leave the homes where they were raised between 1 and 3 years of age.59,71 They have been called “outcasts” if they settle away from other male cats and “challengers” if they are peripheral to other tomcats.71, Male cats are generally regarded as polygamous, fertile, and sexually active throughout the year; however, studies indicate that males do have subtle cyclic patterns. The psychologic portion is primarily responsible for the changes in refractory time.42,48 Mating enthusiasm can be renewed by introducing a new estrous female during the psychologic phase. Humping may be more common in male cats but can also be seen in females. This is followed by ejaculation. 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