How do a cat and a cat do it? - briefly
Cats typically mate in a brief but intense process. The male mounts the female from behind while biting her neck to maintain control during copulation.
How do a cat and a cat do it? - in detail
Mating in cats, both domestic and wild, is a complex process involving several stages and behaviors. The mating season for felines typically occurs during spring and summer months, although indoor domestic cats may exhibit year-round reproductive activity due to stable environmental conditions.
The initial phase of the mating process involves the female cat (queen) entering estrus, a period of sexual receptivity that lasts approximately 4-7 days. During this time, the queen exhibits distinctive behaviors and physical changes. She becomes more vocal, restless, and may roll on her back or rub against objects to mark her territory with pheromones. Additionally, she experiences a slight swelling of the vulva and an increase in vaginal secretions.
The male cat (tom) is attracted to the queen in estrus through various sensory cues, including vocalizations, scent marking, and visual signals such as tail posture. Once the tom detects a receptive female, he will approach her cautiously, often exhibiting a characteristic "treading" behavior where he steps on his hind legs to avoid contact with the queen's urine.
The actual mating process begins with the tom mounting the queen from behind. He grasps the base of her neck with his teeth, a behavior known as the "nape bite." This action is not aggressive but rather serves to stabilize the queen and prevent her from moving away during copulation. The nape bite can sometimes leave marks or slight bruises on the queen's neck, which are normal and typically fade within a few days.
During mating, the tom inserts his penis into the queen's vagina. Unlike human males, felines have a barbed penis that is covered with tiny spines called papillae. These spines do not cause pain to the queen but instead trigger ovulation and help to prevent premature withdrawal of the penis during copulation. The tom's penis becomes locked in place with the queen's vagina, a condition known as "copulatory tie." This tie can last anywhere from 5 to 40 minutes, during which both cats remain still.
After the copulatory tie is broken, the tom will typically dismount and move away from the queen. The mating process may be repeated multiple times over several days, with each successful mating increasing the likelihood of pregnancy. It is essential to note that a single mating can result in a litter, as the sperm from one copulation can fertilize eggs released during subsequent matings.
In conclusion, feline mating is a fascinating and intricate process involving various behaviors and physiological changes. Understanding this natural process allows for better management of cat breeding and reproduction, ensuring the health and well-being of both parent cats and their offspring.