How does mating work for a cat and a female cat? - briefly
Mating in cats involves the male mounting the female, who assumes a receptive posture, and ovulation is typically induced by the act of copulation.
How does mating work for a cat and a female cat? - in detail
Mating in cats is a biologically driven process that involves specific behaviors and physiological responses. Female cats, known as queens, enter a reproductive phase called estrus, commonly referred to as being "in heat." This phase occurs multiple times a year and is characterized by behavioral and physical changes, such as increased vocalization, restlessness, and a heightened receptivity to male cats, known as toms. During estrus, the queen emits pheromones and vocal signals to attract potential mates. When a tom detects these signals, he will approach the queen and engage in courtship behaviors, which may include vocalizations, sniffing, and circling. If the queen is receptive, she will assume a mating position known as lordosis, where she lowers her front body and raises her hindquarters. The tom then mounts the queen and grasps her neck with his teeth to stabilize himself. Copulation is brief, typically lasting only a few seconds, but it is often repeated multiple times over a period of hours or days. During mating, the tom's penis, which is covered in backward-facing barbs, stimulates ovulation in the queen. This unique physiological mechanism ensures that fertilization is more likely to occur. After mating, the queen may exhibit aggressive behavior toward the tom, signaling the end of the interaction. The entire process is driven by instinct and is essential for the continuation of the species. Successful mating results in pregnancy, which lasts approximately 63 to 65 days, after which the queen gives birth to a litter of kittens.