Why do cats growl when mating? - briefly
Cats growl during mating as a natural response to the discomfort or stress caused by the male's barbed penis and the aggressive nature of the mating process. This vocalization serves as a defensive mechanism to express their unease or pain.
Why do cats growl when mating? - in detail
Cats growl during mating as a natural response to the intense and often stressful nature of the reproductive process. The act of mating in cats is not a gentle or harmonious event; it is typically brief, aggressive, and involves specific behaviors that can trigger vocalizations like growling. Male cats, or toms, often bite the female’s neck to secure her during copulation, which can cause discomfort or pain. This physical restraint, combined with the male’s barbed penis, which stimulates ovulation but can also cause irritation, leads to the female’s vocalizations. Growling is a way for the female to express her discomfort, stress, or even resistance to the mating process. Additionally, the male may growl to assert dominance or to communicate his presence, as mating can be a competitive activity among males. The growling serves as a form of communication between the cats, signaling their emotional states and intentions. It is also a reflection of the instinctual and primal nature of feline reproduction, where survival and successful mating are prioritized over comfort or harmony. This behavior is deeply rooted in their biology and has evolved to ensure the continuation of the species, even if it appears harsh or aggressive to human observers.