Why does a cat scream after mating? - briefly
A cat screams after mating due to the male's barbed penis, which causes pain upon withdrawal, triggering a loud vocalization as a natural response. This behavior also helps stimulate ovulation in the female.
Why does a cat scream after mating? - in detail
The vocalization of a cat after mating is a behavior deeply rooted in the biological and physiological mechanisms of feline reproduction. During mating, the male cat's penis is covered in small, backward-facing barbs made of keratin. These barbs serve a specific evolutionary purpose: they stimulate the female’s reproductive tract, triggering ovulation. This process is known as induced ovulation, and it ensures that the female releases eggs only when mating occurs, increasing the likelihood of fertilization. However, these barbs also cause significant discomfort or pain to the female, which is why she often emits a loud, piercing scream during or immediately after mating. This vocalization is a natural response to the physical stimulus and the abrupt withdrawal of the male’s barbed penis. Additionally, the female’s scream may serve as a signal to the male to disengage, as prolonged contact could lead to injury. From an evolutionary perspective, this behavior ensures that the mating process is brief and efficient, reducing the risk of harm to both parties. While the scream may seem distressing, it is a normal part of feline reproductive behavior and does not indicate long-term harm to the female. This phenomenon highlights the complex interplay between anatomy, physiology, and behavior in the reproductive strategies of cats.