Why does the cat scream after mating? - briefly
The cat screams after mating due to the male's barbed penis causing discomfort and triggering a reflexive response, which also stimulates ovulation in the female.
Why does the cat scream after mating? - in detail
The vocalization of cats after mating is a natural and biologically driven behavior rooted in the reproductive process. Male cats possess barbed penises, which serve a specific purpose during copulation. These barbs are designed to stimulate ovulation in the female, as cats are induced ovulators, meaning they only release eggs in response to physical stimulation. However, this process can cause discomfort or pain for the female, leading to the loud cries or screams often observed. The female's vocalization is a reflexive response to the physical stimulus and the sudden withdrawal of the male, which can be particularly intense due to the structure of the male's reproductive anatomy. Additionally, the act of mating itself is brief and aggressive in cats, with the male often gripping the female by the neck to maintain control. This behavior, combined with the physical sensations, can heighten the female's stress and result in audible distress. The screams also serve a secondary purpose in the wild, as they may deter other males from attempting to mate with the female immediately afterward, giving the initial male a better chance of successful fertilization. This vocalization is thus a complex interplay of physiological response, evolutionary adaptation, and natural instinct.