Mating is a natural process for cats, but you might wonder how they actually do it. Female cats can have litters with different fathers or breeds, which is called superfecundation. This biological phenomenon occurs when two or more eggs are fertilized at the same time in a heat cycle. Sometimes, the same pair can mate multiple times, which is called heteropaternal superfecundation.
Male cat’s penis has barbs
The barbs on the male cat’s penis help the male pass on genes to the female through successful mating. This means that while kittens do not have barbed penises, they develop them by the time they are six months old. Female cats may resent this intrusion, so many are neutered or spayed before this developmental stage occurs. However, there are some good reasons for the barbs on a male cat’s penis.
Female cat’s penis makes withdrawal painful for female cat
As you may have guessed, the male cat’s penis contains spines and tiny spikes that make the process of mating very painful for the female. During intercourse, these spines stimulate the female’s ovulation and keep the penis from dissolving. While these spines do not cause any pain to the female, they trigger a hormonal shock and activation of the neuroendocrine system (LH). As a result, after mating, the female cat’s behavior and mood changes. Most likely, the female cat will attack the male aggressively and lick him for two to seven minutes, before being calm and relaxing.
Reflex ovulation triggers a cat’s body
Induced ovulation is a physiological process in which a female cat’s body releases the luteinizing hormone, or LH, when mechanically stimulated. It is an important part of cat reproduction, but without mating, the ovary will not ovulate. Cats are induced ovulators, but at least 30 percent of females will ovulate spontaneously.
Ejaculation occurs in a few seconds
Cats’ ejaculation occurs in a few seconds after mating. During mating, the male cat grabs the female by the scruff of her neck and mounts her, thrusting her pelvis against her body for three to 20 seconds. The female cat lets out a loud scream as the barbed penis rashes her insides and causes ovulation. This mating process is painful and often results in no kittens.
After reaction of a kitten
A female cat does not ovulate unless it has mated before. This first mating puts her into intense heat for three days, or more. Queen cats can mate in as little as 30 minutes, and the male cat is careful not to injure the female. During mating, he bites her on the neck, holding her by the neck. He also must be extremely careful not to hurt her. The male cat is a powerful animal and must be held very gently in order to avoid injuring the female.
