Reproduction Problems In Cats

Over the years, veterinarians have spent a lot of time preventing cats from breeding. However, today many studies are being conducted over the inability to reproduce and problems during the reproduction cycle. Failure to reproduce may be due to a number of reasons. Both toms and queens may have reproduction problems.

Infertility In The Toms

Infertility in male cats may be because of anatomical, physiological or psychological reasons.

Anatomical reasons: Some of the anatomical reasons for cat reproduction problems in toms are as follows:

• The undescended testes into the scrotum
• Underdevelopment of seminiferous tubules and improper generation of sperms
• Foetal infections developed may have caused abnormalities in or underdevelopment of the reproductive system
• Wounds to the scrotum
• Malnutrition or obesity

Physiological reasons: The physiological reasons for infertility include

• Immaturity of toms leading to low testosterone levels
• Chronic diseases
• Hypothyroidism

Psychological reasons: Tom cats may refuse to mate due to certain reasons which include changes in the environment or due to the aggressive behavior of the queen.

Reproduction Problems In Queens

The queen's failure to reproduce could be due to failure in displaying oetrus or refusal to mate. Even if mating does take place, there could be a failure in ovulation or fertilization. A visit to the veterinarian should help to get a diagnosis as to the infertility of the queen.

Once the queen does get pregnant, one should be alert for the following complications:

• Eclampsia

Eclampsia can be fatal. It may develop in the final stages of pregnancy. It is caused due to the depletion of calcium in the blood. The symptoms of eclampsia include drooling, pain while walking, stiffness, agitation, panting, and irritability. In the last stages of the disease the cat may experience muscle spasms and seizure.

• Abortion

If the pregnant cat is unhealthy or sick, the fetuses may not develop properly. This may cause spontaneous abortion. Symptoms of abortion include vaginal bleeding, fever and depression. At times the aborted fetuses are not found as the queen may eat them. If abortion is suspected, a veterinarian must be consulted immediately. The cat would need to be checked to see if she is carrying any dead fetuses.

• Resorption

During resorption, the queen's body absorbs the dead foetus. There are no visible external symptoms for this occurrence. However if one suspects that resorption has occurred, a visit to the veterinarian is advisable. The vet will examine the cat to check if she is carrying any more dead fetuses.

Overall it is seen that difficulty in reproduction may occur due to problems in either the male or female cat. Most of these problems are curable. Once the queen is pregnant due care should be taken of her health so that she gives birth to healthy kittens.