Why Do Cats Scream When Mating?

Cats

Have you ever heard cats howling in the dead of the night? Perhaps you hear your cat wailing in agony and rush to find them, only to discover them mating with a male cat. Whatever the case could be, the screaming and howling are very normal. It may sound powerful and even frightening, but it is a normal component of the cat mating process. But why is that? This post will look into why cats make this unsettling noise and its implications for their reproductive health. Read on for more information.

How Do Female And Male Cats Act During Mating?

The cats’ mating season usually lasts from spring through fall, though indoor cats can mate all year. Throughout this season, male cats will get increasingly aggressive and may brawl with other males for accessibility to females. Furthermore, they may start spraying pee around their domain to draw attention and attract partners. Female cats typically go into heat (reproductive cycle) numerous times during the mating season. Each cycle takes around two weeks to complete. Throughout this period, she will become more open to male cat advances, not forgetting to exhibit some behavioral changes as well, including restlessness, rubbing against objects, and increased vocalization. The actual mating process between a female and male cat is a relatively short process that lasts several seconds. The male cat will nip the rear of her neck to keep the female cat in position as it mounts and enters its penis. These bites do not harm the female. Instead, it is a way for the male to keep control throughout the mating process. The male will typically release the female after mating, and she will get away on her own. The whole mating process typically takes not more than 10 minutes from start to end. According to Animalwised, cats are simulation-based ovulators, implying their ovaries will not release an egg unless they mate. Considering that stimulation ovulators seldom get pregnant after the first mating, cats generally mate several times in a single heat cycle to enhance their chances of conceiving. In fact, it is common for a female cat to mate with several varying males over several days. Still, the primary concern is; why the screams when mating?

So, Why Do Cats Scream When Mating?

As it turns out, this ‘screaming’ is an integral aspect of both female and male cats’ reproductive processes. The scream aids in the successful mating process, thus, ensuring that the female cat eventually becomes pregnant. For male cats, the scream signals to others that he has claimed territory and is, hence, off-limits. The scream also stimulates the female cat’s reproductive organs, causing her to be aroused and prepared for mating. In addition, female cats scream to signal probable mates that they are in heat and prepared to mate. It also aids in stimulating the male cat’s penis, increasing the likelihood of conception. Some people even believe that the scream could notify other predators of the proximity of a mating couple; thus, protecting them from attack.

Is Mating Painful For Cats?

The simple answer: Yes! If you have ever seen cats mating, you will note how much the female appears to be in pain. Female cats keep screaming, and for a good reason. The penis of a male cat has a set of spiky barbs. During penetration, they lay flat, yet they scrape the vaginal wall, causing the female cat to cry in pain. As a result, the male will most likely grab her by the neck. Although having a barbed penis appears to be a dreadful biological oddity, it is necessary for breeding. As stated above, female cats are induced ovulators, implying that the ovaries cannot release mature eggs until they copulate. The shock of the male’s penis barbs shocks the female cat’s system and induces ovulation, thereby placing the queen in ‘extreme heat. This moment is probably when the cat is most likely to become pregnant.

What Is The Behavior Of Female Cats Right After Mating?

Immediately after mating, female cats might act quite strangely as they exhibit various behaviors. The female might become increasingly aggressive with you until she calms down; hence, it is best to approach a female who has just mated with care. More often than not, female cats will actively fend off the male cat that tries to linger around for long. Once the male is gone, the female cat will alternate between grooming herself, especially their private parts, rolling around, and calling out to the male. The reason for this reaction is the confusion brought about by the surge of hormones released. However, per FAQCats, this frenetic period usually passes swiftly as the female prepares to mate again. Over the course of 1-2 days, most females will attempt to mate three to four times. Often, they could be prepared to mate again in about 30 minutes and will begin screaming to entice the male cat back to them. On the other hand, Cats are not choosy about who they mate with; hence, different males could father a single litter of kittens.

Should You Be Concerned About Your Cat’s Screaming?

The screams are startling, yet they are entirely typical. Despite how distressing it may appear, the mating process is rather simple, and most female cats recover fast. You should only be concerned if you realize anything odd about her physique. Vaginal or rectal prolapse might occur as a result of particularly heavy breeding. When this occurs, the cat’s internal organs will bulge from the body. Such situations necessitate veterinarian assistance; thus, do not hesitate to seek help.

How To Recognize A Pregnant Cat?

So, you were present for the mating ritual and heard the screaming. If you think your feline friend is pregnant, you will normally notice signs of pregnancy in your cat in 30 days. According to Loving Meow, you can look out for telltale signs such as slight tummy expansions, inflamed mammary glands, and a greater appetite. Your veterinarian can do an ultrasound at 30 days to confirm if the cat is pregnant. Another ultrasound will be performed in 60 days to determine the size of the liter.

Takeaway

Ultimately, by human standards, the cat mating process is somewhat unusual as, in other circumstances, the deafening screams would elicit fear. When it concerns cats’ mating, though, it is a natural part of the process. After that, keep a watch on your female cat. Nevertheless, if you wish to avoid those situations in the future, consider spaying your cat to prevent undesired pregnancies.

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