Reproductive and behavioral control in the male and female cat with progestins: long-term field observations in individual animals
Jöchle, W.; Jöchle, M.
Theriogenology 3(5): 179-185
1975
ISSN/ISBN: 0093-691X PMID: 51808 DOI: 10.1016/0093-691x(75)90002-3Document Number: 506321
One female and 2 male cats were kept for 2 yr at 19 deg 20'N, and the same female and one of the males were kept for a further 6 and 3 yr resp. at 37 deg 25'N. The animals were observed daily in respect of their reproductive and social behaviour and of the ability of progestins to control their behaviour. In the female , which had shown puberty at 4 mth of age and regular 29.77-day (24-35) oestrous cycles thereafter at 19 deg 20'N, a single oral dose of 5 mg MA or CAP 24 h after the onset of oestrus (full receptivity and multiple matings) prevented gestation in 15 cycles. At 37 deg 25'N, in general, the female stopped cycling in early winter or failed to exhibit overt oestrus, so that medication was unnecessary.In the 2 males , complete control of sexual behaviour was achieved by a weekly oral dose of 5 mg MA, CAP or delmadinone acetate. The last named, but not MA or CAP, was also effective at a dose level of 2.5 mg. Treatment resulted temporarily in the males losing their social rank within a group. Treatment was essential throughout the year at 19 deg 20'N, but could be discontinued from Sep. to Feb. at 37 deg 25'N. Castration of 1 male did not result in loss of social status, although libido and sexual behaviour were suppressed.