Mammary (Breast) Tumors in Cats

The frequency of mammary tumors in different species varies tremendously. They are relatively common in cats. Approximately 90% of mammary tumors in cats are malignant (cancerous). They are prone to spread (metastasize) to the lungs and lymph nodes. The cause of mammary tumors is unknown, however hormones play an important role in their development. Mammary tumors in cats are most often seen in older (average age 11 years) nonspayed females. Spaying at a young age (less than 6 to

There are many reproductive diseases that can affect the female cat. The most common of these diseases are discussed below.   Abnormal or Difficult Birth (Dystocia) Many factors can cause a difficult birth (dystocia), including uterine problems, a too small birth canal, an oversized fetus, or abnormal position of the fetus during birth. One of the more common situations in cats is a partially d

Several reproductive diseases can affect male cats. Although most of these disorders (other than cryptorchidism) are rare, the most commonly encountered conditions are discussed below.   Cryptorchidism Cryptorchidism is a failure of one or both testicles to descend into the scrotum. It is the most common reproductive disorder in male cats. The condition has a genetic basis and can be inherited from either p

Proper ovulation in females and ejaculation of fertile and normal sperm by males are regulated through a sequence of events in the brain, nervous system, and sexual organs. For optimal results, ovulation and deposition of semen into the female genital tract must be closely synchronized. Failure of any step in either sex leads to infertility or sterility. The ultimate result of infertility is the failure to produce offspring. In females, infertility may be due to the absence of th

A complete discussion of breeding and reproduction in cats is beyond the scope of this review. And considering the surplus of pet cats in the US and other countries, casual rearing of litters by pet owners is not recommended. However, the following section includes a basic discussion of reproduction in cats. Before breeding, it is best to have your cat examined by a veterinarian to assess any health, genetic, or reproductive concerns. Cats should be tested fo

Both sexes have a pair of sexual organs or gonads (ovaries or testes), the main functions of which are to produce eggs or sperm, respectively, and hormones.   The Ovaries Ovaries are female gonads that produce eggs and female sexual hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is necessary for the development of eggs, and progesterone prepares the uterus for pregnancy. Once puberty is reached and

The reproductive system is the group of organs that produce offspring. In both males and females, the reproductive system is composed of primary sex organs and primary regulatory centers. The primary sex organs are testes in the male and the ovaries and uterus in the female. The primary regulatory centers are in the brain. They control the production of hormones that in turn influence the functioning of the primary sex organs.