Is it biologically possible for the female cat to mate (just not get pregnant) a

1. 86

   Pamela Kinnaird Wposted 12 years ago

   Is it biologically possible for the female cat to mate (just not get pregnant) after being spayed?
   
   A relative of mine says female cats can still mate after being spayed.  I don't know the biology of what is done during the spaying operation.  But I've never heard this opinion before.  The topic came up because my cat -- who has mostly been an indoor cat -- now insists loudly on being outside ever since a male cat moved in across the way.  She's never shown more than a passing tolerance for other cats. I do believe she's smitten with this male visitor who sits outside her window.  When she escapes outside, she doesn't come back for  8 hours. But I don't think spayed cats can or want to mate.
   
   

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2. 82

   Teresa Coppensposted 12 years ago

   I had a male horse who had been gelded who did once in a while try to mount my mare.  I was told by my blacksmith that he may have been only partially gelded meaning some part of the reproductive tract had been left producing enough hormones to initiate the desire but sperm production was not possible.  The same may be true for female cats.  If enough ovary is left she may produce the hormones to illicit sexual desire but not be able to conceive a litter of kittens!

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      Pamela Kinnaird Wposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Teresa Coppens.  Emerald did finally come back last night -- third night in a row -- and luckily she let us sleep last night.  The previous two nights all she did was meow to go back outside.

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3. 72

   BeautySavvy22posted 12 years ago

   Yes it is possible.  After being spayed their instinct to mate is totally wiped out but some animals do it as a sign of dominance or just to play.  However, it is VERY unlikely to happen especially in a female cat.

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      Pamela Kinnaird Wposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Dominance -- that sounds like her.  Thanks for your comment, BeautySavvy22.

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4. 87

   mistyhorizon2003posted 12 years ago

   There would be nothing to stop her going through the motions of mating as she still has the relevant 'entrance' on her body, it is just she would most likely not choose to mate as the desire would not be there hormonally (ovaries etc have gone). It is also very painful for a female cat to mate as the male has barbs on his penis, which cause a great deal of pain to the female when he goes to withdraw. It is unlikely he will show much interest in attempting to mate with her anyway because she won't come into season any more.
   
   I wouldn't worry about her vanishing for 8 hours when she does go out either. Most cats will do this. Mine sometimes go for a few days before returning. It is totally normal when you consider a cats territory can be anything up to 2 miles around where it lives. It takes time to explore all this land and she also probably has some favourite places she likes to go and have a sleep in the sunshine. 8 hours really isn't long at all.

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      Pamela Kinnaird Wposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, mistyhorizon2003.  Emerald, my cat (not the one in photo -- she's my daughter's) did a complete turn around in wanting to go outside for so long.  It's good to know eight hours isn't necessarily a big deal.

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5. 77

   Shaddieposted 12 years ago

   When an animal is spayed, the vagina is not removed... That would be extremely weird.
   
   A spayed female most likely would never willingly accept a partner, but if she did, she would be able to mate but would have no ability to conceive. During the spaying process the internal organs that create eggs, release eggs, hold reproductive hormones, and eventually would house kittens, are all removed (ovaries, uterine horns, fallopian tubes, etc). Again I stress, the vagina (the portion of the internal female reproductive system which houses the penis during intercourse) is left in tact.
   
   I hope you enjoyed your biology.

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      mistyhorizon2003posted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Yep absolutely agree. As a former vets assistant/nurse I can confirm you are correct.

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