Husbandry/Biology Flashcards
What is the minimum number of litter boxes provided to cats?
One litter box per two cats
What temperature range are cats kept at?
64-84F
What light cycles are cats kept at?
12:12 or 14:10
How tall must cat cages be?
24cm
How large must cat cages be?
</= 4 kg = 3 ft sq
> 4g = 4 ft sq
Queens with nursing kittens require additional space
How much perching space must be provided to cats?
Enough for all cats to rest comfortably at the same time.
When is the socialization period of cats?
3-8 weeks. Handle to ensure tractability
Do queens display cooperative care of young?
Yes, and kittens develop faster and leave the nest sooner
How should intact toms be housed?
With spayed females when not breeding. Friendly with females, regardless of repro status.
Do perch spaces count as floor space?
Only if the space below them cannot be comfortably occupied
When do cats reach puberty?
Females: 5-9 months, usually when greater than 2 kg
Males: 8-13 months
Describe reproduction in queens.
Seasonally polyestrous (Jan-Oct). Induced ovulators and polygamous
When is peak sexual activity in cats?
Females: 1.5-7 years. Average 2-3 litters/year with 3-4 kittens/litter
Males: 2-8 years
How long is feline gestation?
63-65 days
When are kittens weaned?
3-8 weeks
When do cats return to estrus?
2-8 weeks after weaning. Many queens can return to fertile cycling while nursing, but continuously pregnant, nursing, or both is not recommended.
How does cat blood type impact reproduction?
Blood type A toms should not be bred to type B queens. Can cause neonatal isoerythrolysis.
Type B blood is rare in domestic shorthairs, common in some purebreeds
How are cats typically bred?
Harem groups, with 4-6 queens per tom. Max of 20-25 cats per breeding room
How are queens nursing litters and kittens housed?
Queens nursing litters and kittens <4 months of age are not housed with other adult cats.
What can cat reproduction be used to model?
Infertility - models to develop techniques of assisted reproduction. Cryopreservation of spermatozoa and laparoscopic oviductal embryo transfer.
What dietary requirements do cats require?
Taurine, arginine, arachidonic acid, and vitamins A, D, and many Bs
What results from a diet deficient in vitamin A?
Hind limb ataxia, proprioceptive defects, and leukoencephalomyelopathy on necropsy. Resulted from feeding gamma irradiated commercial diets
What results if a diet is deficient in taurine?
Retinal degeneration within 3 months and dilated cardiomyopathy if consumed for more than 3 years.
What is the estimated energy need of an adult lean cat? How does this change with pregnant and lactating queens?
Approx. 100 kcal/kg/day. Needs to increase by 25-30% to accommodate pregnancy and lactation.
