Answering the Call

The male cat is an opportunist. If unneutered, he patrols his territory regularly, spraying and responding to any scent markers and calls that tell him that a female in the area is receptive.

When he scents a receptive female, his spraying activity increases dramatically. Often, however, he is not the only male who has been alerted. Dominant males will fight for the right to mate.

When several toms gather, one will dominate the other, most often through intimidation or strength. After this, there is usually no further fighting among the toms, other males wait for a turn.

Releasing eggs after a single mating would reward the most dominant male, but he be the best father. Queens only release eggs after repeated matings, so any male who mates with the female has a chance to father a kitten.