Why Do Cats Scream At Night?

Understanding Feline Behavior: Why do Cats Scream during Intercourse?

Cats are fascinating creatures, and their behaviours can often leave us puzzled. One of the more startling sounds that cat owners may encounter is the loud, piercing scream that female cats make during mating. This behavior can be alarming, but it is rooted in their natural instincts and reproductive behaviors. In this blog, we will explore the reasons behind this vocalisation during intercourse.

The Mating Process in Cats

Before delving into the reasons for the screams, it's essential to understand the mating process in cats:

• Heat Cycle: Female cats, or queens, go into heat (estrus) several times a year, during which they are receptive to mating.

• Induced Ovulation: Female cats can start ovulating as a response to stimulation such as petting or mating.

• Mating Behaviour: The mating process involves a series of behaviours, including scent sniffing, biting on the neck from the male to female and vocalisations.

The Role of the Barbed Penis in Mating

A unique aspect of feline mating is the structure of the male cat's penis:

• Barbed Structure: The penis of a male cat is covered in small barbs. These barbs are thought to play a crucial role in stimulating the female's reproductive system.

• Induction of Ovulation: The barbs help trigger ovulation in the female cat. This is essential for reproduction, as female cats are induced ovulators, meaning they release eggs in response to mating.

• Release of Luteinizing Hormone: The stimulation from the barbed penis during mating causes the female to release luteinizing hormone (LH), which is critical for ovulation. This hormonal response ensures that the mating process is effective for reproduction.

Reasons for Vocalizations During Mating

The screams that female cats produce during mating can be attributed to several factors:

• Pain and Discomfort: The act of mating can be uncomfortable for female cats due to the male's barbed penis, which is designed to induce ovulation. This discomfort can lead to vocalizations that sound like screams.

• Communication: Cats use vocalizations to communicate with each other. The screams may serve as a way for the female to signal her receptiveness to others as females typically mate 3-4 times in a 24 hour period or to let the male know if she is not interested anymore.

• Instinctual Behavior: In the wild, loud vocalizations can attract the attention of potential mates or deter rivals. This instinctual behavior persists in domesticated cats.

Impact of Spaying and Neutering

Spaying and neutering cats can significantly reduce the frequency of these vocalisations:

• Elimination of Heat Cycles: Spaying a female cat removes her ability to go into heat, thereby eliminating the associated vocalisations.

• Elimination of Mating: Spaying will reduce the drive for mating therefore the screams will not occur.

• Reduced Sensitivity During Petting: Neutering male and female cats can help reduce unwanted behaviours such as spaying and over sensitivity to petting.
  

  
  

  

  This is a cats tongue but the barbs on the tongue are similar to the ones of the male penis.

  
  

Conclusion

While the screams of a cat during mating can be startling, they are a natural part of feline reproductive behavior. Understanding the reasons behind these vocalizations can help cat owners feel more at ease during these moments. For those who prefer a quieter household, spaying or neutering is a viable option that can help reduce these sounds and contribute to the overall well-being of your feline companion.