Insights into breeding management and contraception in catteries - What we learned from an online survey

Published knowledge about cat breeders' habits regarding breeding management and contraception is limited, but vital for efficient veterinary support of catteries. With an online questionnaire, we surveyed breeders' origin, breed, number of breeding queens/tomcats in the cattery, age at first estrus, use of contraceptives and ovulation-inducing drugs or treatment in queens [progestin pills; proligestone injection; hCG; GnRH agonists as injection or deslorelin implants (DSRI); melatonin; vaginal stimulation], as well as the use of contraceptives in tomcats [progestins pills; proligestone injection; DSRI; melatonin]. The participating 404 breeders of 46 cat breeds originated from 24 countries (German (201, 49.8 %) and Bengal breeders (73, 15.8 %) overrepresented) with the majority having ≥10 years of experience (n = 195, 48.3 %). In average, 3-4 intact adult queens (n = 185, 45.8 %) and one intact tomcat (n = 149, 36.9 %) were kept per cattery. Breeders answered that 50.6 % (n = 896) of their queens were 7-10 months old at first heat, long-haired breeds significantly older than short-haired (p < 0.0001). Progestin pills (n = 235, 47.4 %) were most commonly administered in queens, followed by DSRI (n = 53, 10.7 %). Regarding tomcats, the slight majority of breeders (n = 229, 53.3 %) did not use contraceptives, next common were DSRI (n = 141, 32.8 %). Within the study population, contraceptives were most popular in (Northern) Europe, while least common in Northern America. Despite its limitations, this large worldwide study provides relevant insights into reproductive and contraceptive management of catteries. Limited access to contraceptives and dissatisfaction with local veterinary support as commented by several participants suggest the establishment of telephone consultation services and breeder seminars by specialized veterinarians.