MANIPULATION OF REPRODUCTION WITH HORMONES IN CAT

Knowledge in feline reproductive biology is limited. This has prevente d the development of new approaches for cat population control beyond the long known effectiveness of oral progestins for estrus suppression or interruption of the cycle. An exception is the use of prolactin in hibitors which are highly effective and safe for the induction of abor tions during the second half of pregnancy. Prostaglandin F2alpha may b e used during the same phase of gestation to cause abortion but side e ffects and its inability to regress the mammary gland make it a less a ttractive option. PGF2alpha on the other hand, has opened new approach es to a conservative therapy of the open pyometra in the queen. Anestr us in season responds well to treatment with gonadotropins (PMSG, FSH and hCG), and unwanted lactation can be controlled quickly and effecti vely with prolactin inhibitors. Undesirable, sex related behavioral pa tterns like urinary marking (spraying) after neutering and spraying ca n be controlled with progestins only in a limited percentage of cases. These non-responders can be controlled to 50 to 60% with diazepam, re quiring long-term therapy.