Reproductive Management in Catteries: Optimising health and wellbeing through veterinarian-breeder collaboration

Abstract

Practical relevance: Many veterinarians - even those engaged in small animal reproduction - are uncomfortable with taking care of cat breeders or being in charge of catteries. Likely reasons for this are that feline reproduction is largely under-represented in undergraduate and graduate reproduction teaching, as well as in postgraduate education and science, whereas cat breeders themselves are often well informed and actively share knowledge with other cat breeders via the internet and social media.

Clinical challenges: A variety of problems can exist within a cattery, and collaboration between veterinarian and breeder to solve these is ultimately beneficial for the breeder, for the veterinarian, and for the health and wellbeing of the individual cats and of the cattery as a whole.

Aim: This review presents a comprehensive overview of aspects of cattery management that might negatively impact reproduction, including sanitation, hygiene and infectious disease control. It also discusses monitoring of reproductive performance, breeding recommendations, and the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to some common and specific problems.

Equipment and technical skills: Reproductive management in the cattery requires no specialised equipment, as such. What it does need is an open mind, in terms of seeing how things are done, an open ear, for listening to the breeder, and the veterinarian's clinical skills in palpation, auscultation and, where required, further examination of the animals. Keeping abreast of the latest information on infectious diseases, disinfection and genetics ensures proper advice is provided.

Evidence base: Current knowledge of reproductive management in catteries is summarised in order to apply an evidence-based approach, whenever possible. Notwithstanding, much of the information remains empirical.

Keywords: Reproductive performance; hygiene; infection control; vaccination.

Figure 1

(a,b) Hygiene and environmental conditions in the cattery – including the kittening area – should be assessed, as well as the cats’ behavioural welfare. Courtesy of Ricarda Schaper and Embricabengal

Figure 2

A fenced enclosure on a breeder’s premises, providing outdoor access while limiting contact with non-resident cats. Courtesy of Ricarda Schaper and Embricabengal

Figure 3

A queen in optimum body condition fed a balanced diet will have the best reproductive performance. Depending on the stage of lactation, the queen’s energy requirement increases by 100–300%. Courtesy of Ricarda Schaper and Embricabengal

Figure 4

Regular (daily or twice-daily) weighing of kittens after delivery is strongly recommended. Provision of an adequate environmental temperature is also important to facilitate maintenance of normothermia in newborns. Courtesy of Ricarda Schaper and Embricabengal