A review of control protocols of sexual activity in the feline species and main protocols for the suppression of cat sexual activity in the Canary Islands

Abstract

Felines have a complex reproductive cycle which must be known and understood in order to be successful both in suppressing the reproductive cycle and in inducing it, since it is a seasonal polyestrous species and induced ovulation is an important factor in take into account when inducing estrus in females. From the use of usual surgical methods such as the Ovariohysterectomy and Orchiectomy to the use of contraceptive drugs and reproductive inducers, they must be used knowing both the advantages and disadvantages that each one entails and applying it when necessary, studying each case individually. Progress still needs to be made in terms of pharmacological methods, since surgical methods are the most used in the domestic cat, however, it serves as an experimental model for the use of reproduction-inducing drugs, in order to help reproduction programs of vulnerable or endangered feline species A survey of veterinary clinics located in the Canary Islands was carried out, with the aim of knowing what techniques or methods are commonly used, as well as the complications and effects seen by veterinarians when using these methods. The results showed that the most used surgical techniques for the suppression of sexual activity are the Ovariohysterectomy and Orchiectomy, and the most frequent complication is usually inflammation of the incision point. On the other hand, drugs for the suppression of sexual activity are used in very few clinics due to side effects such as pyometra. Also, many veterinarians believe that sterilization has a high connection with the appearance of overweight, with half of the sterilized animals being at risk and also at risk of diabetes.