Seasonal Variation in Mating Behavior in Cats after Desensitization of Glans Penis

Abstract

The glans penis in 14 sexually experienced cats was desensitized by section of the nerves dorsalis penis. These males mounted the estrous female readily but they were so disoriented that they could not achieve intromission. Reduced sensory feedback resulting from the operation and from lack of intromissions caused a decided drop in sexual activity in the fall with recovery in early winter. A latent sexual cycle in male cats is revealed, which corresponds in time to the established female cycle.