The spermatogenic function and plasma testosterone (T) level in the sex maturation process were investigated as to 180 mixed breed cats ranging from 4 months to 2 years in age to be castrated. Testis/epididymis weights reached a peak at 10 and 8 to 9 months of age, respectively. In the testis, sperm appeared at 5 months of age. At 7 months of age, sperm were observed in 96.2% of the cats. In the tail of the epididymis, sperm appeared in 46.9% of the cats at 6 months of age and in all cats at 8 or more months of age. Furthermore, the mean plasma T level rapidly increased at 8 months of age, and reached a peak (2.64 ± 0.68 (SE) ng/ml) at 10 months of age. Three of 180 cats (1.67%) had unilateral cryptorchidism. These results suggest that the spermatogenic function in male cats becomes mature at 8 to 10 months of age.
Journal of The Japanese Society of Veterinary Science