Sexual behaviour in the cat is directly linked to brain chemistry. The hypothalamus releases substances which stimulate the pituitary gland to release hormones which cause the ovaries and the testicles to become active. In females, FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) causes the onset of oestrus and in males, LH (leutenising hormone) stimulates the production of testosterone. As soon as hormone levels rise, sexual behaviour is triggered. e ipsa.
Natural changes in brain chemistry thus cause sexual behaviour but these changes are also triggered by external factors. For example, sensory stimulation like increasing daylight brings about neuroendocrine changes in the cerebrum which stimulate the pituitary to produce FSH. ‘It has been shown that if female cats are kept in an environment where light is provided at a constant fourteen hours per day, their heat periods continue throughout the year’(Fogle,1991 ).
In the same manner, the scent of a female in oestrus is enough to stimulate the production of testosterone in toms and bring on sexual behaviour.
This is only one example of a behaviour correlated to brain chemistry and external factors, there are many others, but it is important to note that these external factors cause behaviour indirectly, i. e through the effect they have on brain chemistry.
References:
Fogle, B. , The Cat’s Mind
In the same manner, the scent of a female in oestrus is enough to stimulate the production of testosterone in toms and bring on sexual behaviour.
This is only one example of a behaviour correlated to brain chemistry and external factors, there are many others, but it is important to note that these external factors cause behaviour indirectly, i. e through the effect they have on brain chemistry.
References:
Fogle, B. , The Cat’s Mind