Research overview: induced (reflex) ovulation in felids

Most cats are induced ovulators, meaning that the surge of luteinizing hormone needed to release eggs is triggered by the physical stimulation of mating rather than occurring spontaneously on a fixed schedule. This research overview surveys how vaginocervical stimulation during copulation activates a neuroendocrine reflex that drives the pituitary to release luteinizing hormone, leading to ovulation hours later. It considers evidence from domestic cats and several wild species, the role of repeated matings in ensuring a sufficient hormonal signal, and the implications for fertility when matings are too few or poorly timed. Understanding reflex ovulation is central to designing artificial insemination protocols, because clinicians must mimic the natural stimulus using exogenous hormones to achieve reliable ovulation.