Semen collection, assessment and artificial insemination in the cat

The first successful artificial insemination in cats was described 40 years ago. However, the insemination in cats is at present not as commonly performed in daily veterinary practice as the insemination in dogs due to the practical difficulties in collecting a sperm sample from the tomcat, the small volume of the sperm obtained, the few possibilities to determine the optimal timing of insemination and the need for ovulation induction and sedation of the queen. Recently, a new and practical method has been described for sperm collection, using urethral catheterization after sedation of the tomcat with medetomidine. Sperm can subsequently be inseminated in the vagina or directly into the uterus by laparotomy or transcervical