Expert: Marcia Owen - 4/5/2009

Question
I have been observing an experienced - yet just under 2 yrs old stud cat trying to mate my very large BSH queen.  Many attempts have been made and my queen is cooperating.  However, there has not been a successful mating yet after a whole day (she is in day 3, her prime).  He is roughly 3" shorter than her in length and stands shorter than her also.  She is experienced also.  He is taking her quite far up on her neck and does not seem to be able to make the 'reach' so far.  After being on her for a good 5 minutes, she gets annoyed with him and wiggles away.  There is no rolling, shouting or any signs of successful matings from my queen.  Will the stud eventually 'get it' that he has to take her neck lower down so he can make his mark?  Thanks.

Answer
I have known many smaller (shorter) studs successfully mate their queen, but they do tend to hold the queen further down the body.  If he is already experienced it may be that he will not realise he has to change his position and may need you to guide him to use a lower part of the net.  Of course it may be that you will need to find a longer stud for your girl if he doesn't like your intervention.

Marcia.