Annual reproductive cycle of the Iriomote cat Felis iriomotensis.

Abstract

The Iriomote cat, Felis iriomotensis, is a small felid endemic to Iriomote Island, Okinawa, Japan. Little is known of its breeding ecology in either captivity or the wild. In this study we investigated the reproductive cycle from observations of the frequency of male urine marking, reproductive conditions and behaviors of females with young in the field, and with reference to previous reports related to breeding. Breeding of female Iriomote cats may not be seasonally restricted, although a mating peak was recognized between February and April. Females delivered litters between April and June, and maternal care continued until kittens reached four to 4.5 months of age.