The domestic cat as a research model in the assisted reproduction procedures of wild felids

Abstract

The assisted reproduction techniques are an essential part of endangered species conservation programs. All wild felids are threatened with extinction, and the domestic cat is a good and easily available model for research on wild felids. The procedures used in cats and wild felids include artificial insemination, oocytes collection from female and sperm collection from male, in vitro maturation of oocytes, in vitro fertilization by IVF and ICSI, embryo culture, embryo transfer, cryopreservation of gametes and embryos. The effectiveness of individual procedures in cats and wild felids is often much lower than in humans, livestock or laboratory animals, but the success achieved so far confirms the need for further research.