THE STUD MALE
Though the brood queen plays a vital part in the breeding programme, the stud male's role is perhaps even more important, for he may be responsible for hundreds of kittens during his working life, while even the most fertile queen is likely to produce a maximum of one hundred. For this reason the stud male must be an excellent example of his breed, selected for his good looks, which should approximate closely to the breed standard of points of excellence, for his general health and stature, and for his gentle temperament. He should have been well reared and from a strong litter that suffered no setbacks during the kittens' early days. The qualities and fertility records of both his parents should be known. Keeping a stud male properly requires experience and understanding. Such cats are generally loving and affectionate, but their habit of spray-marking their territory and possessions means that they usually have to be housed well away from the family's rooms. It is important, however, for the stud cat to be kept occupied and interested in life during the periods between visiting queens. He will need lots of affection and daily handling, even short coated cats benefiting from daily grooming. His accommodation should be as pleasant and spacious as possible, with plenty of exercise areas and access to suitable spots for sunning and running. A cat chosen as a potential stud will be shown to championship status in order to prove his quality and may even go on to become a grand or double-grand champion. He will be carefully reared through kitten hood, and be fed to grow strong and healthy. His vaccination programmes will be meticulously carried out and regular booster injections given. He will be regularly dosed against internal parasites and his teeth, ears and claws will be examined weekly. When a stud cat loses his popularity, the caring owner will have him neutered rather than let him become more and more morose living in a state of frustrated boredom. Though many neutered ex-studs continue to spray, and are, therefore, unable to become house pets, their busy youth should have entitled them to a long and peaceful retirement. Ex-stud cats, which would have fought each other to the death during their working lives, often settle down to live out their days together. Stud Tail: This in a common condition in uncastrated males. The male cat, under the influence of the male sex hormone testosterone, produces an oily secretion from glands at the base of the tail. This can result in an unsightly, greasy patch of hair, or hair loss in the gland area at the base of the tail. This is particularly noticeable in light coloured cats, and in particular the rex cat due to having no guard hairs. This usually does not concern the cat unless the area becomes irritated or infected. Treatment: Wash the area with a medicated shampoo, a baby shampoo or a mild soap to degrease the area and eliminate the stain. This may need to be repeated daily especially in the breeding season. If infection occurs, your vet may advise the use of antibiotics. Castration is the only effective way of eliminating the problem permanently
