Domestication of the dog and cat

Lecture Notes

Another effect of domestication is an increased reproductive efficiency. This graphic has cats, who are impacted by this even more so than our dogs. Now in animals such as beef cattle or other production animals, an increase in reproductive efficiency is generally considered to be a good thing. With companion animals, however, it has escalated into a crisis of literally trillions of homeless cats and dogs worldwide, due largely to uncontrolled breeding. Therefore, controlling reproduction is one of the most important responsibilities we have when it comes to our companion animals.

So how exactly is reproductive efficiency increased? Well, compared to a progenitor species, a domesticated animal often has larger litters, is often less selective for a mate, will cycle more frequently, and will often attain sexual maturity at an earlier age.