Mr. Cat is not deterred by blizzards.

[ShazzieB]

9. My understanding is a little different.

This article on feline estrus cycles is more in line with what I've always understood: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/estrus-cycles-in-cat

It does say that cats are induced ovulators, in the sense that the act of mating induces the ovaries to release eggs. But I don't think fenale cats are receptive to a male's advances except during the estrus cycle.

Pheromones are of course the tip off that tells tom cats whether a female is in estrus. The toms definitely do go looking to find the ladies who are "in the mood," and those are ones they will try to mate with.

Edited to add: This is my 10,000th post! Woo hoo!