can dogs and cats mate

Dogs and cats cannot mate or produce offspring. Their genetic, anatomical, and physiological differences make it biologically impossible for them to reproduce. Dogs have 78 chromosomes (39 pairs), while cats have 38 chromosomes (19 pairs), which prevents the combination of their genetic material for fertilization. Additionally, their reproductive anatomy and cycles are incompatible—the male cat's barbed penis and the different ovulation mechanisms further prevent any possibility of mating or breeding between these species. Mounting behavior observed between dogs and cats is typically related to dominance, play, or stress, not reproductive intent.