Why does mating trigger ovulation in rabbits and some cats?

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Diagram comparing reproductive pathways: arrows show sexual reproduction forming a diploid zygote from oocyte and sperm, haploid parthenogenesis forming a haploid individual, and two types of diploid parthenogenesis-automixis and apomixis-both resulting in diploid individuals. Symbols indicate haploid and diploid stages. — Animal reproductive system The process of sexual reproduction and several forms of parthenogenesis.

In most mammals, ovulation occurs spontaneously as a result of rhythmic hormonal cycles regulated by the pituitary gland. However, rabbits, some cats, and certain other mammals are classified as reflex ovulators.12

In these species, the act of mating is essential to trigger the release of ovulatory hormones from the pituitary gland. While spontaneous ovulators rely on intrinsic rhythms often influenced by environmental factors like photoperiods, reflex ovulators use the physical stimulus of copulation as a substitute to initiate the hormonal surge required for ovulation. This mechanism ensures that the release of eggs is directly linked to the presence of a mate, rather than occurring at a fixed time in a cycle.123