Do the penile barbs on a cat's penis withdraw after mating?

Yes, the penile barbs on a cat's penis do retract after mating. These barbs are designed to stimulate the female's reproductive tract during copulation, which can induce ovulation. After mating, the barbs retract as the penis is withdrawn, reducing any discomfort for the female. This unique anatomical feature is part of the reproductive strategy in felines.