Intact female cats (called queens) undergo a heat, or estrous, cycle to reproduce kittens. The estrous cycle in cats is vastly different from that of dogs and humans. It is vital to know cat behavior heat and how to recognize a cat in heat if you haven’t spayed your kitty yet.
When Do Cats Start Going into Heat?
Heat cycles usually begin when cats are 5–9 months old. Some kittens begin cycling as early as three to four months of age, while others might not see their first heat until 18 months old.
So it is possible your cat is in heat and, as such, believes she needs to mate! If you have an unspayed female, she will ultimately go into heat, during which time, if she mates with a male, she will be capable of becoming pregnant. Here’s how to know if your cat is in heat, how to look after her, and how to prevent unwanted pregnancy.
Cats are seasonal breeders; the length of daylight influences their heat cycles. They can conceive and give birth at any time of the year but generally show signs of heat during seasons with longer days (spring and summer) and an inactive period when the days are the shortest (the final stretch of fall continuing into early winter).
How to care for a cat behavior heat?
Your kitty may require a little extra care during this time, as it is likely to be uncomfortable when it is in heat. A quiet environment is best for a cat in heat. Therefore, minimizing stressful environments such as noises or strangers in your house will support them during their heat. Hosting a party or undertaking an intense home renovation are probably not good ideas while your cat is in heat.
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A few ways you can help take care of your cat:
Set up a cozy spot: Your cat might enjoy a warm blanket straight out of the dryer or a heating pad. You might play some soft, relaxing music to relax.
Minimize the risk of accidents: Always keep your cat’s litter box as clean as you can to prevent spraying. It will promptly use the litter box.
Give her something else to focus on: More playtime can also help keep her mind off of things when she is in estrus. Make sure you have plenty of catnip, toys, and treats on hand and prepare to give some extra time entertaining your feline friend.
Cats in heat can have very sudden and dramatic behavior changes, some of which people might find a little annoying. It’s important to try to be patient with your cat, as this is just a change that she’s going through as a result of the hormones in her body.
If you are not interested in your female cat becoming pregnant, the first step is to ensure she does not have any access to intact male cats. That means you might have to separate the cats in your home, assuming you have both, or ensure she has no opportunity to get out of your home.
Many cats in heat can become quite affectionate, but some may also be more irritable and want to be left alone. Providing them with a quiet, comfortable place to sleep would likely be beneficial.”
Cat Heat Cycles
The proestrus stage is when the cat’s body is preparing for estrus. This can last anywhere from a day or two, and cats don’t often show signs, if at all. Attract males, but not accept them.
1) Estrus
Estrus (the time during which they are receptive to males) is when they can become pregnant. That’s when she’ll exhibit the clearest symptoms. Estrus itself averages seven days but can be as short as one day or as long as 21 days.
2) Anestrus
Anestrus is the period in between a cat’s heat cycles if the cat has not ovulated. It can be as short as two days or as long as, but it typically lasts about a week. At this stage, cats won’t exhibit any behavioral changes. When the days are shortest, a period of hormonal inactivity between estrous cycles may not occur (anestrus). In the northern hemisphere, it is usually between October and December.
3) Diestrus
Diestrus, or the luteal phase, follows ovulation. If she does not end up pregnant. For 40 to 50 days, she is misdiagnosed as having a false pregnancy. Luckily, she probably won’t show during this period.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I recognize when my cat is in heat?
You’ll see your cat being more vocal, rolling on the floor, rubbing up against everything, and holding her tail to the side while raising her hindquarters. These are typical indications that your cat is in heat and searching for a mate.
Why does my cat yowl so much when in heat?
She’s meowing non-stop as a way to attract male cats. This is a very normal behavior during heat, and it can look almost painful, but it just means that she’s calling for attention from potential mates.
How long can a cat be in heat?
Most female cats are in heat for approximately four to seven days, but if she doesn’t mate, then the cycle can continue every two to three weeks until she becomes pregnant or is spayed.
Can you soothe a cat in heat?
Yes! Gentle petting, some additional playtime, and warm blankets may calm her some. Unless you’re going to breed her, it is best to keep her indoors and away from the boys.
How to spay a cat to eliminate heat behavior?
Yes! Spaying your cat prevents the heat cycle from occurring, prevents unwanted litters, and decreases the risk of health issues such as uterine infections and cancer.
Final Thoughts
Finally, allow her to have space when she requires it. Back off if she uses her teeth or the whip of her tail when you try to pet or snuggle her. While your veterinarian may be able to prescribe medication to lessen the signs, the best way to prevent the heat cycle is to have a cat spayed. Once it is spayed, yourcat behavior heat will change; she won’t go into heat and will be much less territorial and much less likely to spray or scratch.
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