How to know and calm a cat in heat? When a cat is in her heat, or estrous cycle, she is most fertile and prepared for mating. A cat typically experiences her first heat cycle between the ages of six and seven months, and subsequent heat cycles typically last between seven to twenty-one days and take place every three to four weeks.
Three to five times a year, female cats might go through a heat cycle. A cat may experience this for the first time as early as five or six months of age, or it may take them a full year to have their first heat cycle. Since cats don't have a set mating season, they can go into heat at any time of the year.
How to know and calm a cat in heat?
What you need to know about caring for your cat throughout their heat cycle, whether your cat is in heat right now or you anticipate it someday soon.
Signs that a cat is ovulating
You'll probably be able to tell whether your cat is in heat straight immediately. Her constant yowling, which is a hybrid of wailing and meowing, pacing back and forth, adopting the mating stance (lifting her rear end in the air), and showing off her adoration may all catch your attention. Other indications might be:
- Behavioral changes
- Urine spraying outside the litter box
- Begging to go outside
- Excessive grooming
- Unusual vocalizations
- Licking genitals
- Loss of appetite
Most veterinarians advise spaying your cat if breeding is not an option. Spaying will not only spare you and your cat from a monthly stressful week, but it will also stop an unintentional litter of kittens from being born and may, in the long term, reduce health issues.
When does a cat go into heat?
A female cat will cycle through heat after her first heat every three to four weeks until she gets pregnant. While domestic cats may cycle through estrous all year long, wild cats typically only enter heat during the mating season.
Dr. Janet Cutler, Ph.D., a specialist in cats, is a Cat World contributor and a licensed cat behaviorist. She notes that a number of variables, such as the climate, the length of sunshine, and even the location, affect the heat cycle in cats.
"When a cat reaches adolescence, which can occur between the ages of 4 and 12 months, they will have their first heat cycle. The temperature and the amount of daylight hours where you and your cat reside can have an impact on the timing of heat cycles. Cats frequently go through heat cycles from January to October in the Northern Hemisphere, however being inside can change this and they could go through them all year.
If they are not bred by a male, cats can cycle every three weeks and can be in heat for up to nine or ten days. Although cats typically have 2 to 4 cycles a year, it is not unusual for them to have cycles every 3 weeks for a few months.
The way a cat behaves when in heat might vary greatly. Acting more affectionately or demanding more love, as well as rubbing up against others and/or furniture, are some examples of this. When being pet, female cats may roll around more and lift their butts. Some cats may pee more or even spray on surfaces while they are in heat, however this is less usual.
Male Cats' Sexuality
Tomcats spray pee to identify their territory and as a way of chemical communication. It is important to distinguish this behavior from normal micturition and aberrant urination brought on by urinary tract infections. Males who have been castrated as well as intact may engage in this behavior. A cat raises its rump up high while spraying, while the tip of the tail quivers. As the spray, which is typically thrown back in brief jets of around 1 ml, is directed onto a vertical surface, treading motions are frequently observed. The presence of competing cats, social upheaval (including changes to the home's design), or the death of a human or animal friend can all lead to indoor spraying.
Males who have been castrated as a whole typically exhibit little or no spraying, and their urine smells less strongly. However, it is not always successful; rates of success have been estimated to be approximately 78%. Both intact and neutered cats can sometimes benefit from the administration of progestagens. Continuous or intermittent administration of medication is possible. The hypothalamus is considered to experience negative input, while the cerebral cortex is supposed to experience soothing effects. While introducing environmental and behavioural adjustment, the short-term use of sedative or psychoactive medicines may also be beneficial.
Owners of cats should be discouraged from punishing the tomcat in any manner after it sprays since doing so can make things worse. On the other hand, direct punishment (a jet of water from a water pistol) or an appropriate object that, when thrown, physically disturbs the activity, can be quite effective if the cat can be caught in the act. An unexpected noise, such as that made by an alarm or by throwing a bundle of keys, might also dissuade cats that have been caught spraying.
How to treat your cat while it's in heat
Your cat will probably want more tender loving care while she is in heat to help her feel more comfortable.
Reducing stressful conditions, such as loud noises or strangers in your house, will benefit cats in heat because they thrive in peaceful surroundings. When your cat is in heat, it's generally not a good idea to throw a party or do major house renovations. Instead, consider making a tranquil space where your cat can unwind.
She might prefer to lay on a heating pad or a warm blanket that has just come out of the dryer. To further enhance your cat's calming experience, try using pheromone plug-ins and pleasant music. Keeping your cat's litter box as clean as you can can encourage them to mark the litter box rather than your couch, which will help you prevent spraying. Stock up on catnip, toys, and treats, and prepare to spend more time amusing your cat when she enters her estrus with the assistance of more playtime and catnip.
According to Dr. Cutler, one of the most crucial things to keep in mind when your cat is in heat is patience.
"Cats in heat can exhibit quite abrupt and evident behavioral changes, some of which people can find a little annoying. It's crucial to try to be patient with your cat because this is just a transition she's going through as a result of hormonal changes in her body. Make sure your female cat doesn't have access to intact male cats if you don't want her to get pregnant."
"If you have two cats in your house, this may include keeping them apart or taking precautions to prevent her from fleeing. While many cats go through a period of increased love, some may get agitated and desire to be left alone. It could be beneficial to provide them with access to a peaceful, relaxing location to rest"
Cat Pregnancy
Typically, a cat will give birth to kittens 65 days after conception. In the initial weeks, it is challenging to determine whether a cat is pregnant. Throughout her pregnancy, the pregnant cat needs to get the right nourishment and regular activity. Using the cat's pregnancy to teach young children about pregnancy may be a fun experience for your family.
Development and kittens' birth
During pregnancy, cats typically develop a deep love and attachment for their families. You should prepare several secure, calm birthing sites for the cat as the end of the pregnancy approaches and let her select which one she wants to utilize. After the kittens are born, the mother cat will usually move them multiple times to a location that she deems secure. So be ready to discover kittens in unexpected locations.
Ways to comfort your cat in heat
- Give them a blanket or warm cloth.
- Play calming tunes
- Maintain a clean litter box and provide catnip
- use pheromone sprays or plug-ins that are synthetic
- Play with your cat and give it more love and care.
- Give her some room when she requests it
- If you do not want to breed your cat, think about having her spayed.
Your cat will probably let you know when she's in heat by acting differently and vocalizing more.
Take away
Throughout the cat's pregnancy, you should regularly take the cat to the doctor to make sure everything is healthy. After the kittens are born, you should give the mother cat and the little ones some time to get along.
It goes without saying that you will need to decide whether to let the pregnancy to terminate by getting the cat spayed if it was an unintended one. Whatever you choose, keep in mind that this is a beloved family member, so be nice and compassionate with any decision.
Whatever you choose, keep in mind that this is a beloved family member, so be nice and compassionate with any decision.
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