Signs of Heat in Cats/coming into season
When a female Heat in cats undergoes various physical and behavioral changes. An unspayed female will start having heat cycles, making her capable of becoming pregnant if she mates with a male. Here’s how to identify if your cat is in heat, what to expect during this time, and how to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Heat in cats refers to the hormonal changes that prepare a female cat for mating, also known as estrus or oestrus. This cycle typically begins around six to 10 months of age and continues throughout the cat’s life. Female cats can go into heat every 14 to 21 days unless they become pregnant or are spayed. Cats are seasonal breeders, meaning their heat cycles are influenced by the amount of daylight, with more cycles occurring during longer days in spring and summer.
The heat cycle has several stages. Proestrus is the initial phase where the cat’s body starts preparing for mating, but she won’t be receptive to males. This lasts a day or two. Estrus is the fertile stage when the cat is ready to mate, which lasts anywhere from seven days to 21 days. Interestrus follows if she doesn’t ovulate, lasting about a week. Anestrus occurs when there’s hormonal inactivity, often during the shortest days of the year, while diestrus happens after ovulation and may lead to a false pregnancy if she doesn’t conceive.
When a cat is in heat, you’ll notice several behavioral and physical changes. One of the most common signs is an increased affectionate behavior. She may rub her hindquarters against furniture, other cats, or even you, often lifting her tail and assuming a mating position. This is a clear indicator she’s in heat, and it’s different from restlessness that might suggest other issues like pain.
What is heat in cats?
The period of hormonal changes that prepares female cats for breeding is known as estrus or oestrus. Typically, a cat’s first heat cycle occurs between six to ten months of age and can continue throughout her life. Cats are prolific breeders, with heat cycles recurring every 14 to 21 days until they either mate and become pregnant or are spayed.
Cats are seasonal breeders, meaning their heat cycles are influenced by daylight. While they can be fertile year-round, they generally experience heat during the longer days of spring and summer, with a lull in activity during the shorter days of late fall and early winter.
Cat Heat Cycles
Proestrus is the initial stage where a cat’s body prepares for estrus. This phase typically lasts just a day or two and often shows only subtle signs, if any. While intact male cats may be drawn to her, she will not yet be receptive.
Estrus is the fertile stage when a cat is receptive to males and can become pregnant. During this time, she displays the most noticeable signs of being in heat. Estrus usually lasts about seven days but can vary from as short as one day to as long as 21 days.
Interestrus refers to the period between heat cycles if the cat has not ovulated. This phase can last anywhere from two to 19 days, with an average of about a week, and there are typically no behavioral changes.
Anestrus is a period of hormonal inactivity between estrous cycles, often occurring during the shortest days of the year. In the northern hemisphere, this usually happens from October to December.
Diestrus, also known as the luteal phase, occurs after ovulation. If the cat does not become pregnant, she may experience a false pregnancy lasting 40 to 50 days. Fortunately, she usually does not show signs of actual pregnancy during this time.
Signs of Heat in Cats
When a cat is in heat, she experiences several physical changes that influence her behavior. While it’s not possible to measure her hormone levels at home, you can look for specific behavioral signs that indicate she’s in estrus. Here are some common indicators:
Increased Affection
Your female cat may become notably more affectionate during her heat cycle. You might see her rubbing her hindquarters against furniture, stuffed toys, other cats, or even you. This behavior can be distinguished from simple restlessness (which might indicate pain and a need for veterinary care) by her tail position and the occasional mating posture she may adopt.
Excessive Grooming
A cat in heat may spend an unusually long time grooming her genital area, even though there won’t be any blood. Contrary to common belief, cats do not bleed during their heat cycles, as they do not shed the lining of their uterus like humans do. However, it’s important to note that excessive licking can also indicate a urinary tract issue, which requires prompt veterinary attention. If your cat shows this behavior without any other signs of being in heat, it’s best to consult your veterinarian.
Mating Call and Position
When a cat is in heat, she tends to vocalize loudly, often referred to as a “calling” that can last several days unless she mates. During this time, she will adopt the mating position: with her head down, forelegs bent, rear quarters raised to expose her perineum, and tail elevated to the side of her body. This posture, known as lordosis, is accompanied by rhythmic treading of her hind legs, as if she’s walking in place.
Marking Her Territory
Like male cats, a female in heat may spray vertical surfaces to mark her territory with urine. To do this, she will back up to her chosen surface, raise her quivering tail, and may exhibit the rhythmic treading mentioned earlier. While this behavior might seem like a sign of distress to those unfamiliar with it, it’s a normal part of her heat cycle (though it can be quite a nuisance if you value your furniture!).
Loss of Appetite
When your cat is in heat, you may notice a significant decrease in her appetite. Her instincts are focused on reproduction rather than eating. However, keep an eye on her eating habits, as this decreased appetite should last no longer than two weeks. If she refuses to eat entirely or doesn’t return to her normal eating pattern after this time, it could indicate another issue, and you should consult your veterinarian.
Need to Escape
During heat, your cat’s instincts drive her to rush towards the door when it opens, drawn by the prospect of potential mates outside. It’s not uncommon for an indoor cat to try to escape, sometimes for days or even longer. To prevent this, make sure to secure all potential escape routes and keep a close watch on her. Engaging her in play can also help distract her from her urge to wander.
How to Care for Cats in Heat
There isn’t much you need to do for your cat while she’s in heat, but you can help keep her comfortable. Enhance her environment with cat trees, scratching posts, toys, and engaging games. If she enjoys catnip, sprinkle some for her occasionally to redirect her attention. Creating a calming atmosphere with pheromone diffusers and sprays, like Feliway, can also be beneficial.
Preventing Pregnancy
If you want to avoid an unplanned pregnancy, it’s crucial to keep your cat indoors and away from unneutered male cats. If you don’t plan to breed her, the best option is to have her spayed. This not only prevents pregnancy but also eliminates the hormonal surges that lead to the behaviors associated with being in heat.
Spaying Your Cat
Unless you’re a professional breeder of purebred cats, it’s best to avoid letting your cat mate. A pregnant cat can give birth to multiple kittens, all of whom will need loving homes, and she can become pregnant again soon after giving birth.
In light of the pet overpopulation issue, spaying and neutering are highly recommended for cat owners. Most veterinarians advise spaying female cats by six months of age.
Spaying not only eliminates the discomfort of heat cycles but also helps prevent future medical issues related to reproductive organs. While a cat in heat can still be spayed, doing so carries a slightly higher risk of complications and may increase the cost.
If spaying seems too expensive, some veterinarians offer low-cost options subsidized by community organizations. Additionally, local animal welfare groups may provide coupons for affordable spaying at participating vets. Your veterinarian can help you find the most budget-friendly options in your area, some of which may be comparable to your monthly cat food expenses.
