Like the majority of female mammals, cats experience physiologic cycles that prepare their bodies for conception and reproduction. In humans, this cycle is referred to as “menstruation.” The objective of a female cat’s cry, on the other hand, is to attract a potential suitor.
Since female cats are hormonally primed for sexual activity and reproduction during estrus, it is common to refer to them as being “in heat” during this time. If you don’t want to deal with the bother of caring for and raising a litter of unwanted kittens, neutering your cat is essential since cats can go into heat in their late kitten years.
Heat Cycles in Cats
Cats frequently go through heat cycles when they are fertile because of their polyestrous nature. These cycles can start as early as four months of age and continue until a cat is spayed or bred. Every two to three weeks, cats experience repeated heat cycles, which can last anywhere from a few days to two weeks. It is easy to see why a female cat would nearly always display signs of being in heat. Early spay and neuter is a widespread procedure among veterinarians as a result.
When your cat is ready to breed, she will let you know. It’s challenging to prove that heat cycles aren’t damaging, yet based on her calls, she seems uneasy (or loud wailing). In felines, it is referred to as “estrus.” Knowing this to be true allows you to unwind and stop worrying that your pet is acting “strange” or unwell.
How crucial timing is
With the arrival of spring, a female cat in her prime will begin a heat cycle. The longer, warmer, and more sunny days cause your queen’s body to start going into season. This heat cycle often lasts a week to ten days. After a few weeks, if pregnancy is not achieved, she may return to warmth and continue this cycle until it is.
If she mates at this time and becomes pregnant, she will go into heat again eight weeks after the kittens are born or immediately after they wean. Your cat may have a fake pregnancy, in which case she exhibits certain pregnancy symptoms for a brief period of time before reverting to estrus four to six weeks later, if your cat mates but is unsuccessful in getting pregnant.
How Cats Experience “Heat”
The logical presumption that a cat in heat will have the same physical symptoms as a woman having her period is very different from the reality. To begin with, cats retain their uterine lining. Therefore, contrary to popular belief, heat shouldn’t result in vaginal bleeding. If your female cat is bleeding, call your vet. Every month, female humans lose the lining of their uterus, which can result in cramping, bloating, and other symptoms.
During this time, cats screech and scream for attention, but they don’t exhibit any other bodily symptoms like cramping. Instead, a hormonal boost will make your cat highly eager to mate. She might brush up against you, pace back and forth, and assume a mating position if you pet or massage her.
Your cat may not eat as much during this period, or she may lick her private parts regularly and spray to mark her territory. She might even try to leave the room through the door in search of a companion. All of this is standard summertime activity.
How to Handle a Cat in Heat
A cat in heat can be very difficult to live with. Don’t search for a “cure,” as your cat’s behavior is totally natural. Yes, your veterinarian can give you injections of synthetic progesterone to prevent fever and shield you, your cat, and yourself from its consequences. Spaying is a better and more durable option, though.
If you don’t intend to breed your cat and are just trying to get her through these cycles, play with her often while she is in heat and give her toys or pillows that she can tear. She should have a warm hiding area with a heating pad for privacy, and catnip for relaxation. If things start to get out of hand and she starts to cause issues, you may be able to buy stress-relieving herbs designed expressly for pets at your local health food store.
Read Next: How to Tell if Your Cat Is in Heat
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your family pet, know the pet’s health history, and may make the best recommendations for your pet.
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