Unspayed female cats eventually enter a reproductive stage that lasts far into old age. The hormonal process known as estrus or oestrus, which prepares cats for reproduction, begins between the ages of six and ten months. Because they are efficient breeders, cats can successfully mate with one or more healthy suitors every 14 to 21 days throughout their estrus cycle.
As it is challenging to measure a cat’s hormone levels at home, behavioral changes may be a sign that female cat is in heat.
DEFINITION
Why Does a Cat Give Off a Heat Signal?
A cat is in heat when it is fertile and eager to mate.
Affectionate Expression
Your female cat might show unusually high levels of affection. She may rub her hindquarters against you, plush toys, furniture, other cats, or even other cats. You may distinguish this behavior from simple restlessness by observing how she elevates her tail or even adopts the mating posture periodically (a sign she might be in discomfort and needs to see the doctor).
Outstanding grooming
She might spend too much time licking that area even when there isn’t any blood. Despite popular belief, a cat in heat shouldn’t bleed. Unlike humans, cats don’t lose their uterine lining during their menstrual cycle. Genital licking, however, could also indicate a serious urinary tract problem that needs urgent medical attention. If your cat only exhibits this behavior and no other heat-related symptoms, you must make a vet appointment.
Call for Position and Mating
Your queen will scream a lot. This “calling” may continue for several days if she doesn’t mate. After that, she will assume the mating posture, which entails lowering her head, bending her forelegs, arching her back so that the perineum is exposed, and holding her tail high to the side of her body. This posture is known as lordosis. Her back legs will rhythmically tread as if she were motionless when she assumes that position.
Putting Her Territory in the Light
A female cat in heat may spray urine on vertical surfaces, just like a male cat would. In order to accomplish this, she will back up to the chosen surface, raise her trembling tail, and perhaps even tread in the aforementioned beat. This may appear to be a sign of concern to untrained eyes. You shouldn’t be alarmed because this is a cat in heat acting normally (although a nuisance to you if you value your furniture).
Lower Appetite
Your cat’s appetite may noticeably decline. She is genuinely considering other things. Your veterinarian can suggest the least priced options in your area, some of which are hardly more expensive than your monthly budget for cat food. Keep an eye on her hunger, though, as this behavior often lasts little more than two weeks. After then, if she doesn’t start eating normally again, something else might be wrong.
Want to Get Away
Your cat will naturally run to the open door when it is in heat. There may be suitors outside, therefore she needs to seduce and mate with them. During this time, it is not unusual for an indoor cat to run away for more than a day, up to a week, or more. In addition to keeping a tight check on her, seal off any potential escape routes. Even better, get her to play with you so you can get her mind off what you’re doing.
Pregnancy Prevention
Actually, unless you are a professional breeder of pedigreed cats, you should avoid allowing your cat to mate. Because of the huge pet population issue facing our country, the average cat owner should strongly consider spaying and neutering their cat. Most vets recommend spaying female cats no later than six months of age. Additionally, a cat who is already in heat can still be spayed despite a little price increase. Additionally, spaying your cat will end the distressing heat cycles and any potential future reproductive system health difficulties.
If the price of spaying your cat seems like a financial hardship, several vets offer affordable spay options that are supported by community groups. By calling them, you may also find out if your neighborhood animal welfare group offers discounts on spay operations at neighboring veterinary clinics. Her biological demand changes instinctively from self-feeding to reproduction.
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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