The cycles will start around when your cat is four to five months old, which is why Vahrenwald says cat owners should get their cat spayed close to the six-month mark. Heat cycles occur when a cat's body is hormonally ready and receptive to becoming pregnant.
During the cycle, your cat may be more vocal in the evening if she smells potential mates outside and wants to go out to them. Vahrenwald says she might also be more willing to have her rear end petted and may even rub it on her owners. Some cats who are in heat will urinate more often or spray it onto vertical obstacles. This is because their pee contains hormones and pheromones that actually help attract male cats. Feline dating habits are weird, but effective.
How Long Are Cats in Heat? Published: June 30, Diestrus: Occurs when a cat has ovulated this happens when the female cat mates with a male Anestrus: This is the absence of any heat cycle. Is There a Breeding Season? What Are the Signs of a Cat in Heat? Featured Image: iStock. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? Yes No. She may also crawl along the ground as she is calling and appear generally more restless than usual.
Other signs include frequent washing of her genitals and spraying her territory. These are all normal behaviors during estrus. Your favorite feline will be back to normal within a few days and the surgical site will heal within a couple of weeks. Any stitches will be removed at your next vet appointment. Although you can have your cat spayed while she is in heat, most vets would not recommend it. It could also cost you more money. Be sure to keep your home secure, and seal off any potential escape routes, such as windows, doggie doors, and easily opened screen doors.
Some cat owners swear by herbal remedies, and there may be some truth to their efficacy. Rescue Remedy is a popular choice, and if catnip has a calming effect on your cat, it may be a good choice as well. However, avoid constantly dosing your cat with herbal remedies; use them only in moderation when nothing else works. Humans aren't the only ones who love music; some animals really enjoy it, too.
Fill your home with the sounds of relaxed classical, smooth jazz, or ambient electronic music. You never know—it might help your cat stay relaxed, and it could mask some of the howling. Cats love to mark their territory, especially when in heat. By keeping the litter box clean and free of cat urine, you'll encourage your cat to keep marking it, instead of marking your carpet or sofa. Also, it's wise to avoid ammonia cleaners; they may stimulate spraying behavior. According to most veterinarians, spaying a cat during heat is less than ideal.
It can be done, but there's an increased potential for surgical complications. However, if you have no intention of breeding your cat, consider spaying her. That way, you won't have to deal with this situation in the future, and you'll prevent the birth of unwanted litters. Noisy, aggressive, prone to escape attempts: cats can be annoying when they're in heat, but it's important to be patient with your pet. She didn't ask to be in heat, and a little patience and care from you can help them get through it with minimal stress and discomfort.
Evan Ware is a veterinary practitioner in Phoenix, Arizona.
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