Has your cat started behaving weirdly? If you are not very experienced with cats as an owner and need to learn about their heat cycles, don’t worry. We have got you covered. Most owners often ask: How Do You Know If a Cat is In Heat?
If your feline is in heat, you may be able to identify it immediately. Felines in heat undergo many behavioral and physical changes. One of the major signs of a cat in heat is that she becomes more vocal than usual. She starts to make loud noises and moans more in her heat cycle. However, it is quite a challenging time for any pet owner when his/her feline is in heat.
Furthermore, when an unspayed feline begins having heat cycles, she can become pregnant after mating with a tom cat. Whether your feline is expecting heat anytime soon or is presently in heat, I will discuss in detail what a pet owner should know about caring for her during the heat cycle.
Key Takeaways of How Do You Know If a Cat is In Heat
- The 1st heat cycle of a cat typically starts when she turns around six to ten months old and lasts till old age.
- The average time of the feline’s heat cycle is around seven days; however, it varies from 2 to 19 days.
- The most significant indicator of a feline in heat is increased vocalization.
- If a cat doesn’t become pregnant, then there is a chance that it can go into heat every 2-3 weeks.
- Spaying a cat in heat can be challenging because of the bigger blood vessels in her reproductive organs
What is heat in cats?
Changes in hormones that prepare felines for breeding are known as oestrus or estrus. A queen’s first heat cycle typically starts when she is six to ten months old and lasts until old age. Cats are competent reproducers, with their heat cycles occurring every 14 to 21 days until they get spayed or become pregnant.
An interesting fact about cats is that they are seasonal breeders. Daylight plays an important role in determining a cat’s heat cycle. they tend to experience it during longer days, like spring and summer. Their inactive period are the shortest days, from late fall to early winter.
What are the Phases of a Cat Heat Cycle?
The average time of the feline’s heat cycle is around seven days; however, it varies from two to 19 days. Also, if there are long daylight hours, the cycle can occur every two to three weeks.
She goes through 5 phases during her heat cycle, as mentioned below:
Proestrus:
This phase lasts only 1-2 days without any behavior change.
Estrus:
It lasts for almost seven days (it may range from two to nineteen days). This is the phase when you will notice some behavioral changes in her. It is likewise the stage when she is open to tom cats and able to become pregnant.
Interestrus:
It occurs if a feline has not ovulated. It lasts for around 13-18 days until proestrus begins again.
Diestrus:
The phase occurs when a queen has ovulated and mates with a tomcat.
Anestrus:
In this phase, there is an absence of a heat cycle. This can occur after fewer daylight hours (it might not be observed in indoor felines exposed to continuous light at home).
At what age can cats get pregnant?
Usually, a feline goes into heat between six and nine months of age. But heat cycles can begin either at four months of age or at twelve months.
Normally, short-haired cat breeds start to cycle at an early age, while bigger or long-haired cat breeds might not show indications of heat until they are 18 months old.
We have just discussed the age at which felines can become pregnant, but another query often asked by pet owners is: How often do cats go into heat? In case a cat doesn’t become pregnant, then there is a chance that it can go into heat every 2-3 weeks.
How to tell if your cat is in heat?
Increased vocalization is the most significant indicator of a feline in heat. However, various signs will help you identify her heat cycles.
Let’s discuss these indicators in detail below:
More vocal than usual:
This is also called calling; a feline might moan, wail, or meow more than usual in her heat cycle. Her calls might sound troubled and even wake you up while you are sleeping. For people with a noisy cat, this will not be the only sign you need to be mindful about. Keenly pay attention to other indicators to help you know if she is in the cycle.
Being restless:
It will be next to impossible for her to stay calm and comfortable during this time period, mainly if this behavior is coupled with ‘calling’.
A low crawl:
If she is in heat, she may moan and slow crawl concurrently. This is usual oestrus behavior, so it does not mean that she is in pain.
Increased affection:
She might rub against doorways, furniture, and particularly her owner’s ankles to spread her odor, which is slightly different during the heat cycle. If she is not typically affectionate, it is a good sign.
Extra grooming:
During heat, your cat’s genital area will probably become uncomfortable and swollen, which means that she will require extra time grooming it.
Wants to go outside:
When in heat, a feline might desire to go outside to spread her smell or meet an interested male. For those with a cat flap, lock it properly so she cannot go outside, and the other cats cannot come in. During this time, its best if you keep her distracted with play.
A tail tells a story:
Your feline might move her tail to one side and twig her buttocks above in the air; this is the mating position.
Not eating sufficient:
In heat, a feline’s last concern is food. They might not consume as much as normal or even vomit within a short time after eating anything. They will eat less and avoid foods that can cause gastric problems.
Spraying everywhere:
Spraying means a cat in heat peeing everywhere. During the heat cycle, cats start spraying furniture or walls with strong-smelling urine. This is because their urine contains hormones and pheromones, which show their availability to a tom cat.
Mating Call & position:
As we discussed earlier, a feline in heat starts to vocalize more. This “calling” will continue for various days until she mates with a mate. Then, she will take up the mating position: rear quarters raised to reveal the perineum, forelegs bent, head down, and tail raised and held to one side of her body.
This position is known as lordosis. When your feline assumes this posture, her rear legs will step regularly as if walking in a room.
How to care for cats in heat?
You should not do much to care for your cat while her heat cycle is going on. Just keep her easy and relaxed and improve her environment with cat scratching posts, trees, games, and toys.
If your felines love catnip, sometimes sprinkle a few for her to divert her from other manners. You can also create a soothing atmosphere by using pheromone sprays and diffusers.
Preventing Pregnancy:
Primarily, if you do not want your pet to become pregnant, keep her away from unneutered tom cats and keep her in the house. Also, if you don’t want her to breed, getting her spayed is the best option you have. Once your cat is spayed, it will also put an end to hormonal changes which lead to a lot of behavioral changes, most of which are mentioned above.
Spaying Your Cat:
The main thing is that unless you are an expert pedigreed feline breeder, you should not allow your pet to mate. A pregnant feline might give birth to many kittens, each needing the best home.
Moreover, there are chances of her becoming pregnant again right after giving birth to little ones. If you want to spay your pet but are unsure about the age at which to spay a cat, here is the answer.
Remember that every feline is unique in its own way, and a professional vet will give proper advice on when you need to have your pet spayed or neutered. Normally it is recommended neutering or spaying her at around 5-6 months of age. Adult felines can likewise be neutered or spayed.
Can you get a cat spayed While in heat?
Even though it is typically suggested to avoid spaying a pet during its heat cycle, there are some circumstances where a vet might progress with the surgery. It can be essential if her heat cycles are closely spread out or if there is an increased risk of unintended mating.
However, it is significant to consider that spaying a feline in heat can be challenging because of the bigger blood vessels in her reproductive organs. That’s why before spaying, wait 1-2 weeks after your pet completes her heat cycle.
Conclusion:
Heat is when a feline enters her most reproductive cycle stage and is willing to mate with a male cat. Usually, she enters heat various times a year, with each heat cycle staying for around six days. The heat cycles can begin as early as 4-5 months into her life and will continue until they become pregnant or are spayed. In this blog, I have provided all the essential info you need to know as a cat owner, with this question in mind: How Do You Know If a Cat is In Heat? Various signs help you identify felines in heat, and increased vocalization is the most prominent.
FAQs:
How long does a cat stay in heat?
Cats in heat, known as the estrus stage, stay for around a week but can continue for about 21 days. An unspayed feline who doesn’t get pregnant will repeat her heat cycles, so it might look like your pet is always in her heat cycle.
Is it painful for cats to be in heat?
No, cats don’t typically experience any pain in heat, but they might be disturbed or uncomfortable. The agitated and vocalization behavior you are observing is due to the hormonal desire to mate.
Source Links:
- https://www.thesprucepets.com/signs-your-cat-is-in-heat-552396
- https://www.bayswaterveterinaryreferrals.co.uk/article/how-to-tell-if-your-cat-is-in-heat/#:~:text=Four%20signs%20your%20cat%20is,tail%20from%20side%20to%20side
- https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/evr_ct_cat-facts-how-long-are-cats-in-heat
