In cats, the heat is the fertile period of the reproductive cycle. In other words, it is the period during which the cat is sexually receptive and ready to reproduce.
How often does a cat go into heat?
Leaking in cats is seasonal. This means that a cat’s heat will recur unless she gets pregnant. Seasonality is determined by a number of factors, including length of daylight, ambient temperatures, and the presence of other cats. When conditions are optimal, the hormonal system is activated and the cat’s heat cycle begins. The mating season for cats in the northern hemisphere runs from March to September, and in the southern hemisphere from October to March. Pet cats can have a recurring heat cycle year-round until the cat becomes pregnant or is spayed.
When does a cat start her heat?
Cats begin their heat when they reach puberty. On average, the puberty period lasts about 6 months. This is an average, since some breeds begin their first heat at five months (such as Siamese cats) and for long-haired breeds at 10 months or later.
How long does a cat’s heat last?
A full heat cycle lasts from 1 to 3 weeks. If a cat does not mate, the period of heat is shortened.
Signs of heat in cats
Leaking in cats has nothing to do with vaginal bleeding, there may only be a clear discharge from the genitals that the cat is constantly licking. . The most obvious signs of cat heat are behavioral. Most cats become very affectionate and require very high attention. Many cats in their first heat do not understand at all what is going on with them and perceive their owner as a sexual object, constantly stalking him. The cat rubs itself on all possible corners and rolls around on the floor. If you pet the cat on the back, it arches out, presses itself against the floor and lifts its pelvis. Some cats urinate more often because urine contains pheromones and hormones that attract cats. During heat, cats may have an appetite disorder. These symptoms may not always appear, it happens that the heat passes without obvious signs. This situation is observed in domestic cats, and not in season.
Stages of heat in cats
There are four stages of heat in cats:
- Proestrus;
- estrus;
- metaestrus;
- anestrus.
Proestrus
This stage of heat lasts one to two days. You may notice that the cat’s vulva is slightly enlarged and looks somewhat raw, although this is not always obvious. The cat experiences restlessness and increased appetite, starts meowing (short and low sounds) and shows great affection for its owner. At this stage, the cat is only attracted to the cat and if you bring home a cat, the cat will reject it.
Estrus.
This stage will last from 4 to 8 days, but it may take longer. At this time, cats are very affectionate, rubbing everything in their path against the owner’s legs. They rock on the floor, making different sounds, purring or yelling (there is no other way to say it). In this way, the cat calls the cats to her for insemination. To determine whether a cat is ready to mate or not, you should take hold of the back of its neck and stroke it toward the tail. If the cat is ready, it will raise its pelvis, bend its tail and move its hind legs.
Metastrus.
The course of this stage depends on whether or not mating has occurred. If mating did not occur, the cat will remain in this stage for 7 to 14 days and then move on to the anestrus stage. If intercourse has taken place but the cat does not become pregnant, it enters the pseudo-pregnancy period, which lasts for about 36 days. If the cat gets pregnant, expect kittens.
Read more in ”How many cats go pregnant”
Anestrus.
The fourth stage is reproductive rest. The cat returns to its normal state.
Can a cat be spayed while in heat?
It is possible to spay a cat during heat, although many veterinarians prefer not to. During heat, a cat’s reproductive organs and the blood vessels connecting them become congested with blood. Therefore, spaying under these conditions is riskier and takes longer. I advise you to wait until the end of the heat and only then decide on sterilization. Don’t torture the animal.
Read more about sterilization in ”Cat sterilization”
If the sounds a cat makes during heat cannot be tolerated, there are a variety of hormonal-type medications. They reduce the cat’s sexual activity. Both shots and pills are available for sale. Their effect lasts for six months. After six months the procedure can be repeated, but in most cases health problems then arise. After the use of injections, many cats have seen various tumors, disorders at the hormonal level. Undoubtedly, each case is different and, besides, modern hormonal preparations are developed with the least side effects.