You have probably heard of the expression "like a cat in heat," but what does that mean?
"In heat" is the time when felines are fertile and ready to mate. A feline's first heat happens when she strikes adolescence at 6 to 10 months old. Her heat cycle will generally last 4 to 5 days, and, unless she becomes pregnant, she will undoubtedly be in heat again in about a couple of weeks, much like menstruation in us humans.
The Cat Heat Cycle Explained
Female cats will undoubtedly undergo the natural warm cycle unless they have actually been made sterile or are expecting. This is likewise described as the estrus cycle. Throughout this time, a pet cat is capable of breeding. That is, breeding as well as having kittens.
If your feline has not been spayed, she will act differently when she's in heat. Keep an eye out for these signs of heat in your female cat:
1. She is more vocal than usual
Your cat might wail, moan, or meow more than usual while she is in heat. Her sobs may also sound troubled and may even keep you up at night. If you have an ordinarily noisy pet cat, seek other indicators to aid you in identifying if she's in heat.
2. Additional affection
She might rub up against furnishings, entrances, and specifically your ankle joints to spread her fragrance which has altered subtly during this cycle. If your cat is not typically caring, this is a pretty good indicator.
3. She's agitated
Your cat can't seem to loosen up, especially if this behavior is coupled with being extra vocal.
4. A low crawl
Your pet cat crawls low (and moan) when she is in heat. This is normal estrus behavior and also not an indicator that your pet cat is in discomfort.
5. Your cat wishes to be outside
If your cat is in heat, she might wish to wander outdoors to spread her scent. She could also want to meet a responsive male. If you have a feline flap, make sure to secure it so she can not venture out (and so other felines can not enter).
6. Her tail tells a story
Your cat might stick her butt in the air and swing her tail on the side.
7. Extreme grooming
Throughout this time, your pet cat's genitals are likely swollen, making her uncomfortable. Because of this, you might notice increased grooming.
8. Marking Her Territory
A cat in heat, similar to a male cat, may spray vertical surfaces with urine. To do so, she will back up to her surface of choice, raise her quivering tail, and may even perform the rhythmic treading described above. To the untrained eye, this looks like a sign of distress. Don't be alarmed, as this is normal behavior for a cat in heat (although a nuisance to you if you value your furniture).
A pet cat in heat will undoubtedly call for extra affection from you. You need to have your cat spayed by your veterinarian if you want to avoid this cycle. It also helps to eliminate the risk of unwanted or unanticipated pregnancy.
