Heat in cats: what you need to know about it

If your cat has already been in heat, then you are familiar with her behavior: loud meowing, turning into a howl, and constant attempts to attract attention. If it is impossible to mate with a cat, the estrus period will be difficult for both her and you, since the cat cannot be calmed down at this time. Mating eliminates the problem, but in this case, you need to prepare for the fact that the cat can bring two litters of kittens a year. If you do not plan to breed kittens, the best way out of the situation is sterilization. This will make it easier for both you and your pet.

Estrus is an indicator that the cat has entered the fertile period of the reproductive cycle and she is looking for a cat to mate with. 

How often does a cat go into heat? It usually occurs in spring and autumn and can last from a few days to several weeks. 

When do cats go into their first heat? This usually happens around six months of age, but for some it happens earlier, at four months.

During estrus, cats become more affectionate, rubbing their whole body, and especially actively with their pelvis against furniture, walls, and the legs of people they like. In addition, they often raise their pelvis and retract their tail, assuming a position suitable for mating. Most of the problems for the owners are the sounds that the cat makes, and the marks in the form of urine and blood. Cats during estrus constantly meow loudly and howl – in this way they attract a male for mating. They can mark walls or furniture with pungent-smelling urine, which is how cats show they are ready to mate. Domestic cats that are not allowed out of the apartment during estrus will desperately rush outside and even throw themselves at windows and doors.

The veterinarian, if necessary, will select medications that will reduce the manifestation of signs of estrus, but the best way to avoid problems of this kind and, in fact, estrus, is sterilization. Ask your veterinarian if you can spay your pet while in heat. After sterilization, the cat will not be in heat, she will become less jealous of her territory and, therefore, will leave marks and scratches much less.