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When do cats go in heat?
While it’s definitely not ideal for a cat to get pregnant at a young age, unspayed females typically go into heat for the first time when they’re between 4 and 12 months old.
If you’re not planning on breeding your kitty, it’s best to have her spayed before this time. Spayed cats do not go into heat, which is more comfortable for both you and your cat.
For how long are cats in heat?
Unless you live in a region with no seasonal changes, female cats do not stay in heat year-round. Lady cats only experience heat cycles during the mating season, which runs from early spring to mid-fall.
In this period, females wil be in heat for 6 to 10 days after which they will go back to their normal selves. If she didn’t get pregnant, your cat will go in heat again after two to three weeks – a cycle that will repeat all mating season long.
Signs your cat is in heat
- Making complaining noises, like wailing, yowling, and moaning
- Being super affectionate, rubbing against you or rolling around on the floor
- Low crawling with her back arched down, often while holding her tail to the side
- Being restless in general
How to stop a cat from going into heat?
When cats are in heat, they may feel slightly uncomfortable and under the weather, so unless you’re planning to breed your cat, it’s highly recommended to have your female cat spayed.
Another option to prevent your cat from going into heat and to avoid pregnancy is a contraceptive pill specifically for cats.
However, this requires a commitment to giving your cat the pill at least once a week, and as many cat owners know, giving pills to cats can be quite challenging.
Do cats in heat need special care?
Going into heat is a natural process and cats don’t typically need any special care during this time. You can however play with your feline friend a little more than usual to distract her. Treat-dispensing toys can be a great tool to keep your feline occupied and entertained.
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