When do cats go into heat?? Heat is a delicate period that is experienced and manifested by kittens and female cats in different ways.
In the following guide we offer you everything you need to know about this moment in the life of our cats: how it happens, what happens, the difference between the heat of the male cat and that of the female, and so on. The best way not to worry about his health is to know how the cat’s body works: so let’s see how, why and when cats go into heat.
At what age do cats reach sexual maturity?
Our feline friends join theirs sexual maturity more or less between 8 and 12 months of life, this moment can, however, vary depending on various factors such as:
- the sex;
- the race;
- weight.
Starting from the achievement of this maturity the cat is able to procreate and will go into heat regularly.
How can I tell if my cat is in heat?
We have seen when cats go into heat for the first time, but how to understand that a cat is in heat?
It is not a difficult challenge, it will be enough to rely on extremely evident symptoms, even if a little different between male and female.
The cry of love
Either way the meow that sounds like a pained crybut which in reality is a simple call, is a first signal, even if, to tell the truth, it is the male cat, with a tender and romantic heart, who makes the most noise by producing actual “night serenades” for the its beautiful.
The cat, on her side, will answer with a few little cries, but without exaggerating – she’s still a lady! – accompanied by a continuous and almost morbid search for affection.
Sensual movements
It could happen, in fact, that the cat crouches with her back in the air and moving the tailnot to worry: the kitten looking for love is preparing to mate with her suitor.
Marking the territory
Finally, the cat will be able to signal to the cat its presence as a male in love by letting a few drops of pee slip here and there.
When do cats go into heat during the year?
To understand what time of year cats go into heat, it is necessary to introduce the concept of estrous cycle.
Heat period in females: the estrous cycle
The estrous cycle is the reproductive cycle that rhythms the heat in the cat and is made up of different phases including the moment ofboss (the real heat) which results from the maturation of the varicose follicles with the synthesis of estrogens. In this period the cat is ready to mate.
Heat period in males
And the male cat? The heat of the cat is always lurking, but in a “latent” way.
Its readiness to mate depends, in fact, on the presence of females in heat, the call of which the cat cannot resist.
Duration of heat in females
The heat of the cat lasts about a week. This manifests itself in periods of greater light (therefore from spring to summer), while in the winter months it returns to the period of lowering of the libido.
During the summer the heats can be multiple and recur in 3 or 4 weeks of distance. If a female cat is not neutered she will go into heat periodically.
What should I do if my cat is in heat?
When cats go into heat there isn’t much to do. Many owners think that this is a time of great suffering for their cats, but this is not the case.
For this reason there’s no need to be alarmed or look for cat heat remedies.
Keep an eye out for escapades
What you can be careful of if you want to avoid unexpected and unwanted pregnancies is to isolate the cat from the males or, in the event that the cat or the cat lives at home, keep a close eye on doors and windows because the cat in heat runs away looking for a soul mate.
Cat castration
To prevent the cat from going into heat, it is possible to resort to a castration operation (ovariectomia for the female, which affects only the ovaries, and orchiectomy, removal of the testicles, for the male).
It is a routine surgical operation that carries virtually no risk due to which it puts itself end to heat (moving away any sexual impulse), the possibility of unwanted pregnancies and the danger of certain types of cancer.
Talk to your trusted veterinarian.
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Article reviewed by:
Francesco Reina
Veterinary assistant