Cats in Heat - What to Do

Once a female cat matures sexually, she will come into 'heat' two to three times a year. This is a time of hormonal flux, during which the 'queen' (as sexually mature female cats are referred to) is ready to mate. This period is alternately called 'being in season', 'on call', 'calling' or being in the 'estrus cycle'. Although a cat in heat may not cause a lot of inconvenience to her owner, it is a known fact that this time is far from being enjoyable for the queen. The following article has useful information for those pet owners who are concerned about their pet's health and comfort, and have this question - 'cats in heat, what to do.

Cats in Heat - Information
Cats come in heat once they mature sexually. This sexual maturity is attained on an average within 6 months. However, certain cat breeds, like the Siamese cat breed and the Burmese cats experience their first heat when they are as young as 4 months old. Although the exact age for cats experiencing heat for the first time can't be ascertained, it usually lies within 4 to 10 months.

If you asked different pet owners who have had cats in heat, how long does it last, you would get different answers. Usually the cats in heat duration lasts for 4 to 6 days but some have reported that the heat cycle in their cats lasted for over 10 days. Once the cat has entered the 'heat cycle' she will come in heat every 2 to 3 weeks until she is spayed or she becomes pregnant. The frequency of the estrous cycle depends upon environment, geographical factors, age and health of the cat.

Cats in Heat - Symptoms
Do you think your cat is is heat? If yes, then look for the following symptoms of cats in heat:

• There is a stark change in cat behavior once she goes into heat. Cats in heat appear to be more affectionate than usual. You will often find her rubbing her rear, neck and head against all objects, other cats and the human beings around.
• The cats in heat have a distinct call. It will be a long, loud howl. This is actually a call to attract other male cats around and let them know that she is in estrus.
• In case your cat is in heat, you would often find her in mating position with front quarters bent down and the bottom pointed up, with the tail held high.
• The cat usually carries her tail to the side and there is a definite 'tread' in her hind legs.
• She sprays her urine around on vertical objects instead of doing that on the floor or carpet. If she is in heat, her urine will have a stronger smell than it usually would. This is due to the high amount of estrogen. This lets the male cats know that she is in heat.
• A female cat in heat often licks her genitals. However, in the absence of other symptoms, this behavior could indicate some urinary tract disorder.
• If your cat is the quiet type, then when in heat, she will try to run out often.

In case your cat shows most of the symptoms mentioned above, it is a sign that she is in heat. Read more on understanding behavior of cats and strange cat behavior.

Cats in Heat - What to Do
The fact about cats is that though they may not have any vaginal discharge or show any physical pain, the estrus cycle causes a cat a lot of discomfort. A female cat will be relieved of this discomfort only after she becomes pregnant or is spayed. If this is not done they she will continue to be 'on call' once every 2 to 3 weeks. However, extra physical comfort like petting or cuddling her may provide some of the sensory stimulation that she seeks when she is in her estrus cycle. Also keeping one's cat busy is a good way to let the feline spend that extra energy that she seems to have when she is 'in season'. Also, some shots of hormones by the veterinarian to your cat will prevent her from entering the estrus cycle. This is for those who breed their cats and want to stop the cycle temporarily.

Spaying is another option for the pets of those that don't own pedigreed cats and don't want to breed them. Spaying would not only save your cat the discomforts of a cycle, but it is also good for your cat's health as it reduces the risk of certain medical complications like uterine infections and breast cancer. The most common age of getting cats spayed is 6 months although some vets do it when the pet is as young as 5 to 6 weeks. Spaying one's cat during the heat cycle is also possible although this is a more complicated process. Vets usually charge more than usual when spaying a cat in heat. Others may just wait till the cat has come off season. Whatever the case, go with the vet's opinion. Read more on cat health questions.

In case you don't mind having kittens, do not just let your cat out as she may contract some harmful diseases if she mates with just any cat. Also, if it is her first heat, try to keep her away from male cats. Most vets are of the opinion that a cat should be allowed to mate only after she is already a year old and has undergone a couple of cycles.

Now that you have answer to the question - cats in heat, what to do, you could choose any measure to reduce the discomfort of cats when they are in heat. However, if breeding is not on your mind, then spaying would be the best option, as agreed by most.