We love our cats, but if you own an unspayed female cat, you’re guaranteed that as soon as she’s old enough, she will go into heat. These hormonal changes begin around 6 to 10 months of age, and your cat will stay in heat off and on well into her old age if you don’t have her fixed.
In most cases, your cat will go into heat every 14 to 21 days. During this time, your cat can get pregnant and soon present you with darling little kittens that you might or might not want.
What are the signs that your cat is going into heat? Is it possible to tell? Yes, it is. We’ll answer these questions and more below, so join us.
The 6 Signs to Tell If a Cat Is in Heat
1. More Affectionate
Most female cats become super affectionate when they are about to go into heat. The cat will start rubbing her hindquarters on furniture, other cats, stuffed toys, and even you on occasion.
You can determine whether the cat is just restless or sick and in pain by the way the cat lifts her tail or the way she assumes the mating position. This is a sure sign that your feline friend is in heat.
2. Grooming Excessively
Female cats who are in heat tend to groom themselves to access. While cats in heat do not bleed, she might groom her genital area constantly. However, licking their genital area excessively can also signify a urinary tract disorder, which can be dangerous for your cat. If you see her exhibiting this behavior, it’s best to make her an appointment with your vet for diagnosis and treatment.
3. Marking Her Territory
While this isn’t widely known, female cats mark their territory when they are in heat. The cat will lift her tail back up to a vertical surface, quiver, and spray the surface, whether it’s your couch, a wall, or you. This is normal behavior for a cat in heat, though it’s not good for you or your furniture.
4. Very Loud Vocalization
Female cats in heat will walk through the house, meowing loudly. This is their way of calling a male to come to mate with them. This vocalization will go on for more than a few days unless she finds a male cat to breed with. If your cat suddenly stops this loud calling, you may have kittens on the way.
5. Loss of Appetite
Since your cat has other things on her mind, you might also see a decrease in her appetite. Her instinct is shifting her focus to reproducing instead of eating. While this is normal behavior, it should go on for no more than two weeks. If the behavior continues, it’s best to get her to a vet to see if there’s an underlying cause for her loss of appetite instead of being in heat.
6. Trying to Escape
The last thing you need to be careful of with a cat in heat is the need to escape. Her hormones will cause her to bolt if she sees the door open in your home. If your cat isn’t used to being outside, she might get lost or not make it back. Ensure that you keep all escape routes locked and blocked until your cat is out of heat.
Cats in Heat: FAQ
Now that you know the signs to look for that tell you your female cat is in heat, we’ll answer a few of the most common questions about cats in heat below.
How Long Are Cats in Heat?
On average, cats are usually in heat for 6 or 7 days. However, that cycle can vary depending on the cat. If the cat doesn’t mate, the cycle can last for over 10 days and happens every 2 to 3 weeks.
How Can You Prevent a Cat In Heat from Becoming Pregnant?
This is a tricky one. A cat in heat will do everything in its power to get out and find a mate. The best thing you can do is make sure all cat flaps are locked and secure and that no doors are left standing open. Not only will your female cat try to get out, but male cats will come from miles around to see her.
How Old Does a Cat Need to be to Be Spayed?
The best way to prevent a female cat from becoming pregnant is to have the cat spayed. It would be best to spay or neuter cats between 4 and 6 months of age right after they have had their primary vaccines.
Conclusion
It’s not that hard to tell when a female cat is in heat. She’ll be overly affectionate with everything and everyone, vocalize very loudly, and try to get out of any exit point she can. This is normal behavior for your feline friend, as it’s an instinct for her to want to breed.
However, if you don’t want kittens from your feline, it’s best to have her fixed as soon as she is old enough to have the procedure. If you don’t have her fixed, you will eventually end up with two or even more additions to your family in the form of little, adorable balls of fur, so be ready.
Featured Image Credit: New Africa, Shutterstock
