How Long Is A Cat In Heat?
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When living with a cat it, is extremely important that a caregiver learns about a cat’s estrus phase. This is predominantly because a cat in heat presents specific characteristics that can affect the way in which they act and behave. Cats in heat can become jealous, aggressive and/or stressed. Therefore, for the well-being of your cat, you might be wondering how long is a cat’s heat cycle?
A cat’s heat is always a topic of conversation among animal lovers, due to the effects and problems it sometimes causes. For this reason, in this AnimalWised article, we will be discussing how long a cat stays in heat, as well as answering the frequently asked the question; how long is a cat’s heat cycle? Many people opt for feline sterilization, which we too, will be uncovering.Keep reading for more!
Contents
When is a cat’s first heat cycle?
A cat’s heat is the period in which a cat is fertile and can therefore, become pregnant. A cat’s first heat sometimes varies, but in general, cats experience their first heat cycle at around 6 months of age. This, however, depends on the time of the year, as it is also influenced by sunlight. One must be aware that a cats heat can span over a period of months, from the end of winter to the beginning of autumn. A cat’s heat can continue throughout the year, specifically in cats that live indoors and are affected by artificial light or in cats that live in tropical climates with more than 12 hours of light a day.
This does not mean that a cat will be in heat for the entirety of this period. It simply means that a cat living in such an environment may show symptoms of heat during those months, where it can go into heat at any time.
If you want to know more details about the different phases of a cat’s heat cycle, take a look at; Everything You Need To Know About A Cat In Heat.
How long does a cat stay in heat?
Cats go through 4 different heat phases during their heat cycle. This is also why one cannot give a clear and set answer to the question of how long a cat’s heat lasts. A cat can experience heat symptoms for days or even weeks. Generally, however, the heat period in cats lasts about 7-10 days. At the end of a cat’s heat period, the male enters the female with its barbed penis, causing pain in the female cat, triggering ovulation. This process is commonly known as induced ovulation. If fertilization does not occur, a female cat’s heat phase will repeat itself.
A cat in heat - Symptoms
Due to the peculiarities of a cat’s cycle, more than that of duration, we should actually be focusing on the symptoms of heat in cats. Not all cats, however, will present these exact symptoms. As we have already mentioned, all cats experience heat differently depending on external factors. In general, a cat in heat will appear nervous, restless, demand attention or emit shrills and/or continuous meows. These vocal releases in cats might also appear more intense at night. During this time, your female cat might also try and escape, desperately seeking the outdoors. Is your cat in heat trying to leave your house? Female cats in heat will try meet with other cats in order to mate. The pheromones that cats produce during heat can in fact induce heat in other cats, that are in a close proximity. Of course, if your cat has access to the outside, it is quite likely that it will return pregnant.
Is your cat in heat? You might also notice that your cats rubs against you or other objects more often than normal. A cat experiencing heat may also appear to be more affectionate or aggressive, lifting its tail and displaying its genitals. A cat in heat may also experience an increased appetite at the beginning of its cycle, which will likely decrease during the end of its cycle. Some cats in heat will also urinate more often and mark their environment with urine. For more on a cat’s behavior during heat, have a look through our article on; How Do Cats Act When They Are In Heat?
How to calm a cat in heat?
The only way to calm a cat in heat is to avoid it suffering from this heat. If not, it will carry on experiencing these heat symptoms that cause it pain and confusion. To avoid and/stop heat in cats, there are drugs that your veterinarian can administer. These drugs, although they may diminish heat pain in cats for a while, do not last. Eventually your cat will experience the symptoms again. These drugs can also carry side effects, such as mammary tumors or uterine infections.
Due to the health benefits, we at AnimalWised recommend sterilizing your cat. Cat neutering consists of removing your cats uterus and ovaries. After this, your cat will not experience heat and will therefore no longer be able to reproduce. But it also means that your cat will live a calmer life, driven less by hormonal charges. For more, we suggest taking a look at our article on; Benefits Of Neutering A Cat.
Cat in heat - Sterilization
So that your cat doesn’t have to experience symptoms and so that you don’t worry, we recommend neutering your cat. Many people opt for an ovariohysterectomy, always done professionally by veterinarians. We suggest that this operation take place during your cat’s first heat cycle, as it will further avoid the appearance of mammary tumors.
Can a cat in heat be sterilized?
A cat in heat can be sterilized. However, we recommend avoiding neutering your cat during its heat cycle. Neutering a cat during it’s heat cycle can carry more complications and result in excess bleeding.
Is your cat in heat still getting it’s period? Find out why here.
If you want to read similar articles to How Long Is A Cat In Heat?, we recommend you visit our Heat category.
