As some of you feline aficionados out there may be well aware, we are now a month into the loudest season of a cat’s year.
If you live with a cat who is not spayed or neutered and is older than 4 months, you may be picking up on a few peculiar behavioural changes lately. Perhaps they are noticeably more affectionate than usual, strangely vocal, and seemingly desperate to get outside. They might start excessive genital grooming or spraying urine to mark their scent.
The reason for these more uncharacteristic moments is that during the months between February and October, cats experience their heat cycle – more technically called their estrous cycle. When a cat is in heat, they feel the instinctual urge to mate, which can lead our feline friends to become stressed and behave strangely. Cats can be in heat for anywhere from 1-6 weeks, with 2-3 weeks between these periods of heat.
It’s worth noting that cats in heat don’t actually ovulate until they mate, which is likely the cause of their long cycles. They also don’t bleed during their cycles the way humans do, so if you notice a cat bleeding it’s vital that you get them seen by a veterinarian immediately.
Female cats reach sexual maturity around 4 months old and males between 6-12; try to spay or neuter them before this happens to prevent their and your distress. In the absence of spaying or neutering, there aren’t any good options for getting your cat out of heat, meaning you’ll have to ride it out and consult with your vet about sterilisation after their heat has passed.
If you have a cat who has gone into heat, you can help make them more comfortable until it has passed. As always, cosy places your kitty can snuggle where they feel safe and warm will do wonders for their stress levels. When they come seeking your attention, perhaps also try to give them a little more fuss than usual to soothe their anxiety.
Some cats find catnip soothing, and if that’s your kitty, you’re likely to already have a toy or two with a little that they can sniff for the calming effect. Playing with your cat to burn off energy also becomes a bit more important and will encourage rest. Lastly, if they have begun to spray or leave urine where you’d rather they did not, keep the litter box clean and try to stay as patient as possible.
Most importantly, remember that this is a natural process, but can be uncomfortable for everyone involved. Cats who have been spayed or neutered do not go into these heat cycles and are spared the stress and agitation they can bring. However, if you have any concerns about your cat or questions about how to care for them best, check in with your veterinarian.