If you haven’t witnessed a cat in heat before, then it may be quite a shock for you the first time you see it. Only female cats go into heat when it is time to find a mate, and the males have no problem fighting with another male to mate with her. Still, the males aren’t the only ones to act a little out of sorts. Female cats in heat are going through substantial hormonal changes that could be making her act like she’s suddenly gone off the deep end. This behavior isn’t anything to worry about! Cats in heat often do a few things that are considered normal while going through this stage.
The 7 Signs to Tell if Your Cat Is in Heat
There are quite a few clear signs that can help you determine if your cat is in heat. Keep in mind that if you haven’t had her spayed, she will go into heat at some point in her life, and it’s probably going to be sooner rather than later. What are some common signs of a cat in heat?
1. Loud and Increased Vocalization
If your cat is vocalizing a lot and being much louder all of a sudden, you can consider this a sign that she is in heat. Your feline may meow all day and night. Sometimes, the meows sound more like a moan or yowl, and it often doesn’t even sound like their normal voice. These vocals mean she is calling for mates and making her presence known to the nearby suitors.
2. Rubbing Her Body
Pay attention to your cat’s body language and make a note if she can’t seem to walk without rubbing her head or bottom on anything in reach. This could be furniture, the wall, or yourself. She may also be rolling around on the floor more than usual. This behavior helps her spread her scent around her territory and is yet another way to attract male attention.
3. Spraying
Female cats may start to spray their urine while in heat because it spreads pheromones that the male cats can sense. You will notice your female spraying even if they would normally be great pets that normally only use the litter box to do their business. Spraying is a different behavior, however, and is used as a way of marking their presence to any potential mates.
4. Attempting to Escape
When instincts take over, it’s hard for your feline to focus on anything other than finding a male to mate with. Cats are usually happy to lounge around inside. Don’t be surprised if, while in heat, she makes more than one attempt to escape to the outdoors. Cats in heat may stare intensely out windows, run toward the door as soon as you open it, or search for other ways that she can flee. Her top priority at this time is to find a mate.
5. Getting Into Position
Have you ever pet your cat and noticed that she lowered herself into an odd position with her front elbows on the floor, back legs crouched, and behind in the air? This is the mating position, called the estrus posture, for female cats. She could also start to “make biscuits” with her hind feet that resemble marching.
6. Restlessness
Cats in heat often have a hard time staying still. They’ll pace back and forth or seem uncomfortable throughout the day. More often than not, this happens while hanging around doors and windows.
7. Decreased Appetite
Another sign you might notice if your cat is in heat is that their interest in food and appetite is decreased. While this is a normal behavior during this period and there is no need to panic about it, you can try enticing her with her favorite food items. Their appetite is decreased but they shouldn’t stop eating altogether.
How Do You Calm a Cat in Heat?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a whole lot that you can do to comfort your fur baby during this stage. Other than getting her spayed, these signs will continue to happen to your cat. However, there are some things you can do to help her feel a little more comfortable.
Isolation
Keep your female cat away from males while she is in heat. If she happens to spot on or sense his presence, it will only make her even antsier. Keep all doors, windows, and pet flaps locked and shut. You might even have to draw the curtains.
Give Plenty of Affection
Offer your kitty some extra physical contact while she is in heat. This contact helps to keep her calm and ease some of the anxiety she is feeling.
Use Warmth
Some cats prefer to lay on a heat pack or another warm spot while in heat. Be careful that the pack’s temperature isn’t too hot, though, or it could cause burns or dehydration.
Clean the Litter Box
Your cat is most likely to mark their territory while in heat. Do your best to keep the litter box clean to discourage her from spraying.
Catnip
Try to use a small amount of catnip around the house. Catnip is calming for some cats. However, other cats might not respond well to it. If you are comfortable with how your cat acts around catnip, then you should consider using it to make the uncomfortableness more bearable.
Final Thoughts
The only true way to prevent your cat from going into heat is to get her spayed. Speak to your veterinarian about the best time to perform this procedure, and have a plan in place, as most cats will reach sexual maturity before they are 6 months old, so being prepared is best. Once spayed, cats will not go into heat again. Even if you have an adult cat, taking her in for this procedure is not too late. Not only will she no longer go into heat, but she will live a longer life, help control cat homelessness numbers, and save you money in the long run. Either way, it helps to understand the signs of a cat in heat and how to help them get through it.
See also:
- Are Cats in Pain When in Heat? What You Need To Know!
- How Far Away Can a Male Cat Smell a Female in Heat?
Featured Image Credit: Cattrall, shutterstock
