Estrus in cats

How long does a cat's estrus last

Each cat goes into heat in its own way, the period from 5 to 20 days is considered normal. Too short estrus or its absence may be associated with thyroid pathologies and ovarian underdevelopment. If the estrus, on the contrary, is prolonged, it may be a symptom of inflammation of the ovaries, as well as cysts and tumors.

Important: it is recommended to sterilize the cat if you do not plan to mating. With a large number of leaks without fertilization, the likelihood of developing diseases of the reproductive system increases, and hormonal drugs that suppress estrus have serious side effects. Sterilized cats do not annoy the owner with a summoning meow, do not run away in search of a cat and live for several years longer than pets who have not undergone surgery.

How often does a cat have heat

The frequency of leaks in a cat depends on individual characteristics and breed. For example, y scottish fold and british shorthair cats in heat occur less often than those with more temperamental persian and siamese breeds. The average frequency is considered to be 1 estrus in 3 months. Some pets have estrus repeated 1 time in 3 weeks, others are not interested in cats for six months. Thus, the average cat will have 4 estrus per year.

If a small predator gave birth and nursed kittens, then the next heat will begin in 4-6 months. However, in cases where the offspring was immediately taken away or it died, the cat may be ready to mate earlier.

A cat's sex drive is influenced by age and season. Although estrus accompanies the female throughout her life, sexual rut occurs more rarely in adulthood. As for the seasons, increased excitability can be observed from March to October, and reduced – in winter. It is so laid down by nature, because it is much easier to bear offspring in the warm period. At the same time, domestic cats living in approximately the same temperature regime may require a cat all year round.

The cat's first heat

The first estrus in a cat happens at the age of 6-9 months. In phlegmatic beauties, estrus can begin at 10-16 months. The reason for contacting the veterinarian will be the beginning of estrus in a cat younger than 4 months or a delay of up to one and a half years of age.

The first heat is not a reason to think that now the pet is ready to mate. Physiological maturity comes about six months after puberty, that is, it will be possible to knit a cat at about 1.5 years or older.

Note: before organizing the mating of a cat, it is necessary to skip 2-3 estrus. Pregnancy in the first heat often ends with complications and the birth of dead kittens, and also suspends the development of a young organism.

A few details will help to predict at what age the cat's first heat will begin.

• Large cats mature longer than miniature ones, long–haired ones - later than short-haired ones. The first heat at oriental and Abyssinian cats can happen as early as 5 months, whereas Norwegian forest , siberian , maine coon and ragdoll will have to wait up to 9-15 months. Estrus at scottish and british of cats begins at 8-12 months.
• Puberty in street cats occurs earlier than in domestic cats.
• The time of the beginning of estrus is transmitted genetically. If past generations matured early in the cat's family, then an early estrus should be expected.
• Animals with weight problems mature later than their relatives with normal body weight. This applies to both overweight kittens and females with exhaustion.
• It was noticed that cats born in the spring, estrus begins earlier than pets with autumn birthdays.
• The presence of a cat nearby contributes to an earlier manifestation of sexual instincts.
• If there is poor lighting in the apartment, the activity of sex hormones will be suppressed, and estrus will occur later.

Having estimated at what age to expect the first estrus in a cat, you can plan future mating or prepare a pet for sterilization.

Signs of estrus

Estrus in cats is a natural process that allows a fluffy beauty to fulfill the program laid down by nature – to continue the genus. If we compare estrus with the menstrual cycle, then ovulation would be an analogue of estrus. Even a not too observant owner will not miss the moment when the pet wants to "go on a spree". The behavior of the cat is changing, which can cause discomfort to households and even neighbors.

It is possible to understand that a cat has started estrus by a number of specific signs.

• The cat demands a lot of attention, becomes affectionate, even obsessive. If you stroke her in the pelvic area, she will take the following pose: she will stretch her front paws forward, and lift her back up, while pulling her tail to the side. This position is suitable for mating with a cat. Bouts of tenderness can be replaced by aggression, on such days even the calmest pet is able to hiss and bite.
• The cat begins to actively rub against everything: furniture, carpets, walls, legs of the owner. Thanks to this, she spreads her scent, which should attract cats.
• An unpleasant feature can be the leaving of marks by a cat. During the marking of objects, the pet turns its back to the vertical surface and raises its tail, releasing a few drops of urine.
• In addition to the smell, males are attracted by the voice. The cat calls the cat with a very loud meow, turning into a scream. It may seem that something terrible has happened to her, because the timbre of her voice itself changes, but in fact, the more she screams, the more likely it is that one of the gentlemen in the neighborhood will hear her. If you can still put up with this soundtrack during the day, then night arias bother many owners and residents of neighboring apartments.
• During estrus, cats have clear secretions, so they spend a lot of time licking their genitals.
• Domestic cats will try their best to escape to the street, even if they have never left the apartment before. So their instinct tells them. Yard purrs just don't come into the house during a spree.
• Estrus is accompanied by frequent urination, pets can visit not only the tray, but also other places convenient for them.
• The cat eats less than usual, or because of stress, her appetite completely disappears.

During estrus, the pet is experiencing great physical and emotional stress. In no case do not punish the cat for inappropriate behavior – it is controlled by hormones. Treat the problem with understanding.

Stages of estrus in cats

Estrus is divided into 4 phases. Even an experienced host will find it difficult to distinguish one estrus period from another. However, knowing the physiological characteristics of the whiskered-striped, it will be possible to calculate a favorable date for mating, as well as to avoid unpleasant incidents.

• Proestrus. This is the preparatory phase. It lasts from 1 to 4 days. You can notice changes in the behavior of the cat. The pet rolls on the floor, caresses the owner, the first scanty discharge appears. At this stage, the female will not let the cat near her, because she is not yet ready for fertilization.
• Estrus. The second stage is called the same as the whole cycle. The heat itself lasts from 5 to 10 days, which largely depends on the breed. Under the increasing effect of hormones, it is already difficult for the cat to control her behavior – she screams day and night, and when stroking, she assumes a pose characteristic of mating. Transparent highlights become noticeable. Planned mating or spontaneous mating occurs during this phase.
• Interestrus, metestrus or afterthought. The third period can take place according to several scenarios, depending on how the previous stage ended. If the cat had mating, during which fertilization occurred, then pregnancy occurs in metestrus, and kittens will be born in 60-70 days. There are cases when conception does not occur during sexual contact, and the pet develops a false pregnancy. This condition resembles a normal pregnancy in its signs, but does not end with childbirth and passes after 30-45 days. If the cat has had no contact with the male, then over the next 2-15 days the attraction fades, interest in the opposite sex is replaced by aggression.
• Anestrus. The final phase is called the rest period. The pet behaves in the usual way. The duration of anestrus can range from 3 weeks to several months. A cat who has given birth will have a lull period longer than a pet who has not found a mate.

How to calm a cat during estrus

Every owner, faced with a cat in heat, thinks about how to help the pet and ease her condition. Although, unlike the disease, estrus is a normal physiological process, the fluffy beauty is experiencing strong tension. These days, be affectionate with your pet and pay enough attention to her. Try to pick her up more often, stroke her, talk to her. These actions do not cancel the symptoms of estrus, but the cat will feel calmer.

Outdoor games will help to sublimate energy. Buy a cat a new toy that would distract her from sexual hunting. Even the simplest objects will do – toy mice, tassels and bows. In addition, an exhausted cat is more likely to sleep at night rather than meow. For the same reason, do not let the pet sleep for a long time during the day.

As appetite decreases during estrus, reduce portions of food, but increase the frequency of feedings. The food should be balanced.

During estrus, some owners are willing to give the cat the opportunity to mate with the cat. When releasing a pet from the house for sexual hunting, you need to be ready for the appearance of kittens. If breeding is not included in your plans, a neuter cat will do, and 2 weeks after estrus, sterilize the animal.

Sedatives

On the advice of a veterinarian, you can buy special medications to calm the cat (Cat Bayun, AntiStress, Stop stress, Fitex). It should be exactly sedatives, not hormones. Herbal preparations relieve emotional stress, and estrus is easier. Medications act gently, do not cause addiction. The choice of a specific brand and dosage is made by a veterinarian after consultation with a description of all the symptoms. Each cat reacts to sedative drops in its own way, as in the case of valerian.

Hormonal drugs

It is possible to interrupt the estrus by giving the cat hormonal drugs, but this is an extreme measure, which can be resorted to a maximum of 2 times a year. Moreover, experts generally do not recommend the use of drugs with the effect of "antisex" due to a number of side effects. Hormonal disruptions caused by drops can provoke inflammatory processes in the genitals, cysts, malignant tumors, diabetes and adrenal dysfunction. Do not resort to heavy artillery without good reason.

In 70% of cases, regular and prolonged use of hormonal drugs that interrupt estrus leads to castration of a cat for medical reasons in adulthood. Even if the cat has heroic health, it is not worth risking it.

What not to do

• Do not scold or punish the animal for undesirable behavior – meowing, obsession and left marks. The cat does all this not out of harmfulness, so nature takes its course. Fluffy murchalka herself would be happy to curl up and sleep.
• Some sources advise bathing the cat or pouring water on it, but in fact these actions will only cause additional stress for the pet. The next half hour, which she will be engaged in licking, is not worth it.
• Another stereotype is that if you lock a purr in a dark room, the heat will pass faster. This is due to the effect that the sun's rays have on the hormonal system. But we must not forget that staying in a dark enclosed space will make the cat nervous, up to the development of her mental disorders.

Estrus of a sterilized cat

Many owners of whiskered-striped cats are thinking about sterilization or castration of a cat. Many myths and discrepancies have arisen around these operations. Even to such a key question: "Will the cat go into heat after sterilization?" – you can see different answers. Let's figure it out.

Speaking of operations to prevent reproduction, castration and sterilization are distinguished. During sterilization, the fallopian tubes are tied to the cat, and the seminal ducts are tied to the cat. The animal will not be able to become a parent, but the production of hormones and sexual instincts are preserved. Thus, sterilized cats remain in heat. During castration, the sex glands, and sometimes the uterus, are removed. Accordingly, a neutered cat will not have estrus, and the cat will not mark the territory and go on a sexual hunt. To simplify the castration of a cat, it is often called sterilization, but when signing up for an operation in a veterinary clinic, you need to understand what effect you want to get from the procedure.

Modern clinics offer operations with laparoscopic access. Instead of incisions on the cat's stomach, small punctures are made, so that sterilization takes place in a gentle way, and the pet quickly recovers.

There are 3 main types of operations, the first of which is essentially sterilization, and the other two are castration.

• Tubal occlusion. The cat's fallopian tubes are bandaged, as a result of which she will not be able to get pregnant. This method is rarely used today, since regular estrus with all the ensuing consequences persist, there is a risk of inflammation of the uterus.
• Ovariectomy. During surgery, the cat's ovaries are removed. Estrus stops, plus the pet will not have polycystic and tumors in the mammary glands in the future. At the same time, the uterus remains unchanged, this organ is not immune from diseases.
• Ovariohysterectomy. This operation completely prevents inflammatory processes in the reproductive organs of the cat and consists in simultaneous removal of the ovaries and uterus. As in the previous case, there will be no estrus.

Is it possible to sterilize a cat during estrus

When a pet goes into heat, I want to quit everything and immediately take her to the veterinarian for surgery, but sterilization is carried out only during sexual rest. You need to wait 2 weeks after the end of estrus, or adjust the time 2 weeks before the next estrus.

If the purpose of the operation is to prevent breast cancer, cats are sterilized before the first estrus, at the age of 6-8 months. The pet must weigh at least 3 kg.

If there is no threat of oncology, veterinarians most often recommend sterilizing the cat after the first heat, because it is very difficult to guess when exactly these days will begin for the first time. In case of non-compliance with the 2-week interval, interference with the hormonal system of the cat will be too rude.