Cat on heat: what cat owners need to know
The phase in which female cats are receptive to mating is generally referred to as estrus or heat. Owners of unspayed female cats are well aware of how challenging their feline's behavior can be during this period.
In the following, we will discuss when cats first go into heat, how their readiness for mating becomes apparent, and how you can support your cat during this time.
When do cats first go into heat?
Female cats typically reach sexual maturity by the time they are one year old at the latest. However, the exact timing of a cat's first heat can vary depending on the breed. For example, Siamese cats may reach sexual maturity around six months of age, while some long-haired breeds may not reach maturity until over a year.
Aside from breed, physical development also plays a significant role. In general, it is believed that cats only go into heat when they have reached about 80% of the weight of a fully grown adult cat. Therefore, insufficient nutrition can lead to delays in reaching sexual maturity.
How often do cats go into heat?
Normally, cats go through their complete reproductive cycle twice a year, usually in spring and autumn. There is typically a period of quiescence between October and December, which is influenced by the length of daylight. However, in indoor cats, artificial lighting can cause them to go into heat throughout the year.
During their reproductive cycle, cats first go through a phase called proestrus, followed by estrus (the actual mating phase).
How can you recognize a cat in heat?
Many cats in heat become especially affectionate and seek attention. However, it is also possible for cats to exhibit aggression during this time and avoid close contact with their human companions.
Furthermore, cats in heat often experience a loss of appetite and may eat very little. Another characteristic behavior that gives heat its name is that cats will roll on the floor and raise their hindquarters.
In addition, cats in heat may start vocalizing loudly and meowing. They generally appear restless and eager to be let outside in search of a mate. In some cases, even otherwise clean cats may mark outside the litter box to attract a male counterpart.
The specific behavioral changes during a cat's heat and their intensity can vary individually, so the experience may range from relatively inconspicuous to particularly challenging with your feline companion.
What is continuous estrus?
When a female cat in heat has the opportunity to mate and does so multiple times, she will likely become pregnant. If mating does not occur during estrus, the cat will enter another heat cycle after approximately nine days.
This can lead to a condition known as continuous estrus, which is characterized by a permanently elevated hormone level in affected animals.
The impact of estrus on a cat's health
A cat in heat is not only exhausting for its owner but also causes significant stress and physical and mental strain for the feline itself.
This is evident in the frequently observed loss of appetite and irregular litter box usage during heat. Additionally, cats in continuous estrus are particularly susceptible to tumor diseases.
Cats in heat can produce many offspring
It is well-known that cats are highly fertile and can reproduce rapidly. After giving birth, a female cat can go into heat again as early as one or two weeks later.
The prolific nature of reproduction has led to serious problems with countless stray cats in many cities. As a result, some municipalities have even introduced mandatory spaying for cats that have outdoor access.
Why spaying is usually recommended
In most cases, domestic cats are not intended for breeding purposes. Therefore, it is often recommended to have them spayed. A spayed female cat will not go into heat.
This helps to avoid stress for both the feline and its owner. Additionally, spaying offers health benefits and can reduce the risk of various diseases.
Although it is a surgical procedure, the risks are manageable, and the benefits of spaying generally outweigh any potential drawbacks. If you do not want your cat to have offspring, we recommend considering the procedure not only to address the troublesome behavior during heat but also for other reasons.
Weight gain after spaying
Since spayed cats are prone to weight gain, it is important to ensure they receive a balanced diet after the procedure. If necessary, you can supplement your cat's diet with Shiimun Slim, a dietary supplement designed to support weight management.
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