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Cats are seasonally polyestrous , that is, they have several cycles during the breeding period, “long days” and induced ovulation . This breeding season varies depending on geography, temperature and length of daylight hours.
In the Northern Hemisphere , the reproductive season in cats begins in January-February , which is the time when the days start to get longer. The highest point is between February and April. This period can even extend until November, depending on how close you are geographically to the equator (which affects the length of daylight hours).
Generally, 12-14 hours of light promote this reproductive period , so, for example, in areas near the equator, or in farms with artificial light, they can be in heat throughout the year.
What we know as heat is a part of the cat’s reproductive cycle. This reproductive cycle consists of several stages, estrus, which we know as heat , is the fertile moment of the cat.
How long does heat last in cats?
The sexual maturity of cats , that is, the moment in which they begin their first reproductive cycle, appears on average at 6 months of age. This moment can be influenced by external factors such as the duration of daylight hours, and may even be brought forward or by the cat itself. Short-haired cats generally come into heat earlier than long-haired cats. Body condition also affects when it comes to sexual maturity.
At the moment in which the reproductive cycle begins, a series of phases take place. Estrus, the fertile moment of the cycle, has an average duration of 7 days , with a range between 1 and 21 days. During heat, estrogens begin to increase, which are responsible for the behaviors of heat that we know.
Contrary to females and female dogs, for example, female cats do not bleed during heat . So if secretions are seen on the vulva, you should go to the vet. It can be a sign that something is going on.
Behavior of cats in heat
- Continuous meowing and vocalizations with a different timbre than usual. These meows serve to call the male and thus notify him that he is in the fertile period. The cats if they are not in that period are not going to let a male mount them.
- Changes in behavior . Depending on the cat, it can be more aggressive or more affectionate.
- They roll around on the ground and rub against different objects and people.
- If they are touched by the lower back, they adopt the typical mating posture with their backs sunken, their backs raised and their tails pushed to one side.
- They can even pee in areas outside of their litter box. This urine contains pheromones that indicate, to other cats, the reproductive status of the cat. This urine marking is done with the intention of attracting a male.
- They lose their appetite , some even completely.
What to do with a cat in heat?
First of all, know what are the natural behaviors in them to be able to recognize them, and know that it is something physiological in them.
At this time, the cats will try to join a male, to procreate, so they will call him insistently. Special care must be taken with windows. You have to remember that it is the moment in which there are the greatest number of hours of light, and generally better weather conditions, in which the windows usually begin to be open longer. Therefore, to avoid unpleasantness, it is recommended to place meshes or enclosures to prevent falls.
Do cats in heat suffer?
Heat in cats is a stressful situation for them. The behaviors they display are aimed at finding a male to mate with. Therefore, they can even scratch windows to try to get out, for example, and some can even stop eating. For this reason, for them, at that time it is a stressful situation.
How often can cats be in heat?
Once the estrus period, which we know as heat, has passed without becoming pregnant, two things can happen. The cat can enter a period of absolute rest in her sexual cycle (anoestrus) or she can have a period of rest (interest) and then return to heat. This period of interestrus lasts an average of 14 days. Therefore, approximately every 14 days, heats can be repeated throughout the reproductive season.
References
Machado da Silva LD: Oestrus Behavior in Domestic Cats. World Small Animal Veterinary Association World Congress Proceedings 2009.
