Understanding My Cat's First Estrus Cycle

If your cat is acting strangely, she may be in heat, or in estrus, which is when she is fertile and ready to mate. Cats usually have their first heat cycle at around 4-12 months old, although some may start as early as 3-4 months. If your cat is not spayed, she will continue to go into heat every year, usually from February to October. During this time, she will be more vocal, affectionate, and restless, and may try to escape the house. It is important to keep her indoors and away from male cats to prevent unwanted pregnancies.

How to tell if your cat is in heat

Cats reach sexual maturity and can breed from around four months old. The first heat cycle typically begins when they're between four and 12 months old, but some cats may start as early as three to four months.

• Vocalisations: Cats in heat will frequently walk around the house wailing, meowing, or moaning more than usual. This is known as "calling".
• Restlessness: Cats in heat may exhibit restless behaviour and an inability to settle.
• Increased affection: Your cat may be much more affectionate than usual, rubbing around your ankles, or against furniture and door frames.
• Tail behaviour: When you rub her lower back, a cat in heat will usually stick her bottom in the air and move her tail to one side.
• "Commando crawling": This is when a cat flattens her front quarters to the ground while sticking her bottom in the air and crawling along the floor.
• Rolling: Some female cats in heat will roll around on the ground and wail at the same time.
• Excessive licking: When a cat is in heat, her vulva becomes swollen and she will likely spend a lot of time washing the area.

If you're unsure whether your cat is in heat, it's best to consult your vet.

How to care for your cat when it is in heat

If your cat is in heat, you will likely notice a distinct change in their behaviour. They may become more affectionate, or more irritable, and they may also be in discomfort. Here are some ways to care for your cat during this time:

Create a calm environment

Reduce stressful situations, such as loud noises or strangers in your home. Try to create a soothing place for your cat to relax. Play soft, relaxing music, and use pheromone plug-ins to add to the soothing atmosphere.

Provide warmth and comfort

Your cat may enjoy laying on a warm blanket or heating pad. You could also offer them a warm towel or blanket to snuggle up to.

Keep their litter box clean

To avoid spraying, keep your cat's litter box as clean as possible so they are encouraged to use it rather than your furniture.

Distract them

Provide your cat with catnip, toys, treats, and extra playtime to help distract them during their heat cycle. You could also try a treat-filled toy to keep them entertained and distracted.

Give them space

If your cat seems frustrated or irritable, give them access to a quiet, comfortable place to rest.

Prevent unwanted pregnancy

Keep your cat indoors and away from other male cats. Make sure cat flaps are locked, and doors are closed, to avoid any unwanted suitors. Unless you are planning to breed your cat, it is recommended to have her spayed to prevent accidental litters and potential health complications.

Consult your vet

If you are unsure about anything, or are concerned about your cat's behaviour, consult your veterinarian for advice.

How to prevent your cat from getting pregnant

If you have a female cat, you'll have to deal with her heat cycle. Cats can have their first heat cycle as early as 4 months old, but this usually happens around 6 or 7 months of age. During this time, they will be at their most fertile and ready for mating. If you don't want your cat to get pregnant, there are several things you can do to prevent this.

Firstly, you should keep your cat away from male cats. This is important because cats are induced ovulators, meaning that their ovaries only release eggs if they mate with a male cat. If you have a male and female cat in the same house, keep the female cat in a separate room when she is in heat.

Secondly, you can try to limit your cat's exposure to artificial light in the autumn and winter. In the wild, female cats need around 12 hours of daylight to trigger their reproductive cycle, so by mimicking shorter days, you may be able to delay your cat's heat cycle until spring. However, this method is not foolproof, especially if your cat is well-fed and warm.

Thirdly, you can consider getting your cat spayed. This procedure involves removing the uterus and ovaries, and it is the only way to completely prevent heat cycles and pregnancy in female cats. Most veterinarians recommend spaying your cat to prevent accidental pregnancies and decrease the chances of health complications such as pyometra, pseudopregnancy, mammary cancer, and ovarian cancer. Spaying your cat is especially important if she is not part of an established breeding program. It is generally recommended to spay your cat around 4-6 months old, just after they've had their main vaccinations. However, it's perfectly fine to spay older cats as well.

In addition to spaying, you can also ask your veterinarian about contraceptive options such as megestrol acetate (MA) or injections of medroxyprogesterone acetate (brand name Depo-Provera). These methods may be useful if you are unable to get your cat spayed right away. However, they may have side effects and are not recommended for long-term use.

Finally, you can try to keep your cat distracted and comfortable during her heat cycle. Provide her with toys, treats, and extra attention to take her mind off mating. Pheromone plug-ins, warm blankets, and soft music can also help to create a soothing environment for your cat. Keeping her litter box clean may also help to prevent spraying.

How to keep your cat calm while it is in heat

It can be distressing to see your cat in heat, but there are several things you can do to help keep them calm and comfortable. Here are some tips to help your cat through this challenging time:

• Provide a calm environment: Reduce stressful situations, such as loud noises or strangers in your home. Avoid hosting parties or doing home renovations during this time.
• Offer extra attention and affection: Give your cat plenty of TLC, including petting, brushing, and playing. If your cat seems nervous or wants to hide, provide them with cosy hiding places and allow them to have some space.
• Use synthetic pheromone plug-ins or sprays: These products mimic the pheromones produced by a nursing mother cat and can help your cat feel more settled.
• Keep the litter box clean: Encourage your cat to use the litter box instead of scent-marking in other areas of your home. A clean litter box may also help to control spraying.
• Provide a warm towel or heating pad: Some cats find comfort in sitting on something warm, such as a microwavable heat pad or a warm towel fresh out of the dryer.
• Play soft, relaxing music: This can help create a soothing atmosphere for your cat.
• Distract your cat with toys and playtime: Offer your cat new toys, treat-filled toys, or extra playtime to help release their pent-up energy and distract them from their discomfort.
• Use catnip: Catnip or catnip-filled toys can help keep your cat occupied and away from male cats. However, avoid using catnip if it makes your cat more energetic or aggressive.
• Provide plenty of fresh water: Ensure your cat stays hydrated by always having fresh water available.
• Consider spaying your cat: Unless you are a registered breeder, spaying your cat is the safest, kindest, and most effective way to prevent heat cycles and the associated discomfort. Spaying will also reduce the risk of certain cancers and other health issues.

Remember, it is important to be patient and understanding with your cat during this time. These behavioural changes are due to hormonal fluctuations, and your cat may need some extra love and care to get through this challenging period.

Why you should spay your cat

A cat going into heat for the first time can be a confusing and stressful experience for pet owners. It is important to know the signs of a cat in heat, which include yowling, pacing, and assuming the mating position. During this time, cats will also be more affectionate and may have a poor appetite.

Spaying your cat is a safe and effective way to prevent your cat from going into heat and can bring several health benefits. Here are some reasons why you should consider spaying your cat:

Prevent Unplanned Pregnancies

Spaying your cat is the best way to prevent unplanned pregnancies. Cats can have up to four litters a year, with each litter ranging from two to ten kittens. By spaying your cat, you can help reduce the number of unwanted cats in your neighbourhood and contribute to keeping cat populations in check.

Reduce the Risk of Cancer and Other Health Issues

Spaying your cat drastically reduces the risk of mammary, ovarian, and uterine cancer. It also prevents reproductive disorders like uterine infections, uterine rupture, torsion, metritis, and cystic changes. These conditions can be fatal and are not always treatable, but they are preventable by spaying your cat.

Curb Undesirable Behaviours

Cats who are not spayed will go into heat frequently throughout the year, attracting male cats to your home. Spaying your cat can help to keep unwanted male cats away and reduce undesirable behaviours such as spraying, fighting, and caterwauling.

No Negative Health Effects

While spaying your cat may cause a slight decrease in metabolism and a slight increase in weight gain, these effects can be easily mitigated by making adjustments to your cat's diet and introducing more activity and exercise into their daily routine.

Reduce the Risk of Pyometra

Pyometra is a life-threatening infection of the uterus that requires surgery to treat. Spaying your cat is an effective way to eliminate the risk of this fatal condition.

In conclusion, spaying your cat is a safe and effective way to prevent unplanned pregnancies, reduce the risk of cancer and other health issues, curb undesirable behaviours, and eliminate the risk of pyometra. Unless you plan to breed your cat responsibly, spaying is the best option to ensure the health and well-being of your feline friend.

Frequently asked questions