Cats have their first estrous (reproductive) cycle when they reach puberty. On average, puberty, or sexual maturity, first occurs in cats at about six months of age, but this can vary slightly by the time of year (length of daylight hours).
Do cats bleed when they're in heat? In the vast majority of cases, cats don't bleed when they're in heat, although it is possible. Blood in their urine or around the genital area could be a sign of a urinary tract infection, so if you do spot any blood, be sure to contact your vet right away.
When Does a Kitten Get Their First Heat? Most cats reach sexual maturity and have their first heat at around six months of age — although some can be a little later, and as young as four months is possible. And, they can become pregnant with a litter of kittens as early as their first heat cycle.
A cat usually has her first heat at around 6 months of age, but some can have it as early as 4 months old. During a heat your cat may be more affectionate, rubbing up against furniture, walls and her favorite people.
Being in heat is not typically painful for cats, although they may feel some discomfort or agitation. When your cat in heat makes a loud, howling sound, you may assume they're in pain. But rest assured, the increased vocalization (known as “caterwauling”) is just your cat's way of attracting a potential suitor.
Each heat generally lasts several days with the average length being seven days, although it can range from 1 to 21 days. If the queen (an intact female cat) is not mated during estrus, she will go out of heat for a short period of time, usually about seven days, but it can range from 2 to 19 days.
Extra Petting and Brushings During Heat Cycle
For some cats, a little extra attention may help ease the stress of estrus. Give your feline friend some extra attention around the home when she's in heat, and you may find that it calms her down and keeps her stress levels manageable.
Cats in heat will howl loudly and constantly as they try to attract a male to mate. They may also spray walls or furniture with strong-smelling urine also in an attempt to indicate their availability to a male.
According to experts, while it's not ideal, a cat who is in heat can be spayed during her heat cycle. The reason that vets are slightly hesitant to perform this procedure while a cat is in heat is because blood vessels and tissues can become engorged during heat and this can raise the risk of bleeding during surgery.
Generally, spaying or neutering your pet will not change its personality. If there are any effects on behaviour, they tend to be positive (reducing unwanted behaviour). Spaying or neutering will not change your pet's affection level or playfulness. For females, there is typically no change at all.
When should I spay or neuter my cat? Kittens can be spayed or neutered as young as six to eight weeks of age, however standard spay and neuter surgeries are most often performed when the kitten is between five and six months old.
The hormonal cycle of free-roaming cats is triggered by sunlight—which explains why kitten season is typically May to June. You'll notice female cats beginning their cycles of heat in near February with the lengthening of days. They'll be less likely to go into heat when the days become shorter and darker in the fall.
Some female cats in heat may pee more frequently or spray smaller amounts of urine on specific areas around the house. This is because cat pee contains pheromones and hormones, which females use to signal their availability to males (2). It is also common for unneutered male cats to urinate in the house.
Cats carry bacteria in their mouths, which can lead to local or systemic infection if a cat licks an open wound. Immunocompromised people are most at risk. Acquiring a disease from your cat is very rare, but to be safe, don't let your cat lick your face or any cuts on your skin.
While your cat is on heat it's likely she will become very affectionate, 'flirty', start 'calling'/meowing loudly (it can even sound like she is in pain), rolling around, arching her back and moving her tail to one side. She will try hard to find a male cat, and male cats will be equally keen to reach her.
When she's in heat, your cat will grow even more excitable in the presence of males. Do not allow her outside at all, and close all windows and lock all doors, including pet flaps. To keep her calm (and prevent her from getting pregnant), you need to keep her away from all male cats.
This is called lordosis and is an indication that a she-cat is in estrus, or heat (2, 3). Lordosis looks slightly different from regular elevator butt because it's actually the she-cat presenting herself to a tom for mating–whether a tom is present or not (2, 3).
The main reasons that vets are reluctant to advise early neutering is that they feel there is a higher risk of surgical and anaesthetic problems (Murray et al, 2008), as well as an increased risk of urinary tract problems, growth plate fractures, obesity and behavioural issues (Spain et al, 2004).
We recommend having your female cat spayed before her first heat cycle. Allowing your cat to have a litter of kittens would contribute to the problem of pet over-population.
When it comes to cats in heat, here is everything you need to know. Female cats reach sexual maturity and can breed from about 4 months old. They will then come into heat (or season) every year around February to October. Female cats have many short periods roughly 2-3 weeks apart.
As mentioned above, kittens can get pregnant as young as 4 months old. Unspayed female cats can go into heat every 2 - 3 weeks from springtime through the autumn, which means that they can get pregnant and birth kittens rapidly - and they can start having litters as young as 6 months old themselves.
Myth: Spay or neuter surgery is painful and can harm my dog or cat. Truth: During a spay or neuter surgery, dogs and cats are fully anesthetized, so they feel no pain. Afterward, some animals may experience some discomfort.
In most cases, veterinarians will tell you to prepare your cat by having them fast from midnightprior to the surgery — meaning no food or treats. Normally it's ok to leave water out for them. Fasting helps reduce the chances that your cat will vomit during surgery.
“It's unlikely they experience the deep sensation of 'falling in love' in the same way humans do. But they can certainly feel a very strong attachment or bond,” Buis told The Dodo. The ideas of “falling in love” and romantic love are human concepts.