When we have a cat that we have decided not to neuter, once or even several times a year, we will observe noticeable changes in their behavior. Females generally become much more affectionate and demanding of attention, while males tend to Mark territory More often, they increase their characteristic meowing and may become more territorial or even antisocial.
Knowledge about the different behaviors associated with heat is crucial to understanding How this period affects cats, which will make it easier for you to recognize when your pet is going through this stage. In this article, we will explain it in detail to help you care for your feline friend during these times.
When do cats reach sexual maturity?
Sexual maturity in cats can appear earlier than we might imagine. In females, it occurs from the age of 18. 5 or 6 months old, although some They can go into heat as early as 4 months. On the other hand, males generally reach this stage from the age of 6 or 7 months, although this depends on factors such as race, weight and exposure to natural light.
Heat cycles in females are greatly influenced by the seasons and the amount of sunlight. It is common for cats that live in warm climates or receive a lot of artificial light to experience heat cycles. jealousy all year roundCats like the Siamese, for example, can have up to four periods of heat per year, while most breeds experience only two.
If you decide to have your cat have offspring, it is essential to wait at least until the first year of age, when not only her sexual organs will be fully developed, but also her overall physique. This reduces associated risks with pregnancy at very early ages.
Stages of the heat period
The reproductive cycle of cats consists of four main phases, each with specific characteristics that affect both their behavior and physiology.
- Proestrus: This initial phase of the cycle lasts between 1 and 3 days. During this time, the female begins to emit pheromones that attract males, although she is not yet ready to mate. It is common for her to be more affectionate, emit soft meows and rub her head against objects.
- Oestrus: This is the phase in which the cat is fully receptive to mating. Its duration can vary between 2 and 6 days, although in exceptional cases it can last up to 12 days. At this stage, cats usually meow insistently, adopt a lordosis posture (arching the back and raising the tail) and actively seek to escape outside.
- Interestus: This period of rest between two consecutive heats can last between 8 and 15 days. If the cat has not ovulated, the cycle restarts quickly.
- Anestrus: This is the phase of reproductive inactivity that occurs mainly during winter or when there is not enough exposure to sunlight. In domestic cats with access to artificial light, this phase may not be as marked.
Behavior of male cats in heat
Males, unlike females, do not have heat cycles. However, they are always receptive to mating, especially when they detect a female in heat in their environment. This happens thanks to their developed sense of smell and their hearing ability to pick up the characteristic meows of the females.
Unneutered male cats often display specific behaviors at this stage, such as:
- Urine marking: This habit, in addition to being annoying due to its penetrating smell, is the cat's way of signaling its reproductive availability and marking its territory.
- Increased meowing and screaming: These persistent, loud vocalizations are an attempt to attract nearby females.
- Wandering: Males tend to explore beyond their usual territory, which increases the risk of fights with other cats and accidents.
- Territorial behavior: In the presence of other males, fights are common and can result in serious injuries.
Tips for handling heat in cats
Heat can be a difficult time for both cats and their owners. Here are some tips for dealing with this stage:
- Prevent the cat from escaping: During the rut, both males and females actively seek out the home to mate. Make sure to keep doors and windows closed and check for possible escape routes.
- Attention and games: Providing increased attention and keeping the cat mentally stimulated can help reduce stress associated with heat. Interactive games and toys for cats are an excellent option.
- Consult the vet: If heat behaviors become intolerable, consider spaying or neutering. This procedure not only eliminates heat, but also has health benefits for the animal.
- Controls the marking: If your cat is marking its territory in your home, use enzymatic products to neutralize the odor and reduce the likelihood of it doing it again.
In addition, there are specific products such as synthetic pheromones or supplements that help reduce anxiety and stress in cats during heat. Consult your veterinarian to choose the best option for your pet.
Understanding cat behavior during heat is essential to ensure their well-being and yours. Although it can be a challenging period, with the right measures and, in some cases, sterilization, you can have a harmonious and healthy coexistence with your felines.
As I have already said in many comments, I have 9 cats, the mother and her children (3 are adopted from another cat I had).
The mother has Siamese features, or looking at the daughter, rather Balinese. Both very sexually active. The mother's periods of heat last almost longer than her periods of rest, and the daughter goes the same way.
The daughter with Balinese features, beautiful and very, very calm, with five months she was already in heat. Luckily this one, the daughter, does not meow, she only makes a very soft guttural "ru-ru", not like the mother who is noticed ...
Both are mounted by the 3 male children there are, with only five months! On the one hand, they "comfort" them and at least the mother does not "bother" them, but on the other hand, I don't know, it is not a question of the house looking like a cat brothel ...
The other 4 5-month-old females still do not show signs of heat.
The vet told me and re-said that it was not convenient to castrate the males until 8 months ... I hope that is correct ...
I made the "mistake" of letting my 2 cats breed to "satisfy" them thinking that later it would be easy, give the kittens, maybe I could keep one ...
But the reality is that in the end I could not give any. I have had no courage. They are so pretty… !!! And now as I want to keep them well, then to run with the cats, I say with the expenses.
And it is difficult to resist. Now I am writing, and the black and white, whom we call Yin-Yan, even if she is female, is around here, biting my chin so that I can caress it, playing with the necklace, trying to catch the freckles on the neck ... etc. not stop.
At last I have managed to curl up on the desk in my arms, at least I take a break from pushing it away so that I do not step on the keyboard ... or hunt the cursor on the screen. The other day one stepped on the PC button making me lose what I was about to finish
And still, we don't have a single one left over. 🙂
Hummmm what a more pleasant headrest pillow, relaxing and warm ... rru-rru rru-rru rru-rru
Yes 🙂. They are the best relaxer there is.
The 8 month thing… I don't know, I can tell you that I have always had my cats castrated at 6 months, whether they were female or male, and there has been no problem. I took Benji when he was 5 months old, because he started wanting to go abroad very soon. And… I love kittens, but sometimes you have to know when to stop. In my case, 3 is the perfect number. Well, and those from the feline colony, which are 6 and I recently saw a new one 🙂.
But boy, if they all get along well with each other, and the humans can take care of the expenses… great.
By the way, you forget about the free masseuse lol