El heat in cats is a fundamental aspect of their reproductive behaviour and can raise many questions for first-time owners. Although their normal nature is usually calm, cats during this stage show markedly different attitudes. Changes in their behaviour, such as increased territorial marking, intense meowing and I want to escape from home, can be difficult to handle. Therefore, in this article we will explain how to know if your cat is in heat, what measures you can take to help your pet and how to prevent uncomfortable or risky situations.
What is heat in cats?
Heat is the stage of the reproductive cycle of felines in which they are ready to mate. Unlike female cats, males do not have a defined heat period, as they are biologically predisposed to reproduce all year round when they detect a female in heat nearby. However, they reach the age of 18 years. sexual maturity between 6 and 12 months of age.
In males, this stage is characterized by a series of behaviors marked by hormonal influence, such as active search for females, urine marking to delimit its territorio and the tendency to meow persistently and loudly. It is crucial to know these signs in order to identify whether your cat is in this biological phase.
Signs your cat is in heat
Recognizing the signs of heat in male cats is essential to protecting their well-being. Below, we explain the main signs to look out for:
- Territorial marking: During heat, male cats will begin to mark their territory not only with their nails, but also with urine, which has a much stronger smell due to hormones.
- Intense meowing: They emit long, constant calls to attract nearby females. These meows can sometimes be annoying.
- Aggressive behavior: They may become more territorial and aggressive towards other cats, especially if it is male competitors in your area
- Escape attempts: Cats will seek out the home to find females in heat. This poses a significant risk as they may get lost or face dangers outside.
How to help a cat in heat?
Heat can be a stressful time for both cats and their owners. There are several strategies you can implement to help calm your pet and avoid problematic situations:
- Supervise your home exits: Keep windows and doors closed to prevent your cat from escaping. Remember that cats in heat are persistent and may find unexpected escape routes.
- Provide distractions: Play with your cat frequently to channel its energy and reduce stress. Use interactive toys to keep you entertained.
- Offers a quiet environment: Minimize external stimuli, such as loud noises or interaction with other cats, to reduce nervousness.
- Consider sterilization: Spaying is an effective and definitive solution to prevent heat-related behavior. It also helps prevent health problems such as testicular cancer or reproductive tract infections.
When is the best time to spay a cat?
The general recommendation is to neuter male cats from 5 or 6 months of age, before they begin to show behaviors related to heat. Neutering not only eliminates unwanted behaviors, but also helps to control feline overpopulation and reduces the risks of diseases related to the reproductive system.
Frequently asked questions about heat in cats
Certain aspects of heat in cats can cause confusion among owners. Here we answer some of the most common questions:
- Is heat painful for cats? No, heat does not cause physical pain, although it can cause stress due to hormonal and behavioral changes.
- How long does heat last in a male cat? Although they do not have a defined cycle like females, they exhibit estrus behaviors as long as they detect nearby females in this condition.
- What are the risks if my cat escapes during heat? A cat that escapes can expose itself to fights with other males, traffic accidents and contagious diseases such as feline leukemia.
Understanding your cat's behavior during heat is vital to ensuring her well-being and safety. If you notice drastic changes in her behavior and suspect she is in heat, take steps to keep her comfortable and protected. Consider spaying or neutering if you are looking for a permanent solution to behaviors related to this reproductive stage.
Hello Luaxana.
Cats at seven months can already be castrated. With this operation they tend to become calmer.
Greetings.