The cat estrus period is a period that unsterilized female cats enter at certain intervals, usually between February and October, because they are ready to mate. Male cats do not have a specific estrus period. Male cats are ready to mate at any time after they step into adulthood, and all their behaviors change accordingly. Therefore, when considering the estrus period of cats, it is necessary to consider the symptoms and meanings that occur in female cats. Similar behaviors are always seen in all male cats that step into adulthood until they undergo neutering. Of course, it should not be forgotten that each cat's character and, accordingly, their behaviors may vary.
Is It Beneficial for Cats to Go into Heat Before Being Neutered?
There are many cat owners who want to have their cats mate, get pregnant and have kittens, in short, “experience that feeling once” before the neutering operation. However, there is no benefit to a cat going into heat or giving birth. In fact, although it is believed that female cats will be more affectionate and friendly after giving birth, this is not a valid claim either.
Signs of Heat in Cats
The heat period is a natural process that indicates that female cats are ready to mate, and during this period, significant behavioral and physical changes are observed in cats. Behaviors such as excessive affection, restlessness, loud meowing, taking mating positions, frequent licking, and even urine spraying are the most common symptoms of this period. You can apply some simple methods to make your cat feel more comfortable during this process and to protect the environment, and if necessary, you can consult a veterinarian. Common signs of heat in cats can be detailed as follows:
1. More Talkative Than Normal
The most noticeable symptom that continues throughout the cat's heat period is that the cat makes much more noise than normal. These sounds can also be called the mating call of the cat entering the heat period. Cats meow more during this period and the sounds they make can be perceived as crying or moaning. These sounds can continue throughout the night and can also cause the people living in the house to wake up. Some cats are always talkative. Therefore, you need to evaluate your cat's heat period talkativeness by considering its general state and attitude.
2. The Need for Compassion
During the heat period, a cat will tend to rub more to spread her scent and get the attention she expects. She will rub more against your legs and feet. She will also start touching things more to leave her scent.
3. Tendency to Go Out
During the heat period, female cats tend to go outside to spread their scent, meet a male cat, and mate. Although every curious cat wants to see what is going on in the outside world, cats want to go outside more aggressively during the heat period. If you think your cat is in heat and you are using a cat door, it would be beneficial to lock the door so that it does not invite male cats into the house and does not escape from the house. It is recommended to use a periodic collar to ensure that the cat is easily found, as cats tend to escape during the heat period. You can examine the cat collar models on our site by clicking here .
4. Posture
Cats may pose in a mating position when they are in heat. Standing with their tails up, hips pushed out and lifted is a common behavior for female cats when they are in heat.
5. Mood swings
Cats in heat may be in a different mood than usual. During this period, your cat may be more aggressive, nervous or playful. For this reason, it is necessary to try to keep up with the change she is experiencing and give her a space where she can feel comfortable.