Period of heat in cats: everything you need to know about the reproductive cycle.

The heat period in cats refers to the time in the female reproductive cycle, also called the estrus, when it is open to mating and shows certain behaviors. A heat cycle is the typical breeding cycle seen in unspayed females. The cat’s breeding season happens from early spring to late fall.

Keep reading to learn about the stages of the cat’s reproductive cycle, how they show up during the mating time, what to expect, and how to manage these situations.

Sex cycle (estrus cycle, gametogenesis)

When a cat reaches sexual maturity and until the natural stopping of sexual activity, the reproductive system operates rhythmically and in cycles. The sexual cycle describes the series of events and processes that happen and repeat, leading to the release of one or more eggs that are ready for fertilization.

The length of each sexual cycle and its stages can vary based on species, breed, climate, diet, and the individual cat.

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Regarding how often sexual cycles occur, females are categorized into:

1. Monoestre (monocyclic): to have a heat cycle per year (wild animals);
2. Diestrous (diciclic): to have two heat cycles per year (dogs);
3. PolyStrous (Polycyclic): Having more heat cycles per year (mare, cow, buffalo, sheep, scrofa, cat). In this group, the horse, the sheep and the cat are seasonal polynestras, while the cow and the scrofa are continuous polyhies.

In the evolution of a sexual cycle, two main functional phases are recognized: the follicular phase and the luteal phase. The follicular stage corresponds to the estrogen activity of the ovary, that is to say ovarian follicles, while the luteal stadium is dominated by the action of progesterone secreted by Corpus luteo. The two main phases are separated from ovulation (which can be spontaneous or induced). Between the follicular and luteal phases, there is an intermediate phase characterized by the involution of the corpus luteo and the rest of sexual, known as Diestrus in females and seasonally aestrous polyghest and Aestrus in the physiological annestro function: due to the conditions of physiological anstre).

Within each phase, the following phases are distinguished:

1. Folto Follicola: includes the phases of Proestrus and Estrus;
2. Lutheal internship: Includes Metrol and Anestrus phases (hormonal rebalancing phase).

Ethological changes (behavioral)

In Proestrus, the female shows greater interest in the male but does not accept mating. During the inspiration (heat period), the female expresses the desire to mate and accepts it. During the luteal phase, animal behavior is calm (silent phase).

The cat It is a female seasonal polyer, manifesting heat mainly in the spring season. However, there are changes in behavior in the cats raised inside. With a constant temperature and an artificial light, they can experience sexual cycles throughout the year. This can be uncomfortable for the owners, leading them to consult a veterinarian with the desire to quickly sterilize the cat, but this is not recommended

The cat’s sexual cycle is incomplete because, in this species, ovulation is induced (it occurs during mating with a male, which is why cats can mate with multiple males, giving life to kittens with different physiognomic characteristics).

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How long does a heat cycle last?

Proestrus and Estrus together in the last 9-14 days, with an average of 7 days. The cat begins to meow in a typically, even excessively, becomes very affectionate, rolls, rubs against objects, urine more frequently and in several places (their urine contains pheromones that attract males from long distances) and adopt the lordine position (rear rearranged, the raised rear tail), indicating the accommodation to the male.

If the coupling occurs, ovulation will take place about 24 hours later. If the cat does not get pregnant, a period of 40-42 days pseudopregnancy follows. If the coupling does not occur during the heat period, the ripe follicles age, quickly replaced by a new generation. Therefore, in the absence of a male, a non -sterilized cat will be in an almost constant state of heat.

After childbirth, the heat can occur shortly, even while the female is stirring.

At what age can a cat get pregnant?

On average, a cat could insert heat in 6-9 months, but there are cases in which heat cycles occur between 4 and 12 months. Short hair breeds could start the heat before, while long or larger hair breeds may not show signs of heat for up to 18 months.

For a gestation carried out successfully in a developed body, with controlled coupling, the female is recommended to achieve the sexual maturity and the coupling that occurs after 12-18 months.

How to prevent a cat from entering the heat?

The most effective and safe way to prevent a cat from entering heat and entering pregnancy is through sterilization (ovariohysterectomy – surgical removal of ovaries and uterus). Sterilization for females can start from 6 months and for males, 10-12 months. The postoperative recovery period is relatively short, about 5-7 days.

Can I give my cats for cats to stop the heat?

It is not recommended. The hormonal preparations (injectable or pill treatments) that stop the heat in cats are not recommended because they cause serious hormonal imbalances in their bodies and can contribute to the development of ovarian cancer, mammary tumors, ovarian cysts and uterine infections (Piometra). Other adverse effects include lethargy, changes in behavior, vaginal unloading, vomiting, diarrhea, tremors and frequent urination. They can prepare viral diseases and hepatotoxicity.

Should I let my cat be pregnant before sterilization?

NO. It’s just a myth. It is no longer healthy for the cat to have a birth before; On the contrary, it can prepare your cat to health problems (both for the mother and for kittens) and contribute to the excessive growth of the population of cats. Early sterilization is the best option for cat health and well -being.

Can a cat be sterilized when it is in heat?

Yes, it is possible, with the note that it is not recommended. During the heat period, the uterus undergoes the deepest changes under the influence of ovarian hormones. The wall is very thickened and vascularized and much more fragile, therefore sterilization during this period involves much greater risks (tissue breaks, excessive bleeding). There is a risk of infection because, during the heat, the cat’s vaginal tissue becomes more edematous and vascular, predisposing to postoperative infections. The recovery time is prolonged. The heat period predisposes the cat to a remarkable physiological stress, on which surgical stress and the stress of anesthesia overlap, which influence the healing and recovery process.

How to do correctly external for cats

The general recommendation It is sterilizing the cat 7-10 days after the characteristic signs of the heat period have attenuated or at any other time when it is not in heat to minimize surgical risks and facilitate faster recovery and without complications.

It is important that the vet is conducted a preoperative consultation before sterilization regarding the necessary investigations and to choose the most suitable time for sterilization based on the patient’s age and clinical conditions.