What to Expect When Your Cat is on Heat

If you know someone who likes to own cats, you might have heard about their cat being on heat every now and then. A cat on heat refers to the idea of a cat experiencing a physical cycle when their body is ready for fertilization and birth.

While this cycle is referred to as the menstrual cycle among humans, a cat on heat indicates a process called the “estrous cycle”. It’s the prime time for cats to have intercourse or reproduce during their late kittenhood.

A cat on heat is one thing all pet parents should be prepared for when looking to own and raise a cat. While most veterinary clinics offer spaying to avoid unwanted pregnancies among cats, it’s always better to know what to expect when a cat is in heat and how to deal with the circumstances accordingly.

Here’s everything you should know about a cat on heat.

The “Calling”

One of the first things you and the rest of your family members should be prepared for with a cat on heat is its incredibly loud cries. Most people in veterinary practice refer to this process as “calling”, primarily because when a cat is undergoing the estrous cycle, it begins experiencing bodily changes it’s not necessarily accustomed to.

Therefore, it starts reacting to these changes by wailing excessively, meowing more often, and crying more than usual. These sounds can be challenging and may keep you up at night, especially when you’re unsure of what your cat needs.

However, the “calling” is one of the most significant indicators of cats being on heat. The increased vocals among cats during this time are a way of communicating their discomfort and distress during the circumstances.

This sign may be hard to identify, especially if your cat is already naturally noisy and vocal. However, if you notice something strange about its cry and voice, you might have to seek a general health consultation for pets to learn more.

Restlessness

Cats are usually quite carefree and independent. They don’t necessarily rely on humans for constant care, affection, and companionship. In fact, they’re more inclined towards having their own space and being comfortable in it without bothering anyone.

However, when a cat is in heat, you may notice it continues to be restless, regardless of wherever it tries to go. This happens when a cat cannot relax for a long time or comfortably sit in one place.

A cat’s restlessness, along with constant calling, is a prominent indicator that it’s on heat.

The Need for More Affection

When your cat is in heat, you may notice some evident changes in its behavior, body, and overall aura. A cat in heat means it's receptive to intercourse, which ultimately increases its need for affection.

As a result, the cat makes multiple attempts to spread its scent throughout the house and its surroundings. It indicates the need for more affection by rubbing up its body against your ankles, the walls, furniture, doors, and other similar areas and objects around the house.

You may also notice a significant change in your cat’s overall odor during this time which becomes even stronger, showing that your cat is in heat.

The Urge to Go Outside More Often

If you have an indoor cat who stays comfortable and happy throughout its time with you inside the house, there’s a high chance it’ll need to go outside more when it’s in heat. As discussed above, a cat on heat wants to spread as much scent around as possible. This increases its urge to step outside more often and find a mate.

Therefore, it’s always a better idea to put a collar on your cat and be mindful of its location every time it tries to go outside without you.

The Strange Positioning of Its Tail

Lastly, one of the easiest ways to identify a cat on heat is by its tail. Most cats often get in their mating position when they begin undergoing the estrous cycle. They do so by sticking their buttocks up and moving their tail to either side as a way to spread their scent and indicate their receptiveness to mating.

You can always learn how to deal with a cat on heat by connecting with us at Pet Pavilion. We’ll be more than happy to provide you with a general health consultation for pet cats when dealing with their estrous cycles. Contact us today!