Cats are very social animals. They love human company, and they enjoy being around other cats. If you see a cat in heat, you should take action immediately. The sooner you intervene, the better.
Cats in heat are often shy and nervous. Their body temperature rises, their fur becomes matted, and they start panting heavily.
This makes them vulnerable to predators. If you notice that your cat is in heat, it’s important to act quickly, so she can have her kittens safely.
There are many ways to help a cat in heat. You may not be able to help every cat in need of assistance, but you can make sure that no one else does. Here are some tips on how to help a cat in need:
Keep an eye out for signs of heat in your cat. Cats in heat usually look different from normal cats. Some will become more vocal, others will seem skittish. It’s best to keep an eye out for any changes in behavior.
Do not touch the cat. Try to avoid getting too close to the cat. She might feel threatened by your presence and lash out at you. Instead, give her space and let her come to you when she feels ready.
Use a towel to cover yourself with. Cover up as much skin as possible. This will protect you from scratches and bites.
Make sure that there is plenty of fresh water available. Cats in heat tend to drink less because they are concentrating on giving birth.
Offer food and treats. Your cat will appreciate having something to eat while she is in heat. Be careful though. Don’t feed her anything that could cause indigestion.
Give your cat lots of attention. She needs reassurance during this time. When she is relaxed, she will be easier to handle.
Have someone watch over your cat while she is in heat to ensure that no one disturbs her. This person should stay nearby until the end of the process.
Watch for signs of labor. Once the kitten starts coming out, the mother will stop eating and drinking. Her breathing will slow down. She will also begin to moan softly. These are all signs that she is about to deliver.
After the kittens are born, check on them regularly. Make sure that they are warm enough.
Clean up after the delivery. There may be blood and mucus everywhere. Take care of this mess before anyone comes home.
Provide a safe place for the kittens to sleep. They will need somewhere away from drafts and cold temperatures.
Keep the area clean. Maintain a litter box to prevent accidents.
Monitor the kittens closely. They will need extra care for the first few weeks.
Feed the mother and kittens well. They will need milk for the first week.
Play with the kittens. They will grow fast and require stimulation.
Check on the mother and kittens daily. They will need constant supervision.
If you see signs that the kittens aren’t thriving, take action right away.
The mother and kittens will leave the nest once they are weaned. They will continue to rely on you for warmth and protection.
Continue to monitor the mother and kittens for several months.
When the mother has had her last litter, you can consider adopting another cat or kitten.
Cat In Heat: Signs & Symptoms
The following symptoms are common in cats in heat:
• Increased urination and defecation
• Vocalization (moaning or yowling)
• Aggression towards other animals
• Restlessness
• Changes in appetite
• Lack of interest in playtime
• Licking of genitals
• Rubbing against objects
• Shaking off fur
• Biting nails
• Avoiding people
• Sniffing around corners
• Hiding under furniture
• Crouching
• Grooming self excessively
• Excessive licking
• Panting
• Pacing
• Crying
• Scratching
• Whining
• Yawning
• Sleeping more than usual
• Urinating/defecating outside of normal times
• Less interest in grooming
• Loss of coordination
• Disorientation
• Head shaking
• Staggering
• Falling asleep standing up
• Fading vision
• Ears drooping
• Eyes closed
• Slow movement
• Drooling
Do Female Cats Have Periods?
Yes! Females have periods just like humans do. However, their cycles tend to be longer than ours.
Female cats typically go into estrus every six to eight days. During this period, the female’s vulva becomes swollen and red. This is called being in heat.
During estrus, the female will actively seek out males. She will rub herself against trees, bushes and fences. She will even climb onto roofs and walls.
When Does My Cat Go Into Heat?
Your cat goes into heat when she is sexually mature and ready to mate. A young adult cat should not go into heat until at least two years old.
Most domestic shorthair females become sexually active between 3-5 years of age. Most domestic longhairs become sexually active between 4-7 years of age.
Some exotic breeds, such as Persians, Bengals and Siamese, reach sexual maturity earlier than most domestic shorthairs.
What Are Some Common Causes Of Estrous Behavior In Cats?
Cats in heat often exhibit certain behaviors because they want to attract attention from potential mates.
These behaviors include rubbing themselves against things, climbing on rooftops and walls, sniffing around corners, pacing back and forth, and sometimes sleeping more than usual.
Cats in heat also may engage in behaviors that are associated with mating, such as mounting, chasing, biting, fighting, spraying urine, marking territory, and vocalizing.
Estrous behavior can be caused by a number of different factors. For example, some cats in heat are stressed due to changes in their environment. Others are experiencing pain or discomfort. Still others are simply bored.
Estrous behavior can also be triggered by hormonal imbalances. If your cat is going through menopause, for instance, she might begin exhibiting these behaviors.
Conclusion
To conclude, you can help a cat in heat by making sure her living conditions are comfortable. Provide plenty of toys, food, water, shelter, and stimulation.
Also make sure your cat has access to fresh air and sunlight to help them through this period.
I’m Courtney Trent and I hope that I can answer some burning questions that you have about cats, as well as some questions that you’d never have thought to ask before.
I am aiming to shed new light on these amazing pets and hopefully change some people’s opinions on them. Also, let’s talk about wild cats - they’re just as awesome as domestic cats!
So, stay a while and learn more about domestic and wild cats from Windhaven Ocicats.
