Heat Cycle In Female Cats: All That You Need To Know
Female cats or queens are seasonally polyestrus, which means they keep coming back into heat every seven to ten days until they are bred. Female heat cycle in cats depend on the seasons. Primarily they have heat cycles between January and September. This mating season is also influenced by the length of daylight, the presence of other cats and the temperature conducing the atmosphere. Cats kept indoors and exposed to artificial lights may cycle year-round.
When optimal conditions are met, and there are 12 hours of daylight during the day, the female cat begins its estrus cycle and the hormonal system starts up. After this, every seven to ten days, the cat keeps going on heat. This will happen until the daylight timings decrease.
Signs of heat will resolve within 24-48 hours of ovulation, which will occur only if a female cat in heat mates.
Otherwise, the average cat will be in “heat” for seven days (ranging from 2-19 days). This cycle can repeat itself every two to three weeks, as long as there are extended daylight hours.
Phases of Heat Cycles in Cats
A cat goes through five phases during a heat cycle:
- Proestrus:Only lasts one to two days; typically no change in behavior
- Estrus (“heat”):Lasting an average of seven days (ranges from 2-19 days), this is the stage where you will see behavioral changes in your cat. This is also the stage where your cat will be receptive to male cats and can become pregnant.
- Interestrus:This period occurs if a cat has not ovulated. It lasts 13-18 days—until proestrus starts again.
- Diestrus:Occurs when a cat has ovulated (this happens when the female cat mates with a male)
- Anestrus:This is the absence of any heat cycle. It can occur as a result of fewer daylight hours (may not be seen in indoor cats with exposure to constant light indoors).
Cat mating depends upon a number of factors. One should keep the followings points in mind before allowing the cats to mate.
Age of cat- it is important to ensure that cats have reached sufficient age to become pregnant and take care of the kittens. The queen should be of optimum age to tolerate the burden of pregnancy. Females usually reach puberty and undergo first heat at the age of 4 to 9 months while male cats attain puberty at about 7 to 12 months of age. But this is not the ideal age for mating as the female’s body capacity is small and hasn’t reached its full size. A smaller sized cat is more likely to suffer from difficulty during delivery of kittens. Therefore, it is advised to skip the first heat and only allow mating when it has reached appropriate body size.
Similarly, older cats should be prevented from getting pregnant as it causes a lot of stress on their body. There is no menopause, therefore it is better to get them spayed to avoid late pregnancy and subsequent complications.
- Body weight- Cats must reach ideal body weight before they are allowed to mate. Always keep a track of their body weight right from birth. The optimum body weight varies from one breed to another. Always seek a vet’s opinion on your cat’s body weight.
- Heat cycle- . The heat or estrus is seen in form of cycles. Each estrus cycle is about 7 to 14 days long. In India, from 1st puberty onwards, cats undergo estrus every 14- 21 days from March to September mostly. Any day during the duration of estrus can lead to conception upon mating.
- Health status- Only healthy animals, free from any disease or severe injury should be allowed to mate. A thorough check up should be done by the vet before mating to ensure the soundness of mind and body.
- Vaccination- Both male and female cats’ vaccination should be up to date before mating to prevent transmission. Vaccination against Feline distemper (panleukopenia), Rhinotracheitis and Calicivirus should be done before mating to prevent transmission.
The process of mating
The process begins with female cat assuming the estrus posture by arching the back and moving the tail to one side in presence of male. It is followed by approaching of the female cat by male cat. The male cat mounts on the female and holds the female with its forelimbs and nibbles at its neck and begins the process of insertion of penis into the vulva which lasts for 1 to 5 minutes. After this, the male dismounts which leads to a loud cry by the female due to the pain caused by barbed wire like structure on the penis which rubs against female’s genital organs. Then, the female tends to rub and roll on the floor and also licks her vulva. This process is repeated 4 to 5 times for successful conception.
Did you know that queens can give birth to kittens from different fathers during the same pregnancy? Yes, you read it right. This is possible when more than one male is present around a female in heat and both successfully mate with her. This can lead to different colored kittens than mother and father. Therefore, avoid stray males during the female’s heat cycle. For more information contact us,
FAQ ON CAT BREEDING
At What Age Can Cats Get Pregnant?
The average female cat will first go into heat (or cycle) between 6-9 months of age, but heat cycles can start as early as 4 months of age and as late as 12 months.
Short-haired breeds will typically begin to cycle earlier, while long-haired or larger breeds may not show signs of heat until 18 months of age.
How Often Do Cats Go Into Heat?
If a cat does not become pregnant, she can go into heat as often as every two to three weeks.
When Do Cats Go Into Heat? Is There a Breeding Season?
The number of daylight hours typically has the largest impact on when cats will reach sexual maturity.
Cats normally go into heat when there are 14-16 hours of daylight (natural or artificial). In the Northern hemisphere, this falls from mid-January to mid-October.
What Are the Signs of a Cat in Heat?
During the estrus (heat) phase, a female cat may display changes in behavior such as:
- Constant, loud vocalizing
- Rubbing, rolling, increased affection
- Urine spraying
- Scratching at doors/windows, trying to escape
- Placing hind quarters up in the air while flagging her tail—signaling she is receptive to male cats
How to Prevent Your Cat From Going Into Heat
The most effective way to prevent your cat from going into heat and to prevent cat pregnancies is to have her spayed (surgically remove her ovaries and uterus).
Queens! Indeed they are! Cats have their own way of living their lives. Queen a.k.a female cat or Tom, the male cat, will make themselves treat you as they’re your top most priority. But, we love them with all our hearts and that’s why we want to know every detail about our purr-fect babies.
All-female bodies on earth have the gift of giving birth to a new life! To continue this process, a female goes through an in-built mechanism in them, this is known to be the menstrual cycle in primates or estrous cycle in general. Though, all-female go through the same heat cycle but, it varies species to species due to several physiological changes.
Unlike dogs, our Queens do not have a regular estrous cycle. Yes! You read that right! Then how does it work?
When does the Reproductive/Heat Cycle Start?
Once the cat hits puberty i.e. sexual maturity, the heat cycle starts. A queen’s first cycle ranges from 4-12 months, considering the average age of 6 months, depending upon the breed and body condition. Compared to long hair breeds, short hair breeds attend sexual maturity much earlier. The average body weight of these cats during puberty is around 2.3 – 3.2 kg.
Stages of the Reproductive/Heat Cycle
Like all the female reproductive cycle queens also have 4 vivid stages: anestrous, proestrus, estrous, metestrous.
- Anestrous: The phase where the cat is in the dormant (inactive) stage. Cats do not engage in any sexual activity during this phase.
- Proestrous: This is a phase where cats come into estrous but they’re not available for breeding. Hormones like FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone) and estrogen aid in the development of eggs for ovulation.
- Estrous: Mating/Breeding can occur in this phase. Queens are receptive towards Toms. You may observe your cat transforming behavioral changes such as yowling more than usual, having frequent urination, elevating the rump, and bending the forelegs for copulation in this phase. Queens are “induced ovulators,” that is they release eggs only if bred. A cat who is not bred will not ovulate and continue to come to heat every 2-3 weeks until bred.
- Metestrous: The cat does not have any receptive urge for a male cat and she exhibits her normal behavior
Frequency of the Heat Cycle
Cats are seasonally polyestrous and long day breeder (photoperiodic) i.e. cats can have multiple estrous cycles during the breeding season (Feb- Nov) depending upon the exposure of the light they get, where artificial lighting (Led lights) are also responsible for the repetition of estrous.
Signs of the Heat Cycle
- The major noticeable sign you will observe in your cats is their yowling, being vocal in a very unusual manner.
- Cats become more affectionate towards their owner.
- Deflection of the tail with a body or tail tremor.
- Spinal flexion can be observed.
- Vaginal discharge, rolling on the ground, and licking the swollen vulva are the common signs to observe.
- Frequent micturition and escaping behavior to find a mate.
Duration of the Heat Cycle
Variation can be found depending upon the physiology of the cats. But, normally a queen’s estrous cycle lasts for 14-22 days. If mating occurs during this phase then the cycle will last for only 4 days. If not then it will recur within 15-21 days of interval.
Pregnancy in Cats
Pregnancy in cats lasts for 57-67 days with an average litter size of 1-3 kittens per year.
How to take care of female cats during her heat cycle?
Periods can be as painful for cats as they are for humans. Few measures that can be taken are as follows:
- Giving little extra attention by just petting or brushing can be helpful to them
- Don’t try to unnecessarily pick them up or pet them unless they volunteer.
- If you don’t intend to have kittens, keep them in a secure perimeter.
- If you don’t want your cat to get pregnant, spaying is the best option you can go for.
Diet of the Cat during the Heat Cycle
During this period it is important to pay attention towards the healthy diet of your cat. Sometimes it’s fine to let them munch on their favorite treat/food. A cat loses her appetite during her heat cycle so it is always advisable to keep electrolyte infused water for them. Chicken soup or chunks of chicken/fish can do wonders. Giving yogurt and rice helps keep their digestive system sane.
Cats are very low maintenance pets. But keeping an eye on them, looking after their needs during their difficult days may help immensely.
Compiled & Shared by- This paper is a compilation of groupwork provided by the
Team, LITD (Livestock Institute of Training & Development)
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Reference-On Request.
Disclaimer: This blog is vet-approved and includes original content which is compiled after thorough research and authenticity by our team of vets and content experts. It is always advisable to consult a veterinarian before you try any products, pet food or any kind of treatment/medicines on your pets, as each pet is unique and will respond differently.
