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1) What is "in heat"?
The fertile period of a female cat's reproductive cycle (the mating
period) is called estrus, commonly referred to as "heat or
being "in season". It's equivalent to human menstruation.
2) When does a cat come
into heat?
The average female cat has her first cycle at about 6 months
of age.
3) What are the symptoms?
Females bleed from the vagina sometimes with swelling of the
vulva and increased urination. Cats bleed less than dogs, and rarely
will you see any signs of it.
Cats in heat will be more affectionate & more vocal. They will
roll around on the ground and rub up against you incessantly. Other
than behavioral changes, the most noticeable symptom may be male
cats hanging around your house.
4) How long are cats in
heat?
They may stay in heat from a few days up to 3 weeks. How long
depends on many variables such as genetics, environment and cat
health & age.
5) How often will she be
in heat?
Cats go into heat most often in spring & fall. During this
period a cat can perpetually go in & out of heat until she is
bred or spayed, usually about every other week.
6) Can she get pregnant
her first cycle?
Yes. However, most breeders generally would not breed a cat
that early. After the cat has reached a year old and gone through
a few heats is the best time. They are physically & emotionally
mature enough to handle motherhood.
7) What age can I have my
cat spayed?
People used to be told to let their cat go through at least
one cycle or let them have one litter. Today, veterinarians are
doing it much earlier. Some spay as early as 5-6 weeks of age! The
most common age is at 6 months.
Cats can be spayed at any time during their life with the only concern
being the natural risks involved with surgery on an aging cat.
8) Can I have her spayed
while she's in heat?
it's a bit more complicated and most vets prefer to wait between
heat cycles.. Just check your vet's policy on this. They probably
can, but might charge a bit more as the risk of bleeding complications
is a little higher during the heat cycle.
9) My cat just had kittens.
When can she be spayed? Spay your cat about 2 weeks after the
kittens have been weaned.
10) How will the surgery
affect my cat? Cats that have not been spayed find the whole
estrus cycle uncomfortable. They are in a perpetual state of hormonal
flux, which can lead to irritability. Having her spayed will alleviate
some of these symptoms. Some cats might gain a little weight after
the procedure as the heat cycle tends to curb their appetite.
And who in their right mind would want their cat to go through a season, howling and groaning and appearing really uncomfortable for five days and let them go through many seasons...
L x
You people are not loving and caring. You are heartless and cruel.
You complain about what misery your cat is putting you through when she is in heat. WHAT THE HECK DO YOU THINK SHE IS GOING THROUGH??!!!
I cannot believe that anyone would think that if they have a litter they are better cats. Let me tell you, you have absolutely no idea what you are talking about. My God do you know hat it takes from a cat to get pregnant, birth and maintain a litter? DO YOU HAVE ANY CLUE? There are literally millions of unwanted cats in the US alone, and you wish to add to this number by purposely mating your cat, or not getting it spayed?
SPAYING IS THE ONLY HUMANE, LOVING AND DECENT OPTION THERE IS!!1
kittens can go into heat as early as 4 months but the norm is 6 months.
im not a cat but "being in heat" is the same as a girl on her period. your cramps are annoying and sometimes mildly painful but you survive. the meowing and howling is to attract a male. you cant really DO anything about it.
before i got my cat i called an talked to several veterinary offices as well as researching on line. It is best to get them spayed around 2 months or before their first cylce.
cut down on the pet population! spay or neuter your pet! thank you bob barker
The way to prevent your cat from going into heat is to spay. Most humane societies in your area provide clinics providing the service at a relatively low costs.
www.hsus.org/
So is my cat really going into heat or not.
That's all I want to know.
She looks like a kitten still, shes still very small,but I don't know how old she is.
Please, help me!!!!!!!!
Whining and sticking her but in the air!
Its obvious shes on heat and shes about 4 monthes old.
The vet says she's too young
What do you think?
how do i stop it
They can be done at two pound. The sooner the better. It's irresponsible to do anything else.
Is there anything i can do to help my cat?
She is very loud and very annoying and spaying ISNOT an option..
HELP
thank you
is it possible for her to go into heat right now.today she's being very affectionate.plus i'm worried about the kitten.he's 5 to 6 weeks old,will she still nurse him?
I had called 2 weeks ago for a spaying appointment, but now if she is going into heat we will have to wait until that is over. I just wish the vet had had an appointment earlier.
I gave my cat rescue remedy to help cool her out a bit. Now she is sleeping.
There is nothing you can do except live through the heat and then have her spayed. Not good to have them spaying while they are in heat -- that can cause complications.
Just keep the doors locked and get industrial ear plugs for the meowing. The noise will p**** -- takes anywhere from 5-14 days for a cat to go out of heat once they are in it.
I feel so bad for her and my male cats who have been Neutered are getting annoyed with her bothering them.
Please help...I want to do something to help her.
She wants to go outside. She seems young, is very affectionate and is licking herself. Could she be in heat?
thank you
Call the vet that performed the spaying. They should help.