How Long Are Cats In Heat?

How long are cats in heat.

On average, a kitten will enter her first heat, and thus qualify to get pregnant, somewhere between her fourth and eight month.

She will exhibit heat behavior from five to ten days, with breaks from three days to three weeks in between.

Unlike dogs, cats rarely show signs of vaginal bleeding while they are in heat.

However, their behavior changes greatly, with the majority of cats becoming quite vocal and loud, and showing increased signs of affection.
They may roll around on the floor or plop down right in front of you as you are walking; they constantly want to be with you and be stroked, and when you pet them on their back, they will raise their rear end up high and knead with their front paws.

They are also an increased escape risk while in heat, trying to get outside to find a male.

The heat cycle can last anywhere from 3 to 7 days. If not bred or spayed, the heat cycle may return in 2-3 weeks until she is impregnated (these cycles will return soon after she gives birth). The heat cycles are more intense in the spring and summer than at any other time of year, but cats have moved toward year round breeding, and some show no seasonality at all.

There is no home remedy for your cat’s natural instinct to reproduce. Cat’s are constantly ovulating and without spaying you can expect heat cycles every couple of weeks. The instinct is very strong so don’t be surprised if kitty tries to run outside every chance she gets.

It is always good to spay female cats and neuter male cats even if they are going to remain at home.

The heat cycles can be quite disruptive and stressful in the female cats, as they become agitated driven by the instinct to reproduce.

Un-spayed cats are always at risk of getting pregnant, and with millions of cats euthanized each year, it is cruel to produce more.

The risk for deadly mammary cancer increases dramatically for cats who have not been spayed, as does the risk of inflammation of the uterus. Spaying your cat as early as possible, preferably before her first heat, meaning around 4-6 months of age, will ensure her health and well being.