CAT HEAT CYCLE

 

Just like most female mammals, cats experience monthly cycles. However, their ‘periods’ are quite different from the menstrual cycle in humans.

Female cats do not cycle at regular intervals throughout the year. Cats tend to come into heat in relation to the season. The mating season in cats is determined by a number of factors, including the length of daylight and the presence of other cats. When there are 10 hours of daylight and other conditions are optimal, the hormonal system is activated, and the queen begins the reproductive cycle.

 

Do cats have periods?

In a sense, yes, cats do have menstrual periods. In felines it’s called ‘oestrus’, but many people just refer to it as being ‘in heat’.

Only unspayed female cats go through these cycles but rather than shedding the old womb lining as humans do, they reabsorb it, so bleeding is a very rare side effect.

 

Cat Heat Cycle

The estrous heat cycle or reproductive cycle of cats has four distinct stages: anestrous, proestrus, estrus, and metestrus.

 

  • Anestrous in Cats

This is where the queen does not come into heat and her ovaries are in a quiescent (inactive) stage. This would be the period of no sexual activity. In most areas of the United States, this would run from late September through mid-January. The low light and short length of daylight are primary factors in suppressing the heat cycles during the winter months. Cats kept indoors may be stimulated to cycle from artificial light sources that are lengthening the queen’s day. If light levels are similar to those experienced during the peak breeding seasons of early spring, they start cycling.

 

  • Proestrus in Cats

Is used to describe the stage of estrous immediately the following anestrus. In this stage of heat, the ovaries are becoming active in follicle formation. This lasts from one to four days. Unlike the bitch, the queen’s vulva enlarges only slightly and appears somewhat moist, but no discharge comes from the hormonal changes. The queen shows increased appetite and restlessness, utters short low calls, and displays more than usual affection for her owner. This is best described as the period in which the cat is coming into heat, but is not yet ready to be bred. Hormones such as the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen help promote egg development occurring during this phase.

 

  • Estrus in Cats

Is the period of the heat cycle when the cat is able to become pregnant. Estrus in cats is what breeders refer to as heat or the call, as queens can be quite vocal, yowling when in heat. Length is variable but usually lasts 10 to 14 days. During this period, the queen will insist the owner notice behavioral and other physical changes in the female. The queen “in heat” will vocalize and urinate frequently. She will appear overly passionate by rolling, rubbing, and assuming the breeding posture with the head and forelegs low to the ground and the rump area held high. As the urge to mate becomes pronounced, her cries become alarming – sounding like those of an animal in pain. This “call” will attract toms from near and far. Unlike the female dog, the queen usually has little if any noticeable vaginal discharge in either the proestrus or estrus phase.

 

  • Metestrus in Cats

Is the time immediately after estrus? The female will not pay attention or accept the male at this time and will return to her normal self.

 

 

How long do heat cycles last in cats?

heat cycles tend to last several days in cats—the average is six days—however, they can last up to two weeks. If your cat doesn’t mate during this time, it’ll go out of the heat for a little while and then come back in. These cycles will continue to repeat until the cat either become pregnant or is spayed. If your cat mates, they’ll go out of oestrus within a day or two.

 

Your cat will display behavioral rather than physical signs when they’re in heat. Here’s what to look out for:

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