If you don’t spay your female cat, she is going to go into heat. And if you’re experiencing a cat in the heat for the first time, you’re probably wondering:
How Long does a Cat Stay in Heat?
Typically, a cat is in the heat for about 3 to 7 days, but this cycle can last up to 20 days for some cats. A cat often goes into heat, and this heat cycle is also called the estrous cycle
Heat symptoms resolve within 24-48 hours of ovulation, which will only appear if the female cat is in heat.
Otherwise, the average cat is in “heat” for seven days (range 2-19 days). This cycle may repeat itself every two to three weeks, as long as daylight hours are extended.
What is the Cycle of a Female Cat?
A female cat will go into heat every 2 to 3 weeks, and her heat cycle will continue until she becomes pregnant or is spayed. A cat usually starts to go into heat at 4 to 5 months of age, which is also when you should have your cat spayed.
Some important information about Cats that can help you Adopt them
Generally, a cat goes through five stages during the heat cycle.
(Estrus Heat) lasts about seven days (from 2 to 19 days) This is the phase where you may notice changes in your electrical behavior.
(Proestrus Heat) It lasts for only one to two days, usually with no noticeable change in behavior
(Diestrus Heat) This happens when the cat ovulates (when the female cat mates with the male cat).
(Anestrus Heat) It is the absence of any heat cycle. This may result from shorter daylight hours (not seen in indoor cats with constant light exposure indoors).
(Interests Heat) This period occurs when the cat’s ovulation has not been complete. This lasts for 13-18 days – until proestrus begins again
How Often Do Cats Go into Heat?
If a cat does not become pregnant at once, she may go into heat as often as every two to three weeks.
The Breeding Season of Cats
Daylight generally has the greatest effect on when a cat will reach sexual maturity
Cats usually go into heat when there are 14-16 hours of daylight (natural or artificial). In the Northern Hemisphere, it falls from mid-January to mid-October
How to Prevent Your Cats From Going into Heat
The most effective way to prevent your cat from going into heat and to prevent pregnancy is to have her spayed (surgically removing her ovaries and uterus).
What are the Signs of Heat in Cats?
- During the (Estrus heat) phase, a female cat may show behavioral changes such as:
- Making constant, high-pitched noises
- Rub, Roll, Increased Affection
- A splash of urine
- Scratching at doors/windows, trying to escape
- Raising her hindquarters in the air while wagging her tail is a sign that she is receptive to male cats
