Print this page. Cats usually have their first season when they are still a kitten, at around months old. They then come into heat every year from around Feb-Oct, and within that time, have several cycles roughly weeks apart.
Have your cat neutered to prevent unwanted pregnancies ideally at months old. General information A heat or season is when a female cat is fertile and can get pregnant. A female cat in heat — calling and wanting to go outside. Duration How long are cats in heat? What age do cats have their first heat? Caring for a cat in heat TLC Your cat will be feeling out of sorts and probably a bit confused during her season, especially if it's her first season, so it's important to try to keep her happy and distracted.
FAQ's Does my cat need to have a season or a litter of kittens before she is speyed? My cat is screaming during her season and seems very distressed, what should I do? Published: October Did you find this page useful?
Tell us more Has this page helped you to care for your pet? Yes No. Have you learnt something new from reading this page? Signs of heat will resolve within hours of ovulation, which will occur only if a female cat in heat mates. This cycle can repeat itself every two to three weeks, as long as there are extended daylight hours.
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 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. The average female cat will first go into heat or cycle between 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.
If a cat does not become pregnant , she can go into heat as often as every two to three weeks. The hormones in her system make her eager to find a mate. She will likely cry out in a way that sounds like agony.
She may roll around on the ground and rub on everything in sight. Most importantly, if she in indoor-only, she may try to escape your home in search of a mate. Not only is it dangerous for her to be outside where she may get lost or injured it's also unsafe for her to become pregnant at such a young age. Her body is not done growing, so pregnancy may be harmful to both her and the kittens.
If your cat does not get out of the house to mate during her first heat, she will continue to go through a heat cycle every few weeks until she becomes pregnant or is spayed. This may make it seem like she is constantly in heat. Over time, this may be stressful and unhealthy for your cat. She may lose weight, begin overgrooming , and even develop behavior issues. If you allow your cat to get pregnant, you are adding to the world's pet overpopulation problem.
Even if you find homes for your cat's kittens, you have to consider that the kittens are taking the place of shelter cats that might have been able to find homes. Unless you have a pedigree cat and are prepared to partner with a cat breeder for responsible breeding, you should make sure your female kitten is spayed as soon as possible.
Little, Susan E. Female Reproduction. The Cat , , pp.
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