Having heard the term before, ‘cat in heat’ or ‘dog in heat’ might be familiar to you. If a cat (or dog) is in heat, it means that it is becoming fertile and ready to mate. Cats that are older than five months of age already begin to go through this natural cycle.
The fact that this can and does happen is not surprising; namely, among cats who do not encounter many other cats in the wild.
When cats in heat are in their breeding season, their strong, natural instincts will drive them to try and mate with all cats of the opposite sex nearby, regardless of who they actually are – they don’t care what humans think about how they ‘should’ behave.
So, what can you do to calm your cat when it is in heat? Hopefully, you can learn something from this article.
Here are some other helpful articles about the same subject!
Cat in heat signs & symptoms
When a female cat goes into heat, she will exhibit certain signs and symptoms that will let you know she is ready to mate. These behaviors can start as early as six months of age, though they typically do not begin until the cat is one year old.
The most common sign of a cat in heat is when she cries out or makes a noise that sounds like she is in pain.
She may also become very affectionate, wanting to be around people and other cats more than usual.
The cat’s behavior may change in other ways too; she may become more active or restless, and her appetite may change.
An obvious sign that a cat is in heat is that it is caterwauling. The urge to do that may also be caused by pain for the cat. There is a reason why the wailing is used as a mating call in this particular case.
It’s possible that your cat will lick itself more than usual, especially in the area of her groin. It is because during this time her genitals can become swollen and uncomfortable and this makes her feel uncomfortable.
In the midst of all her restlessness and discomfort, she seems to be unable to stay still for more than a few seconds. It is extremely likely that you will notice how she paces around specific areas such as doors, windows, and in front of pet doors.
If you think your cat may be in heat, it’s important to take her to the veterinarian for a check-up. The veterinarian can determine whether your cat is in heat and offer advice on how to deal with the situation. In some cases, the veterinarian may recommend spaying your cat to prevent her from going into heat again.
If you have a male cat, it’s important to keep him away from any female cats who are in heat, as he may try to mate with them. Mating with a female in heat can be dangerous for the male cat, as there is a risk of contracting a disease or getting injured.
9 Ways How To Calm Down Your Cat When She Is In Heat
It’s safe to say that cats can go bonkers when they’re in heat. During this period, the cat experiences anxiety, excitement, and other similar feelings. If you are looking for the best ways to pacify your feline friend, here are a few suggestions.
You should isolate your cat
You and your pet may have a hard time when your cat is in heat. Keeping your cat isolated from other animals and people can help calm it down. Your cat will be able to focus on the mating process and there will be less chance of them being distracted by anything else at the same time.
Cats are easily detected when they are in heat by other cats. Any strange kitty in your yard is going to be noticed by your furry friend. You can be sure that your pet will go to all lengths to attract the other creature if it is able to.
Make use of a pheromone diffuser
Additionally, you may want to use a diffuser that emits pheromones to create a calming environment for your cat. Cats release pheromones when they are in heat, so these diffusers release synthetic versions of those. As a result, your cat will feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Keep them away from other pets in the home
Keeping other pets away from your cat while she is in heat is important if you have other pets at home. Cats in heat can sometimes find other animals too stimulating. You can reduce the likelihood of your cat becoming stressed or agitated by keeping them apart.
Calm the environment
If you want to create a soothing space for your cat, you can do so in a variety of ways. Try investing in a diffuser that disperses a cat scent hormone or plays soothing music that’s meant to calm your cat. There is nothing wrong with your cat having an indoor or secured area where she can escape to relax, far away from the rest of the world.
Attention and physical contact
In order to keep your cat safe and healthy, you should make sure she receives plenty of attention and physical contact when she’s in heat. The purpose of this is to calm her down and ease some of the restlessness and anxiety she is feeling.
There are many great ways to show your cat some love. Stroking, petting, cuddling, and brushing are the top four. Well, if you can get her to let you! Some cats may be unable to tolerate any form of touching during this period because they are overly anxious or restless.
Maintain a clean litter box for your cat
Cats can spray urine against vertical surfaces as a sign of their availability to male cats when they are in heat. By making sure the litter box if your cat is clean at all times, your cat will probably start using it instead of urinating outside of it.
There are instances when your cat sprays outside of its litter box, and if this happens you should clean the spots as soon as possible with a cloth and warm water to remove any remaining urine. Afterward, you need to clean the area with a mild cleaning product such as soap, white vinegar, or warm water mixed with alcohol and soap.
The use of ammonia-based cleaning products should never be used to get rid of urine, as this will lead cats to return to the same spot to mark.
If you want to neutralize the odor left behind by urine by cleaning the area with a solution of vinegar to the water, it can be done by mixing one part vinegar with one part water. In addition to removing bad smells, enzyme-based cleaners are also very effective.
Keep the cat warm
The cat can sit on a warm pillow, towel, or blanket. Cats can either be placed on top of it or inside the bed. There is no guarantee that this method will work 100% on all cats, so it may not work for yours, either. All cats are different, so this technique may not work for you, either.
However, if you are hesitant to give this calming technique a try, you might want to give it a try a few times before you completely rule it out.
Make use of herbal remedies
In some cases, cat owners have found that herbal remedies are effective in treating a wide range of issues including stress, pain, upset stomach, or general unease in cats. Catnip may be used as an herbal remedy as well as calming treats, particularly with treats that include magnesium, L-Theanine, colostrum, and/or melatonin.
It is not recommended that you use essential oils on your cat, especially concentrated essential oils, as they are toxic to them. You should check with a veterinarian before using any treatments or remedies that use a high dose of essential oils.
Spay your cat
Spaying a cat in heat will permanently calm it. Spaying (also called an ovariohysterectomy) is a surgical procedure during which the ovaries and the womb are removed, thus removing the hormones responsible for unwelcome behavior. The sterilization of all cats that aren’t intended for breeding is recommended.
As a result of being spayed, a cat is less likely to develop ovarian cancer and uterine cancer, as well as a uterine infection known as pyometra.
Ideally, it would be best not to spay your cat until she is no longer in heat, although it is possible to spay a cat when she is in heat. An animal in heat is more prone to bleeding and the procedure may take a little longer than usual if the animal is in heat.
If you’re planning to spay your cat during heat, it would be best to discuss the pros and cons with your veterinarian.
Conclusion
The purpose of this article is to show how important it is to know how to calm a cat when it’s in heat. There are a few things you can do to make your cat more comfortable if she is showing signs of being in heat. Doing so may also help reduce the chances of an unwanted pregnancy occurring.
Getting your cat spayed or neutered is the most important thing you can do. You will be able to avoid the possibility of your cat having an unwanted litter, and it will also help to calm down its hormones.
You can also enhance your cat’s chances of not getting pregnant during her heat cycle if you invest in a GPS tracker that helps you track where she goes and what she does.
Keeping a close eye on her whereabouts and ensuring that she stays close to home where she will be safe will allow you to stay on top of her whereabouts.
