I used to wonder why my cat is in heat and won’t shut up, and after researching for hours, I’ve discovered these important things that every cat owner should know.
Female cats in heat meow excessively as they’re fertile and looking for a male, and they won’t shut up about it.
The regular reproduction cycle for cats starts at the age of 5-10 months. And in this period, their behavior changes a lot.
Some of the behavioral changes you will notice in your feline during this period, as I already said, include excess meowing and rubbing against everything.
I know how frustrating a cat’s loud screaming can get for cat owners, so I decided to make a list of methods on how to make your cat stop meowing when in heat.
Some of those methods include diverting your cat’s attention in different manners as well as showing her more attention. And of course, neutering, which I highly suggest as it’s better for your cat (I will discuss this in more detail below).
So, without any further ado, let’s learn how to calm your cat in heat and enjoy some peace and quiet for a change.
Do Female Cats Have Periods?
Female cats have periods, but it’s different from the periods female humans have.
Instead of releasing the lining of the uterus like women do every 28 days or so, cats reabsorb the old lining of their uterus.
This process takes place in the estrus cycle (I will discuss the reproduction cycle in full in the following section).
A few drops of blood can be noticed during the heat cycle of your cat, but it’s far more common for a cat with a “period” to exhibit behaviors of a cat in heat such as meowing, rubbing against everything, etc. (*)
Lastly, if you notice worrisome bleeding in either your female or male cat, schedule a vet appointment immediately.
The Cat Heat Cycles Explained
Every female cat goes through the neat cycle unless they’re pregnant or have been neutered.
When in “heat”, also known as the estrus cycle, felines become capable of breeding and having kittens.
Now, let’s take a closer look at the 4 stages of the feline heat cycle.
Cycle 1: Proestrus
In the first cycle, also known as proestrus or the queen, cats might attract male cats that aren’t neutered. However, they won’t be capable of breeding yet.
The first cycle usually lasts 1-2 days and females don’t display any typical signs of being in heat during this period.
Cycle 2: Estrus (Heat)
The second stage, estrus, also known as oestrus or estrus, lasts for about a week. So, for 1 week, cats will be open to mating and attract the attention of males.
And during this period, they will also display common signs of a cat in heat such as meowing and rubbing against everything.
Some felines will even remain by the front door or window and meow loudly, so their owners let them outside.
Furthermore, cats can mate with more than one cat during this cycle before getting pregnant, so when a female cat gets pregnant, her kittens can have different fathers.
Lastly, while in heat, female cats will be open for breeding, so you can either decide to let your cat have her way or neuter her after she exits this cycle.
Keep in mind that females can roam around when in her, looking for their mates, so keep a close eye on your pet’s whereabouts during this time with a cat GPS and activity tracker as they might get lost.
Cycle 3: Interestrus
If female cats haven’t mated or got pregnant during the second cycle, they will enter the period between heats, also known as interestrus.
They will display no common signs of being in heat. And in a couple of days or up to 3 weeks, they will enter heat again.
Note that the cycle of proestrus, estrus, and interestrus repeat throughout the whole mating season.
Cycle 4: Anestrus
The fourth and final cycle, also known as anestrus, represents a dormant period for the reproductive system in cats.
And during this period, they won’t experience any heat activity, as mating season is typically seasonal.
The heat often lasts from spring to fall, when the natural light of longer days stimulates the felines’ hormones.
Whereas during the shorter-day mating seasons of late fall and winter, cats don’t go into heat at all.
However, keep in mind that even artificial lighting can cause cats to go into heat all year round.
If you notice typical symptoms of heat in your cat, but you aren’t certain if she’s in it or not, consult your vet for advice.
How Long Does a Cat’s Heat Last?
Each heat cycle typically lasts for several days. The average length is 7 days, but it can also last between 1-12 days.
If the female cat isn’t mated during heat, she will get out of the heat for a few days, often 7 days, but it can also last between 2-19 days.
How to Stop a Cat’s Heat Cycle?
You can stop a cat’s heat cycle in limited ways only: breeding and neutering.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a remedy for a cat in heat such as contraceptive pills, supplements, or herbal treatments to end the cycle. So, you will have to choose between mating and neutering.
Just know that experts suggest neutering a cat before they enter puberty. Moreover, the Journal of the American Veterinary Association suggests that early neutering includes a lot of health benefits.
However, if you have to postpone the neutering procedure for whatever reason and your cat in heat has already entered the second cycle, you can stop her from mating by keeping her inside, preferably in a room without too much light.
Note that this isn’t a long-term, sustainable solution, so you will have to neuter your cat eventually.
Extra Information on Cats in Heat
Circadian rhythms control the heat cycle in cats. And your cat’s body will detect the coming of spring because of prolonged periods of sunlight.
And this will encourage her to mate and get pregnant. Moreover, since outdoor cats or stray cats experience more sunlight, they will enter heat much earlier than indoor felines so have that in mind.
Some people neuter cats while they’re in heat. However, many veterinarians suggest neutering after the second cycle (heat).
Female felines in heat have a swollen belly and enlarged uterus which can cause complications in the neutering procedure.
Why Is My Cat Meowing So Much in Heat?
Meowing is a cat’s natural reaction when she’s in heat. Other than meowing excessively, cats in heat experience other behavioral changes such as mood swings.
They also become very vocal and want to leave the home. A female cat that meows throughout the day and night, she’s probably in estrus, as she’s announcing her availability to the male cats in the neighborhood.
So, don’t get mad at your cat for meowing loudly. Mating is her biological need and her inability to meet that need contradicts their basic instincts.
However, you can divert your cat’s attention with interactive play, fun activities, and extra affection. Have in mind that diverting their attention isn’t a permanent solution. So, you will have to neuter your kitten eventually.
Music and scents can also help calm your feline, but don’t deviate from their regular routine, as cats in heat can also become anxious.
Is There a Way to Calm a Cat in Heat?
Unspayed females enter heat every 3-4 weeks, and they’re never quiet about it. The heat cycle lasts for about 7 days, so if your kitten isn’t spayed, she will enter a heat one week out of every three.
Obviously, spaying isn’t only a very effective method for calming your female cat in heat, but also the best solution as it’s accompanied by many health benefits.
However, if you have to delay the spaying for whatever reason, here’s a list of some things you can do to keep your cat calm while she’s in heat.
1. Use a Feliway Diffuser
Cats in heat typically increase their chances of getting a partner and having babies by loudly meowing.
The worst part? They actually sound like they’re in pain. However, they’re perfectly fine, as meowing is normal behavior for cats in heat.
And you can either deal with the extra noise or try to calm down your cat. Some cat owners use a Feliway diffuser before their cats enter heat.
The synthetic feline pheromone released from the diffuser will make your cats feel safe as they also release pheromones when marking their territories.
They also release pheromones when they’re in heat. So, they’re familiar scents that will keep your kitten safer and have a soothing effect on her.
Keep in mind that they don’t enter in effect right away but build up over time. So, it’s best to install the diffuser early and leave it on constantly in the background, so they experience all the benefits by the time they enter heat.
2. Handle Scent Marking
Some female cats mark their territory with pee, so if you notice this cat’s behavior, deodorize right away. That way, you will discourage her from going back to that spot and peeing again.
Cat urine has super potent scent markets that female kittens use to attract male kittens. And you can’t do much to prevent this behavior without getting your feline neutered, but you can still salvage the situation in some ways.
One of those ways includes ensuring a clean litter box at all times, so hopefully, she will use the litter box instead of marking your carpets.
If they end up marking around the home, you can use a commercial enzyme cleaner to completely remove the potent smell.
You can even create a homemade cleaner by diluting 1 cup of washing detergent in water. Use your cleaner to clean the area, then rinse with plain water.
If you’re not sure it’s clean enough, go over it again with baking soda. Finally, rinse one last time and you’re done.
Important note: Test any cleaning product on a small, hidden piece of fabric before using it as some cleaning products cause discoloration.
3. Give Your Indoor Cat Extra Attention
Cats in heat experience a hormonal roller coaster that indicates behavioral changes and makes your cat clingy.
They suddenly become the most loving creatures and require extra attention. Some cats even demand that their owners rub their lower back as rubbing their lower back encourages them to better expose their genitals.
Many female cats in heat also roll on the floor enthusiastically and scream like they’re in pain, but don’t worry as they’re just flirting.
If you notice your cat acting clingy, provide extra TLC and have regular play sessions to lessen their energy and help them calm down and sleep, instead of walking around and meowing.
4. Make Sure Their Feeding Routine Remains the Same
Most cats don’t eat properly when they’re in heat which can cause weight loss.
If you notice that your cat hasn’t been eating as much, don’t provide extra snacks to make up for her lack of appetite. Providing higher-calorie cat food will only supply her with extra energy to meow and act crazy as well as gain weight.
Instead, have larger amounts of their regular cat food on display, so they can snack whenever they want.
5. Don’t Forget About Your Other Cats, if Any
If you’re a pet parent of more cats, don’t forget to take care of your other cats as well, as they’re likely stressed by your cat’s loud crying, constant meowing, and sleepless nights.
So, try to decrease their stress by using a Feliway diffuser at all times.
How Do I Stop My Cats From Mating and Getting Pregnant?
Neutering can stop your cat from mating and becoming pregnant for sure. In fact, it’s the only one solution that works 100%.
Experts recommend that you neuter your kittens at 4 months of age or younger, but if you miss this timeframe, know that you can neuter your feline at any age.
In case you haven’t yet, and they’ve already entered heat, here’s a list of temporary methods to stop them from breeding.
Keep Your Female Cat Indoors
If you usually let your female cat hang outside, you will have to put a stop to this as soon as you notice the common signs of cats in heat.
If your cat stays at home, you will be able to control their access to male cats. While if they’re outdoors, unneutered male cats will be drawn to their calling, and they will likely get pregnant.
Make Sure Your Isolated Cat Doesn’t Have Contact With Male Cats Indoors
If you have a male cat that’s not neutered, they will likely be drawn to your female in heat. So, make sure they don’t have any contact until her heat has passed.
You can keep your male in one room and your female in another. Moreover, place a bed, food, water, litter box, and toys in each room so your indoor cats don’t feel anxious.
Lock All Your Doors and Windows
Cats in heat will draw all the boys to your yard with their yowling and scent marking, so you may notice more tomcats near your property than usual.
Therefore, by leaving doors or windows open, even with a mosquito mesh acting as a barrier, your unspayed female cat can leave or other cats can enter your home.
Keep in mind that a determined tomcat will ruin your mesh, enter your house, and reach your female. So, block off any cat flaps in your doors.
Final Tips for Your Cat in Heat
Some people suggest stimulating your female cat’s genitals when they’re in heat, as they become irritated during this period.
So, once stimulated, your cat will think she’s already had sex. However, I personally consider this method very unethical and intrusive.
Moreover, it’s dangerous, as you can trick your pet into thinking she has mated with you. She can even experience phantom pregnancy.
What’s Phantom Pregnancy?
When a feline ovulates but doesn’t become pregnant, it’s known as phantom pregnancy or pseudopregnancy.
In other words, she feels like she’s carrying a child when in reality, she’s not. And when this occurs, the cat will experience the same behavioral changes as an actual pregnant cat.
If you notice any symptoms of phantom pregnancy in your cat such as avoiding the company of other cats and following her nesting instincts, don’t worry as she will get back to normal in about 3 weeks.
Do Male Cats Go Through Heat?
Male felines don’t go through heat. Therefore, their need for mating isn’t the reason why your male cat meows loudly.
Intact male cats need to mate at all times, so consider neutering your tomcat, unless you plan to use him for breeding purposes.
Note that after neutering, most male cats become calmer and quieter so there’s less chance of your cat getting lost or hurt.
In Summary
In short, you will have to put up your cat in heat for about 7 days. Just keep her as comfy and distracted as possible during this period and you will be fine.
Lastly, consider getting her spayed as soon as possible after heat, so you don’t have to deal with the same problem again and again.
Veterinarians claim that having your cat spayed extends their life, so why wouldn’t you listen and have your feline as long as possible by your side?
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*image by K_E_N/depositphotos