You should not punish it, yell at it or beat it. This will not help solve the problem, because the animal is at the mercy of its instincts. The pet will still continue to yell and roll around on the floor.
How to calm a cat in heat
Contributor(s): Pippa Elliott, MRCVS. Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years experience in veterinary surgery and treating companion animals. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked in the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
Number of sources used in this article: 10. You will find a list of them at the bottom of the page.
An unsterilized cat is ready to mate every 3-4 weeks. [1] X Source of information Reproduction in the Dog and Cat. Christianseen. Publisher: Baillierie-Tindal As a rule, during this period the cat yelps, squeals, squirms and makes other attempts to escape from the cats. [2] X Source of information It is very difficult to calm a cat at these times, but remember that it is a temporary phenomenon. It is natural and normal behavior for a cat, even if it annoys the pet's owners. If it has been going on long enough, you need to find a solution!
How to calm the cat
- Generally, cats breed between spring and late summer. It is most likely that she will be in heat during this period.
- Consider whether the cat is in heat, or if her behavior is a symptom of illness. If the cat is acting restless but not rubbing against people or objects or lifting her pelvis, she may be sick. See your veterinarian to find out what's causing it.
Put something warm for the cat to sit on. Of course, success is not guaranteed, but many people find that a warm bag or a warm wet towel helps the cat to calm down. [5] X Source of information A warm bag is the easiest option because it can be warmed up quickly as soon as the cat starts to freak out again. You can offer her a heating pad and a blanket.
Signs of Leaky Cats
An inexperienced owner may not immediately realize that his pet is in heat.
- Swollen genitals, transparent fluid secreted.
- Reduced time between urinations.
- Constant meowing, the cat instinctively calls the male.
- Disturbance of appetite.
- Tendency to run out of the house. Owners should keep windows and doors closed.
- Change of emotional state: increased affection (the animal caresses people, rubs against furniture) or uncontrollable aggression (scratches or bites).
- Typical movements: arching back, stomping with hind legs, tail pressed to the side.
Once you are sure that the cat is going through a period of sexual activity, you should take steps to relieve the cat's condition.
Ways to calm the cat during heat
During this difficult period, the cat becomes calmer if:
The main condition when choosing a method is not to harm the health of the animal.
Means and methods
It is possible to arrange a meeting with the cat. If the cat likes it, you can live peacefully until the next heat. But veterinarians are against the frequent pregnancy of cats, it depletes her body.
In the period of heat you need to be especially affectionate and patient with your pet:
- distract her with active games;
- Massage her head and paws;
- spend more time talking;
- Warm up the sleeping place;
- reduce the amount of food and increase the amount to drink;
- soak in warm water;
- isolate in a separate room for the night, remembering to provide food and water.
Such methods will help to distract the animal from suffering, improve its condition and behavior.
Important! The part of the torso from the middle of the back to the tail should not be touched.
Recommended preparations and their effects
Experienced owners prefer to give their pets harmless natural remedies.
Herbal preparations do not suppress sexual desire, but have a soothing, sedative effect.
- Relax PlusRelax Plus is produced in Latvia. Available in tablet form. The basis of the drug are herbs: valerian, motherwort, lemon balm.
- "Stop Stress, is made in Russia. It is made from sleeping pills and sedative herbs, as well as phenibut – a nootropic substance. Available as a liquid (1 drop per 1 kg of weight), the daily dose is divided into 2 doses, course duration – 15-20 days.
- "Fitex", contains: motherwort, Baikal skullcap, mint, hop. The remedy reduces stress, normalizes blood pressure, cardiac activity, relieves spasms and cramps. Contraindication to use – an allergy to the components.
- "Zoomir Antistress.. Calms the nervous system, strengthens the immune system. Includes: motherwort, taurine, kelp, brewer's yeast, vitamins B and C.
- «Felivay" – French medicine, available as a spray, electric diffuser, collar. "Felivay" is a synthetic pheromone of feline facial glands, which has a calming effect on the animal. The medicine allows you to normalize the condition of the pet during heat. Does not have a negative effect on people, other animals.
How to calm down
A stray cat can be helped. The main rule when choosing: decide on the most humane way, taking into account plans for breeding.
Pairing with a cat
The first thing that comes to mind is calming in a natural way, which is to enlist the help of a cat.
Breeding, purebred, valuable for the breed females are tried to be saved for the continuation of the line, so a pair is found for them. This is done in advance with careful screening of applicants. However, it is not so easy: frequent pregnancies deplete the body. Mating is strictly planned, so the question of how to relieve a cat in heat remains relevant.
Matching with a cat is not the best option on how to help a cat when she is in heat, if she is a noblewoman. In addition to exhausting the very culprit of the dull screaming in the house, you'll have to constantly accommodate kittens. In a litter the average is 4 kittens. But there are deviations – up to 8. During the year, especially prolific bring more than two litters.
Medications
If the cat walks then on how to calm it at home, it is better to consult a veterinarian. Not all drugs that you offer at the drugstore are trustworthy. Your pet may also have contraindications.
Medicines for cats in heat come in two varieties:
- Hormonal. They can interrupt estrus, or significantly reduce its active phase, and even delay the onset. Hormones are also used for unwanted pregnancies. They may very well prevent it. Among hormonal preparations, the best known are Contra-Sex, X5, Sex-Barrier, Covinan, and Stop-Intim. They come in the form of shots, pills, and suspensions. Do not use alone and systematically.
- Calming drugs. They do not affect heat, only correct behavior. With their help, you can achieve inhibition of reactions and calm the nervous system. They are often prepared from herbs.
Are there plans for the future to expand the cat's family?
If the cat has gone on a rampage for the first time, it is necessary to know what it takes for it to produce offspring or if there is no need to do so at all.
For example, when the pet is about 15-18 months old, there are plans to help her have babies, then it is best to use contraceptives for the first time.
Many experts believe that you should be as careful as possible with them, because many of them can simply harm the animal. It is necessary to buy only proven drugs from reputable manufacturers. You should buy them only in veterinary pharmacies, where there are certificates for the products. It is not recommended at all to buy cheap such preparations, because they can harm the body of your beloved pet.
In addition, scientists suspect that such contraceptives can cause various uterine diseases, which also include purulent inflammation.
Therefore, if there is no intention to increase the cat's family, then it is best to have the cat spayed. This is a virtually safe operation that will not damage the health of the animal.
Interrupting heat with hormones
Heifers can be prevented or interrupted with hormonal medications. However, they should not be used often, as this would cause health problems.
Hormonal drugs are designed to reduce estrogen levels, which will reduce the appearance of oestrus. Essentially, taking such medications takes the animal from proestrus to anti-estrus.
There are just as many disadvantages to taking hormonal medications. This should be understood when deciding whether to give them to your pet:
Problems after taking hormones do not appear immediately. Most often they occur at the age of 3-4 years. If the cat develops endometritis or other diseases of the reproductive system, it will be necessary to resort to neutering.
Neutering
To permanently get rid of the meticulous cries of the pet, it is recommended to carry out a spaying procedure. This method is only suitable for those who do not want to breed cats.
Nowadays, veterinarians recommend neutering rather than a simple tubal ligation. It is an abdominal operation to remove the uterus and ovaries. It is performed under general anesthesia.
The appropriate age for surgery is when cats begin to beg for the first time. That is, at about 6-7 months. It is desirable to have time to do the operation before the first heat.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The life expectancy of the cat is increased by 1,5-2 years. | As the operation is performed under general anesthesia, there is a possibility of complications. |
| The cat will not scream, it will behave calmly and will not cause inconvenience to its owner. | |
| There is no need to look for mating partners and think where to take the kittens | |
| The risk of mammary gland cancer, ovarian and uterine pathology is lower |
The arguments in favor of neutering are also viable with regard to males. In addition to the fact that cats begin to yell when they ask for a cat, they leave a mark in the apartment with a pungent musky odor. Rather than endure this, it is better to have the surgery and forget about the sleepless nights. This is currently the most effective way to solve the problem.
