How to relieve a cat's suffering during heat

In addition, there are a number of forbidden actions that under no circumstances can be done during heat. And by avoiding them, you can help your cat get over the urge to breed faster.

What's important to know about leeching in cats

Screaming, petting and other manifestations of sexual desire in a cat are physiologically normal. A domestic pet has always represented a canon and a symbol of coziness. When choosing a pet, the owner relies on his or her own preferences. Some people like fluffy cats, while others, on the contrary, adore smooth-haired and short-haired whiskers.

They look different, each has its own characteristics and character. But the one thing that all cats have in common is sex drive. The appearance of heat, especially during the early spring, does not go unnoticed not only for cat and cat owners, but also for people who do not have pets at home. The cries of females and males expressing their readiness to mate and further reproduction can be heard dozens of meters away.

It is important to understand that such behavior for a pet as rolling over the floor, increased amorousness or aggressiveness during sexual attraction is a physiological norm. It is not a pathology, but only a signal from the cat's body that it is fully mature and ready to procreation.

Owners of young cats, should know how to recognize the first heat in a cat and prevent fertilization. In which cases you should raise the alarm and contact a veterinarian, as well as know how to alleviate the suffering of the animal and possible solutions to the problem.

At what age to wait for the first heat

Pets are all individual in their own way, so the timing of a cat's first estrus varies for everyone. The onset of heat depends on a variety of factors such as a young cat's health, individual size, breed, time of year and hormonal status (temperamental or non-temperamental cat).

An average indicator of the onset of puberty in an animal is between 7 and 11 months of age. In rare cases, up to 12 months of age is considered the norm. In the absence of the beginning of the sexual cycle (estrus) in cats 12 months of age and older, it is recommended to consult a specialist about the deviation.

The cause of delayed sexual maturation in cats can be a variety of genital abnormalities – hormonal imbalances and malignant tumors.

Estrus manifests itself differently, as well as the interval between cycles differs in each individual animal. It is physiologically conditioned that each sexual cycle lasts from 2-3 weeks to 6 months and ends with fertilization, with further carrying of kittens. It takes 2 to 2.5 months for a cat's body to nurture kittens, followed by a period of lactation and maternity.

In the absence of fertilization in domestic cats, the cycle is shortened, so the sex hunt comes more often. Scientists also note that the duration of direct sex periods is indirectly influenced by the duration of daylight hours in wild cats. Domestic animals do not have such a feature.

At what age does the heat begin and how often does it happen?

A cat in heat needs help to relieve the manifestation of unpleasant symptoms, so the owners should prepare in advance for this difficult period. And when to wait for this event? In fact, this is quite a complicated question. It is difficult to determine when a cat will start her heat, as it is influenced by many factors.

But, if we're talking about middle age, it's worth wait for the first heat and facilitate its manifestation when the cat is 6-8 months old. For some it may be delayed up to one year, but if it has not begun and then, it is worth immediately to show your pet to the veterinarian – perhaps she has some hormonal disorders.

As for the frequency of heat – here, too, everything is purely individual. You can be guided by the average data at first, but later the cycle of your pet will be special. Estrus can occur as once a month, or just once every six months.

What to do

The first and most important rule is not to get nervous or panic! Your cat is a living creature and her body has needs.

The easiest way to ease your cat's suffering is to have her spayed. In this case, she will not be threatened with many diseases of the genital system.

If you do not want to be against such a radical method and do not want to do surgery, there are several other ways to alleviate the suffering of the cat during heat. The simplest advice is to give your cat more time and attention. All living creatures love affection: take your cat in your arms more often, pet it, talk to it, in general imagine that you take care of a real and full member of the family.

Recommended remedies and their effects

Nowadays, there are many different remedies that can help cats cope with increased hormonal activity during heat. The first and safest method is the use of herbal infusions and pet drops. But it is worth remembering that such remedies do not help the cat to get rid of heat completely, but calm it down and return it to normal for a while. Therefore, regular use of such preparations is necessary in order to avoid a return to the previous state.

The second type of preparations that are used when cats are in heat are these substances. They are distinguished by the presence in them of hormones that can help, providing excellent results during their use.

Among such remedies distinguish tablets, suspensions and injections. And choosing one of these options, it is necessary to become well acquainted with the peculiarities of their use. After all, the improper use of such drugs during heat can be the cause of serious consequences for your pet. This is, first of all, festering or cancer of the uterus, ovaries or mammary glands.

Therefore, these medications help in the case of:

In any case, the cat's owner should go to the veterinarian and the latter, if there is a need, will prescribe certain hormones. When it's not necessary, it's better to use other, lighter medications to help your cat.

To spay or not to spay

Having experienced another hormonal surge in a pet during heat, many people think about other methods to help relieve the pet's stress. And sterilization in this case will be the only appropriate option to solve the problem.

The advantages of this procedure are the absence of periods of heat in cats. They become calm and nice, moreover, it avoids the risk regarding diseases of the genital organs of animals. Therefore, it is necessary to sterilize the pet to help it in the future not to worry during the next period of hormonal activity.

But despite all sorts of positive aspects, there are also certain disadvantages of such a procedure. First of all, it is the inability to have offspring. And if the cat is a high class breed and can give birth to beautiful kittens, many owners refuse to spay. And in this case, in order to help the cat during heat, it is necessary to use another method.

Contraindications to use

Veterinary drugs created on the basis of megestrol are not used in the following cases:

• If more than 3 days have elapsed since the onset of sexual heat;
• The cat has not reached puberty;
• In the first heat;
• During pregnancy and lactation;
• Hormonal disorders, abnormalities of the endocrine system, neoplasms and diseases of the reproductive system;
• Diabetes mellitus, diseases of the urogenital system, CPN;
• In the treatment of corticosteroids;
• In the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the remedy, as an allergic reaction may develop.

Important: Violation of the scheme of taking the drug, specified in the instructions, may lead to a decrease in its therapeutic effectiveness.

Complex drugs

Such drugs include several active substances. The drug for contraception and regulation of sexual behavior "Ovostop" gives a prolonged effect (up to 6 months, depending on the length of daylight hours).

• Megestrol acetate. Promotes the transition of proestrus immediately to the sexual resting stage without heat and the stage after it.
• Proroxan. Thanks to its action on the receptors which are responsible for the behavioral manifestations of heat, it blocks unpleasant estrus manifestations: excessive vocalization, search for a mate, aggressive behavior, and development of stress. Does not directly affect the reproductive system.
• Melatonin. Hormone-adaptogen responsible for the seasonal and daily rhythm of the body. Especially recommended the use of melatonin in cats who are constantly in artificial light, which disrupts the timing of heats and seasonal shedding. Helps to improve the quality of the coat, normalization of shedding. This active ingredient also helps to slow down the aging process and has a sedative effect.

The advantage of the drug "Ovostop" is a comfortable form of spot-on – drops on the withers. The three-component composition allowed to reduce the dose of the progestagen component (megestrol).

Strict adherence to the instructions will help to avoid unpleasant signs of sex drive in the cat. For the selection of the optimal remedy, consult a specialist.

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 restless but doesn't rub against people or objects or lift her pelvis, she may be sick. See your veterinarian to find out the cause.

Put something warm on your cat so he can sit on it. Of course, success is not guaranteed, but many people find that a warm bag or a warm, wet towel helps calm the cat. [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.

Ovarian removal and other solutions

• If you can't afford surgery, look for inexpensive spaying services. Many clinics offer this service at a discounted price because it helps reduce the number of stray cats.
• Look online to see if there are such clinics in your area or city. [10] X Source of information
• Even after surgery, there is a small risk of heat due to residual ovarian tissue. If heat does occur even after spaying, see your vet.

Wait until the cat is out of heat before spaying. Your vet can perform the operation at any point in your cat's cycle, even when she's in heat. But at this time there is a particularly high risk of major blood loss. The procedure is possible, but it is better to consult an experienced veterinarian. [11] X Reliable source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Go to source

Hormone therapy may be another method. The hormones prostaglandins and estrogen are used to stop heat. [12] X Source of Information However, this treatment is fraught with serious side effects, including uterine infections and tumors. [13] X Source of information Because of the high risk, it is recommended that this procedure be started as a last resort when ovarian removal and other methods have failed. Always consult your veterinarian before resorting to such methods! [14] X Source of Information [15] X Source of Information Even if for medical reasons a cat cannot be spayed or the method does not work, no amount of quiet behavior by your pet is worth the risks!

Stages of estrus in cats

Estrus is divided into 4 phases. Even an experienced owner will have difficulty distinguishing one period of estrus from another. However, knowing the physiological characteristics of whiskers, you will be able to calculate a favorable date for mating, and avoid unpleasant incidents.

• Proestrus. This is the preparatory phase. It lasts from 1 to 4 days. You can notice changes in the cat's behavior. The cat rolls on the floor, caresses its owner, and the first scanty secretions appear. At this stage, the female will not let the cat near her because she is not yet ready to fertilize.
• Estrus. The second stage is called the same as the whole cycle. The heat itself lasts from 5 to 10 days, which largely depends on the breed. Under the increasing influence of hormones, the cat has difficulty controlling its behavior – it cries day and night, and assumes a mating pose when stroked. Transparent discharge becomes visible. Planned mating or spontaneous copulation occurs during this phase.
• Interestrus, metaestrus, or post-mating. The third period can follow several scenarios, depending on how the previous phase ended. If a cat has had mating, during which fertilization occurred, then pregnancy occurs during metaestrus, and in 60-70 days kittens will be born. There are cases when conception does not occur during sexual intercourse and the cat develops a false pregnancy. This state resembles a normal pregnancy, but it does not end in labor and passes after 30-45 days. If a cat has had no contact with a male, within the next 2-15 days the attraction fades, and interest in the opposite sex is replaced by aggression.
• Anestrus. The final phase is called the resting period. The female pet behaves as usual. The duration of anestrus can be from 3 weeks to several months. A cat that has given birth will have a longer rest period than a pet that has not found a mate.

How to calm a cat in heat

Every owner who is faced with a cat in heat thinks about how to help and relieve his cat's condition. Although, unlike illness, estrus is a normal physiological process, the fluffy beauty is under a lot of stress. During these days, be affectionate to your pet and give her enough attention. Try to take her in your arms more often, pet her, talk to her. These actions will not cancel the symptoms of heat, but the cat will feel calmer.

Playing around will help to sublimate energy. Buy your cat a new toy to distract her from the sexual hunt. Even the simplest objects will do, such as toy mice, tassels and bows. Also, a tired cat is more likely to sleep at night than to meow. For the same reason, don't let your pet sleep for long periods during the day.

Since appetite decreases during heat, reduce food portions but increase the frequency of feedings. The food should be balanced.

During estrus, some owners are willing to allow the cat to mate with a cat. Letting your pet out of the house for a sexual hunt, you need to be prepared for kittens. If breeding is not in your plans, a castrated cat will do, and 2 weeks after the heat, spay the animal.

Sedatives

On the advice of your veterinarian you can buy special medicines to calm the cat (Cot Bayun, Anti-Stress, Stop-Stress, Fitex). It should be a sedative, not a hormone. Herbal remedies relieve emotional stress, and heat passes more easily. Drugs act gently, do not cause addiction. The choice of a particular brand and dosage is made by a veterinarian after a consultation with a description of all the symptoms. Each cat reacts differently to sedative drops, as in the case of valerian.

Hormonal medications

It is possible to interrupt the heat by giving the cat hormones, but this is an extreme measure, which can be used maximum 2 times a year. Moreover, experts do not recommend the use of drugs with the effect of "antisex" because of a number of side effects. Hormonal malfunctions caused by drops can provoke inflammatory processes in the genitals, cysts, malignant tumors, diabetes and adrenal gland dysfunction. Do not resort to heavy artillery without good reason.

Remedies

Warmth can help calm the cat. Warmth can be provided by a heating pad that you place under her cot or a warm towel. It can be covered with a light blanket. This will help your cat relax and soothe his desire to want a cat. Also, you can purchase a special hanging hammock that can be hung from the radiator.. Cats love to sit on high, such a hammock is sure to please her, and she will always be near a source of warmth that will help soothe the pet.

As an option, you can give your cat a bath to calm her down. This procedure will temporarily distract and help relieve agitation during heat. Each bath is a little stressful for the cat, and the emotions afterwards will overshadow the craving for the cat. She will lick herself and, for a while, she will simply be distracted from her needs.

Another way to calm the animal, can be to use a product such as a pheromone. "Feliway" is a specially designed remedy, and when you use it, the cat should calm down for a while, and its mood will normalize.

Also, you can use folk remedies that can calm the heat. For example, you can prepare a decoction of chamomile, caraway, and melissa. This decoction helps to calm the animal. You can give catnip, which is a natural, gentle and painless way to calm your pet during heat. But the result will not last very long and, will vary from 2 to 3 hours.

Pills

Calming pills are the most urgent way to calm a heifer. In this case, the owner must understand the risk he is taking, because these are hormonal drugs and, after taking them, there can be very bad consequences, your pet may start to form tumors.

When buying such products, ask your veterinarian for help because only an experienced specialist can help you choose the right medication that will help soothe and not hurt your pet so much when he is in heat.

There are times when a cat during heat has been soothed by classical music. For example, works by Bach, Mozart, Tchaikovsky. These cases are quite rare and depend on the nature of your pet. Quiet music induces a desire to sleep in the cat and this helps to calm the pet's heat.

Meows and meows.

A cat in heat can be very tiring company. Her main goal becomes getting a mate and getting pregnant-the need for offspring is so strong that it affects all her behavior. She eats and sleeps less and becomes restless and agitated. She adopts a characteristic posture – arching her back and thrusting her tail, thus signaling that she is ready for fertilization. To do this, however, it needs a male – to attract him, the cat meows often and loudly, even howling. It is these desperate cries that most disturb the housemates. A cat desperately trying to get out of the house in search of a mate can haunt a male for several days. This situation can last for a week or more.

The only effective way to solve the problem once and for all is castration, a procedure which in the case of a cat involves the surgical removal of the uterus with the ovaries. Before it can be performed, however, most veterinarians recommend waiting until the heat is over. However, there are several ways that can help make this difficult time more bearable – for both you and your cat.

Distraction

It's not easy because a cat in heat is guided by what her instincts dictate – the need to breed. So you will have to try harder. Perhaps you can buy or prepare a new, interesting toy for her? Playing with treats – such as a sniffing mat that requires concentration – can also help. This is also a good time to install a new scratching post – if you have room for one or wanted to replace the old one anyway. Scratching will help your cat relieve at least some of the accumulated tension.

Calm

These days, your cat needs to feel even more secure and calm. Keep a routine, stick to your regular "schedule." Make sure no one in the family is chasing or chasing her away. Respond to her needs – when she craves your attention, talk to her and soothingly pet her. If she wants to rest alone, try to give her that opportunity.

What shouldn't you do?

Never let a cat outside – driven by instinct, she may get lost or hit by a car. If she comes back or is found, she will almost certainly be pregnant – if you don't choose to abort, there will be more kittens in the world for which there may not be enough homes. Of course, it's best to avoid such problems.

Some people consider administering medication to suppress heat. However, it should be stressed that this is a temporary solution with risks. Hormonal drugs have a temporary effect – heat will return anyway – and upset the hormonal balance in the body. Taking them can also lead to the development of dangerous diseases. A much safer and more effective option is castration.

Prohibited Actions

Most Internet recommendations not only fail to produce the desired effect, but also pose a danger to the animal. Prohibited actions include the following:

1. The use of folk recipes. Valerian, popular among owners, is highly addictive to members of the feline family, and essential oils with a pungent odor can cause acute poisoning. Also, do not resort to recipes with iodine and baking soda. These substances lead to increased gas and vomiting.
2. Cooling the genitals with ice water. At best, your pet will simply be frightened, and at worst it will earn itself an inflammation.
3. Frequent stroking. Try not to touch the area from the middle of the back to the base of the tail. The cat will then crouch on the ground, waiting to mate.
4. Raising the voice and physical punishment. Abuse will simply increase anxiety and rob you of your pet's trust.
5. Locking the animal in a dark room. Sunlight does stimulate hormones, but the lack of it is bad for physiological health and the psyche.
6. Feeding sleeping pills. This is a very strong drug that is used to prepare for deep anesthesia. Because of the large number of contraindications and side effects, it can be used only by appointment of a veterinarian.
7. Imitation sexual intercourse. Sticking thermometers, cotton swabs and other oblong objects into the animal is not only pointless, but also dangerous. You can get an infection or accidentally injure yourself by using an instrument.
8. Mating with a neutered cat. Unlike the previous one, this method is not dangerous, but absolutely useless. If you don't go to breed your pet with a bride cat, it's much easier and more reliable to just have her spayed.

If your loved ones use any of the above – be sure to tell them about the possible consequences. In addition to drastic solutions such as spaying, there are several other options that eliminate the negative consequences.

How else you can help a cat in heat

If you decide to breed or miss the safe time for surgery, you will have to face the difficulties described above. In these cases, you can use the following tips:

1. Prevent daytime naps. Your main goal is to exhaust your pet as much as possible so that she sleeps through the night.
2. Reduce the tension with your love. Stroking is forbidden during this period, but only on the lower back. Completely deprive the pet of petting is not allowed, because it helps to relax.
3. Wet the pet's fur or get it dirty in something tasty. All cats are pathological cleaners. While your pet is being licked, you can finally get some sleep.
4. Play some classical music. It helps to relax and creates a calm atmosphere.
5. Redirect increased activity to toys. Frequent and prolonged play will help expend stored energy and improve nighttime sleep.
6. Reduce the daily portion and move the fullest meal to the evening. Changing his feeding regimen will cause all his energy to be spent digesting.
7. Put something warm under the animal. A heated bag, heating pad or towel will do. All cats are averse to heat, so this is an effective distraction.
8. Eliminate communication with cats. If you don't know how to calm a cat in heat, eliminate the main source of her anxiety. Close the windows with curtains to prevent peeping from outside cats. If the cat lives in your house send it to stay with relatives or friends.

The effect of such actions is temporary, but they are completely harmless for the mental and physiological health of your pet.

Any "empty" heat is dangerous (cysts form, cancer), and all of the above methods give only temporary results. Because of this, veterinarians strongly recommend either breeding or resorting to spaying. In the latter case, the surgery is performed two weeks before or after estrus. A change in these terms is possible only for medical reasons.