How can I tell if my cat is in season?
Cats in season show a series of symptoms:
- A cat becomes more vocal, and her 'calling sounds' are very different from the sounds she normally makes.
- She will roll on the floor, crouch on all fours, shake her pelvis and rub against people and furniture.
- Some cats look as though they are writhing in agony.
- Female cats have mating cycles, and the hormones that activate these cycles are affected by the time of year, usually in mid - winter, spring and again in late summer and autumn.
- During these seasons, a female cat will go into heat every two to three weeks and stay in heat for days at a time until she's mated.
- Cats that live indoors with controlled lighting or in warm climates, cycle all year round so can be in season all the time.
A female cat becomes sexually mature from about 4 to 5 months, though this can be later due to when they were born. Longhaired cats tend to mature later than short haired ones.
A simple test to see if she is in season is, when the cat is on the floor, grab the scruff of her neck with one hand. With the other hand either stroke or scratch her along her back by the base of her tail. If your cat is on heat, she will react by treading with her hind feet and swishing her tail, moving it to one side.
If she is in heat, you will need to make sure she doesn't get pregnant by keeping her indoors by herself, and discussing neutering with your vet.
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