Puberty is always associated with certain changes in the character and behavior of the cat. Therefore, before taking a pet into your home, it is worth deciding on the characteristics of its gender. In many ways, the timing of the first heat depends on the climate, breed qualities, diet and other indicators. A caring owner wants to know how many days the cat has been walking.
Signs that a cat is wandering
There are several signs that can easily help the owner understand that heat has begun:
- the animal either becomes aggressive or asks to be petted more and demands attention;
- urination becomes more frequent;
- the meowing acquires a prolonged and angry character, more reminiscent of an orc;
- discharge appears in the genital area, which forces the cat to lick itself frequently;
- for the entire period of estrus, appetite decreases or is completely absent;
- veterinarians note swelling of the genitals;
- an individual on a spree begins to lift the back of its body when walking, simultaneously bending its front legs, which significantly changes its gait.
Some individuals are so disturbed by this condition that, following the example of cats, they become aggressive and begin to mark their territory. Each of these signs can appear one at a time or together.
Duration and frequency of estrus
Both factors are largely determined by both the breed and individual characteristics of the cat.
If there was no mating with the cat, then the duration of estrus can be 8-10 days, in some cases 14.
If intercourse takes place, then fertilization has occurred; as a result, the female calms down within 2 days after communicating with the male.
After birth, the first estrus occurs after 2-3 months, but this is only if the birth went well and the animal had the opportunity to fully recover and feed the offspring for 8-10 weeks. If the kittens died or were taken away too early, the female begins to walk after 2-3 weeks.
Individuals kept in free-ranging conditions can become pregnant every three months. Therefore, owners need to take measures so that not every estrus ends in fertilization - otherwise, constant childbirth will cause significant damage to the cat’s health.
Duration of estrus in different breeds
The duration of estrus is largely determined by the individual characteristics of the breed.
- Siamese cats walk for 5-7 days every month. The first heat occurs at the age of one and a half years. As experts note, estrus in Siamese females, as a rule, is asymptomatic, especially in those who are overweight.
- Female sphinxes are ready to mate at 12 months of age; estrus lasts 5-6 days and repeats once every two months. During this period, cats become very angry and uncontrollable.
- Scottish Folds experience their first estrus at ten months of age, lasting 5-7 days. The cycle is repeated 3-4 times a year. The best period for mating is the second heat. After giving birth, “Scottish women” go for walks twice a year.
- Females of the British breed begin to walk at one year of age, lasting 4-14 days. After caring for the offspring, they recover in a month and are ready to mate again.
- Persian ripen at six months. Despite early physiological maturity, the genitals are not yet fully formed, so estrus is productive after reaching one and a half years.
- Maine Coons require a cat at the age of 12 months and only some individuals at 10 months.
Stages of the reproductive cycle
The reproductive cycle of all females, regardless of breed, is divided into 4 stages.
- Proestrus is the beginning of estrus and lasts about two days. During this period, if there is a cat in the house, the cat makes inviting sounds and fawns over him. In the absence of a male, he turns all his attention to the owner, follows him everywhere, rubs against his legs and purrs.
- Estrus is the peak of excitement. In different breeds it ranges from 4 to 12 days. If the female does not have a partner for mating, then she begins to rub herself against any object she comes across, the meowing becomes so loud that not all owners are ready to calmly tolerate the sounds made, and when stroking the animal takes a pose of readiness for mating.
- Interestrus - the time after mating, ranges from 4 to 19 days; during this period, if fertilization has occurred, the cat does not allow the male to approach her, since sexual hunting stops. If conception does not take place, then a new wave of activity will repeat after 10-14 days.
- Anestrus is the period of time between estrus when the animal is at rest, that is, its normal state.
Expert advice
There are owners who don’t want to bother with kittens and disturb the peace in the house, and they simply don’t have time for all this fuss. They usually give their pets special tablets. Today you can find remedies for any problem, but will they be good for your health? This is an important point that needs to be paid special attention to. The tablets are designed to calm the animal and reduce sexual desire. In this case, pregnancy will not occur, and the animal will behave normally.
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Veterinarians' opinions regarding drugs are divided. Some believe that the pills are completely harmless and help maintain a calm life for both owners and pets, while others believe that the medications are unsafe. If you do decide to give your pet medication, you should definitely contact your veterinarian so that he can prescribe the optimal drug specifically for your animal.
If medications are chosen correctly, they will gently return the animal’s condition to normal without harm to health.
Buying medications is not a problem. There are preparations based on hormonal components and herbs. To reduce sexual activity, a popular remedy is Gestrenol, which has a fairly gentle effect on the body and does not cause harm. It contains only analogues of the original hormones and components. After finishing taking the drug, your animal will resume sexual activity after 2 months.
There are many more medications, but they are hormonal drugs that are not recommended to be given to your pet without consulting a specialist. If you urgently and quickly need to calm the cat and bring the cat back to normal, then you can use injections. However, remember that such drugs have serious contraindications. If you do not want to ruin your pet’s health, then urgently visit a veterinarian and choose the best option for your animal.
How to help a cat in heat
One of the effective ways to relieve a cat from unpleasant symptoms during heat is to sterilize the animal. It has two disadvantages: firstly, the animal will never have kittens after the operation, and secondly, due to the removal of the gonads, the hormonal levels may shift and obesity may begin.
One cannot ignore the fact that any surgical intervention is associated with a risk of death.
If sterilization is not suitable for some parameters or is contraindicated for the animal, then you can use specially developed drugs: tablets, drops, injections. Injections are an effective remedy because after them the cat does not want to go out for six months. But at the same time, the owner does not always have the opportunity to deliver her to the clinic, and after the effect of the administered drug wears off, do not forget to repeat the procedure.
Tablets and drops can be given independently without wasting time on visiting a veterinarian. The quantities and doses are indicated on the packaging; if they are followed correctly, there is no risk to health.
The best domestic drugs are:
- Gestrenol contains natural components, including catnip, so as not to cause rejection in the animal when taken, it is produced in the form of drops in a bottle reliably protected from the external environment. If you stop taking the drug, sexual function is completely restored
- Sex Barrier contains two new generation hormones that correct hormonal levels and reduce libido.
Both medications can be used in cases of unplanned mating to prevent pregnancy. They have been awarded certificates of conformity and maximum safety, are cheaper than their foreign counterparts and are not inferior to them in efficiency.
Why is this necessary:
- To identify possible hereditary diseases and genetic predispositions in an animal. For example, dull and sparse fur or eye color;
- If there are already offspring, then an acquaintance and inspection must take place;
- Testing for prepotency, that is, whether an animal has the ability to pass on its characteristics and qualities to its offspring.
If you find any shortcomings, but agree with them, they should definitely be included in the contract. This is done in order to avoid litigation in the future.
For a pet in a new home, it is recommended to take her favorite bowl , with which she eats at home, food, a toilet and a carrier. These things will help her adapt faster to her new home. Understand that the connection can already be carried out easily. She plays and flirts with the cat, thereby causing him sexual arousal.
What to do if the cat does not leak
The absence of estrus is not evidence of any serious diseases in the body. The characteristics of the breed must also be taken into account.
In order to “wake up” the female’s body, the following measures can be taken:
- Take into your home another cat that is in heat. Observing another individual, she will begin to imitate her habits, which will give impetus to the restoration of hormonal balance and the beginning of natural estrus.
- You can also accommodate a cat. Communication with the opposite sex should awaken dormant instincts and contribute to the production of enzymes that help start the process of procreation.
If the measures taken do not lead to the desired result, then it is necessary to examine the animal in a veterinary clinic. The data obtained will help the doctor select medications and a vitamin complex that will restore the cat’s reproductive function.
Puberty of cats
A cat's puberty begins at about four months of age. Depending on the size, breed, quality of care and living environment, a cat can mature up to 15–18 months. The process of puberty consists of several stages.
In a newborn male kitten, it is considered normal for the testicles to not fully descend into the scrotum. The formation of the external genital organs occurs up to 4–5 months, after which a constant hormonal background begins to be established in the animal’s body.
In males, testosterone predominates in the hormonal background, which is the culprit for the pronounced manifestation of sexual heat.
As soon as the cat goes into heat, the owner notices clear behavioral changes. Let us note right away that if you do not want to face problems in your pet’s behavior and have kittens, it is better to castrate the cat before entering the active phase of sexual heat.
Important! Even if you live in the private sector, constant fights for the right to mate are dangerous for the life and health of your pet.
A castrated cat remains active, retains hunting skills, but almost never leaves its own territory. After castration, the cat does not obey sexual instincts, is more focused on its own safety and becomes more affectionate towards the owner.
In addition, timely castration guarantees the absence of health problems that are typical for unneutered cats:
- Hormonal disbalance.
- Testicular tumors.
- Some types of oncology.
Note! Castration is a procedure for removing the testicles of a cat and the ovaries and uterus of a cat.
The active phase of male estrus begins in the spring. The mammalian brain has a special section called the pineal gland. This gland is responsible for the production of a unique amino acid – melatonin. Melatonin is produced only at night, and its level inhibits the production of sex hormones.
In spring, when daylight hours increase, melatonin production decreases. According to the law of nature, any voids must be filled. Decreased melatonin production stimulates the cat's hypothalamus to produce additional testosterone in cats and estrogen in cats. That is why in the spring the so-called cat roars begin, when stray animals begin to scream and arrange mating games.