When does a cat start begging for the first time and how to understand it?

Every owner is familiar with the situation when a cat asks for a cat. We answered questions about how long estrus lasts and at what age it begins, and whether sterilization is harmful. In the article you will also find a list of sedatives: herbal and hormonal. Find out what pheromonetherapy is.

With the onset of the first warm days of March, cat screams can be heard from the street, from which earplugs or a tightly closed window will save you. But these methods are completely ineffective when your cat asks for a cat in close proximity to you. You can wait until she gets bored, but there are better ways to take control of the situation.

Finding a partner is a natural need for cats.

Natural needs and sexual activity of cats

It is no coincidence that during the bright, warm spring and summer months we see an increase in the number of pregnant cats. As daylight hours increase in cats, the level of the hormone melatonin, produced in the dark, decreases. Which in turn affects the area of ​​the brain responsible for the reproductive instinct. A reproductive hormone is produced, which ultimately leads to the cat immediately starting to look for a potential partner.

In veterinary medicine there is a special term - estrus - a period of sexual desire that lasts 5-7 days, rarely it reaches 14 days.

During this period, the cat uses vocals and secretions to attract a male.

One way to attract a male

In domestic cats, which may not leave their apartment all their lives, breeding cycles may not depend on the time of year and external factors, so estrus can make itself felt regardless of the season.

When does a cat start asking for a cat?

Many owners are interested in the question of what time cats start walking and how long this period lasts. Naturally, all animals are individual and each one experiences this moment at a different time. As a rule, the furry creature begins to ask the cat at about 6 months. But no later than 10 months.

There are a number of factors that influence what time a cat starts begging:

• breed;
• feeding characteristics and food quality;
• conditions of detention.

Representatives of the cat family reach sexual maturity at 7-9 months. True, in some breeds this happens earlier. During puberty, the pet acquires the ability to produce mature eggs. But this does not mean that from the first heat the animal is ready to conceive. It is necessary for the animal to grow a little more and get stronger.

Signs that a cat is wandering

Often the signs are pronounced, reserved individuals are found, and it is possible to find out about puberty only after pregnancy.

So, during estrus characteristic behavior appears:

• rubbing against objects more often and longer than usual;
• frequent urination, especially when the cat approaches;
• clear vaginal discharge, left not only in the tray;
• the desire to get outside;
• loud screams with uncharacteristic howls;
• refusal to eat;
• unusually persistent affection towards the owner;
• unusual rolling on the floor, moving the tail to the side, tucking the paws.

What is estrus

Estrus in a cat (estrus, estrous cycle, heat) is part of the sexual cycle, informing that the animal is ready to have offspring and is looking for a mate.

Changes occur in the body under the influence of hormones that put the cat into a state of “sexual heat.” The animal is looking for a male, while demonstrating characteristic behavior - meowing, rubbing against walls, crawling on the floor. In everyday life they say “the cat has gone on a spree.”

The sexual activity of females is seasonal and depends on the length of daylight hours. During the dark season (late autumn – winter), the cat’s body intensively produces the hormone melatonin. It suppresses the “power” of estrogen, the hormone that is responsible for sexual behavior. In the middle zone, daylight hours increase in March. Therefore, from the beginning of spring, less melatonin is synthesized in the cat’s body, and cats begin to have regular estrus.

How often does heat occur?

Theoretically, by their nature, cats can bear up to six litters per year, and estrus can occur much more frequently.

Cats may look for a mate every three weeks for a week. If mating does not occur, her body will continue to repeat the estrous cycle until pregnancy or sterilization. By the way, after giving birth in many animals, estrus begins after a month and a half.

During heat, cats may try to escape from the house.

The female cycle is directly related to the length of daylight hours. For cats living outdoors, the frequency of estrus increases from late spring to fall, and decreases as daylight hours decrease.

Domestic cats live year-round under artificial light and may experience almost constant hormonal activity.

How long after giving birth does estrus occur?

The frequency of sexual hunting depends on whether you are pregnant or not. If a cat makes an appointment with a male, she will carry the offspring for about 2 months and then feed them. The next estrus occurs 30-50 days after calving or 10-14 days after the end of lactation. In the wild, cats mate on average 2-3 times a year. If mating does not take place, the next estrus will begin in 3-4 weeks.

In rare cases, lactating cats ask for a cat as early as 2 weeks after calving. If mating does not occur during this period, the next estrus will begin again after 14-21 days.

If the males mate, a new pregnancy will not occur, because the uterus has not yet had time to recover and the process of feeding the kittens is in full swing. But mating in the next heat will be more successful.

What period of time is it?

The estrus cycle consists of four stages:

• proestrus. Lasts 1-2 days, the cat shows anxiety, but does not allow the cat to come near it;
• estrus – estrus itself, expressed by frequent urination and loss of appetite, lasts 5-7 days;
• metestrus, extinction of the reproductive instinct, lasts up to 8 days;
• anestrus - a period of rest that occurs if mating does not occur, lasts until the beginning of the next cycle

Thus, the average duration of estrus reaches two weeks. At the same time, the “hunting” time increases with age.

One way to solve the problem of a restless cat who wants to procreate is to mate with a male cat. Despite its apparent simplicity, this process requires serious preparation.

The first mating can be carried out no earlier than the cat reaches the age of one and a half years, when the body is fully formed and the animal has received all the necessary vaccinations. Early pregnancy in cats often ends in failure, creating a risk to the health of the animal.

Mating a cat and a cat requires a thorough approach from the owners

The cat meets its partner on the 3rd-5th day of estrus, although in some breeds favorable days begin only in the second week. An animal that finds itself in a foreign territory for mating must be provided with comfortable living conditions; you can take with you a sleeping place, a tray, a bowl, or a favorite toy. This will ensure a reduction in stress levels.

The cat's readiness can be guessed by its characteristic flirting with the cat. Mating does not always occur on the first try; in case the animal becomes agitated, the owner needs to be nearby in order to be able to calm it down.

Unfortunately, mating is not always successful; the reason may be both psychological and physical incompatibility of partners. In this case, you can contact a specialist breeder or find another partner for the cat.

The practice of mating is also known not for the purpose of giving birth to kittens, but to satisfy the cat’s sexual instinct. In this case, a castrated cat is used, fertilization cannot occur, and the cat may not experience sexual desire for up to two months.

There are pills that can calm a cat that is calling.

Interrupting estrus with hormonal drugs

Leaks can be prevented or stopped with hormonal medications. However, they should not be used frequently as it leads to health problems.

List of drugs to suppress sexual arousal in cats:

• Gender barrier;
• EX-5;
• EX-5T;
• Four and a tail.

Hormonal medications are designed to lower estrogen levels, which will reduce the expression of sexual desire. Basically, taking such drugs transfers the animal from proestrus to antiestrus.

Benefits of taking hormonal drugs:

• the cat does not ask for the cat, his behavior does not cause discomfort to the owner;
• It is possible to skip 1-2 mating sessions if the animal is being used for breeding, but mating is not currently possible.

There are just as many disadvantages to taking hormones. This should be understood when deciding whether to give them to your pet:

• such drugs cannot be used frequently and for a long time;
• Taking them disrupts hormonal levels, and this can lead to serious diseases - the development of pathologies in the uterus and neoplasms.

Problems do not arise immediately after taking hormonal medications. Most often they appear at the age of 3-4 years. If a cat develops endometritis or other diseases of the reproductive system, it will be necessary to resort to castration.

Calming a cat in heat

What should the owner do if the cat asks for a cat, but he is not ready for the birth of kittens, and surgical intervention is not considered. The solution may be one of three methods, which we will consider below.

Calming tablets

There are a number of medications on the market that can calm a cat during heat. But they can have a short-term effect and also cause an allergic reaction in the animal’s body. To achieve the best result without harming your cat, you need to consult with a specialist who can tell you exactly which drug is best for your pet, how much it will be needed, and how effective the treatment will be.

The table below shows some of the sedatives and their characteristics.

There are also long-acting chemical contraceptives

Suprelorin is a contraceptive bioimplant that is effective from six months to a year. Infertility occurs after 6 weeks from the start of use. It is an implant placed in the withers area under the skin; over time it is absorbed into the tissues.

Dermatonin and Ferretonin are melatonin implants, administered subcutaneously, ensuring the absence of estrus for the duration of implant resorption for 1.5-4 months. Melatonin reduces libido by simulating a period of calm during decreasing daylight hours.

Covinan injection with prolygestone as an active substance

The listed drugs have many contraindications and side effects and should not be used without a doctor’s prescription.

Traditional calming methods

In addition to medications, you can try traditional methods of calming a cat during estrus. These non-trivial methods can resolve the question of what to give a cat during estrus so that she does not ask for a cat. First of all, folk recipes include catnip, lemon balm, motherwort and valerian, which can be purchased at a regular pharmacy or pet store. Their effectiveness has not been proven, the cat will not stop asking the cat for a long time, but they certainly will not harm the body.

Catnip will help combat manifestations of activity during estrus

Many owners agree that physical activity helps cats cope with the symptoms of heat more easily. It is also recommended to reduce the amount of food, feed more often and in small portions, then the cat will be able to shift the focus of attention to more basic needs for some time.

To exclude external irritants, it is better, if possible, to temporarily isolate the cat from other animals during estrus.

Pheromone therapy

Pheromone is a volatile chemical substance with a natural composition through which animals exchange information. These substances are released from the body into the environment and can cause a particular reaction in the behavior of the individual that received the signal. For example, with the help of pheromones, marking territory, males “protect” their territory or warn of danger.

Pheromones can both excite the nervous system and calm the animal, including during estrus. These drugs are sprayed into the air, which makes the procedure for taking such a “medicine” humane.

The disadvantage of this therapy is the lack of guarantees of its effectiveness.

It's almost impossible not to notice changes in your cat's behavior

How to recognize that your pet is asking for a cat?

It is clear at what age cats begin to walk. But how to recognize this period? It's actually very simple. The owner will not be able to confuse this with anything else. The greatest sexual activity of cats is observed in the first months of the year: from February to April. But in October-November, the cat shows less pronounced readiness to mate. You can understand that a cat is asking for a cat based on certain signs.

How a cat behaves when it wants a cat is described below:

1. Often, representatives of the cat family have a decrease in appetite during this period. And some individuals completely lose interest in food. Of course, this may also indicate that the pet is sick. Therefore, this sign should not be considered separately as an indicator that the animal is walking. Estrus is necessarily accompanied by other symptoms.
2. The pet begins to scream and meow loudly. At first it may look very unusual. Therefore, when a cat starts asking for a cat for the first time, it may seem strange to the owner. But this is all natural - the cat's instinct kicks in. Thus, the pet attracts a potential cat to mate.
3. The animal begins to leave marks throughout the house. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether cats mark territory like cats is a resounding “yes.” During the period of estrus, the pet begins to have special discharge. Some people believe that a cat leaves marks on the floor involuntarily. Others are convinced that in this way she attracts a male. But there is also an opinion that a cat during estrus marks the boundaries in this way, fearing that the cats will lay claim to her territory. Regardless of the actual cause, discharge in a cat during heat is normal.
4. The pet becomes overly affectionate: it purrs loudly and rubs against the owner’s legs. True, in some cases aggression may be observed in her behavior.
5. The pet begins to go to the toilet often in small ways. But why did the cat start peeing anywhere during her heat? This is due to physiological changes in the body.
6. The animal begins to take characteristic positions for mating: it lowers itself on its front legs, and raises the back of its body, moving its tail to the side. Thus, the cat makes it clear to the male that she is ready for mating.

All these signs indicate that the pet has begun to walk. This is why a cat meows for no reason, rubs its legs and eats poorly. But soon this period will end, and the pet will become calm again.

You can simply determine the duration of estrus by observing your cat. But, as a rule, this process lasts about 10 days. Of course, some factors can also influence this period, reducing or increasing the time of estrus. It should be noted that if you do not breed the cat or do not take measures to calm her down, after 2 weeks the estrus may happen again. Read the article “How many days does a cat ask for a cat and how to calm her down?”

Sterilization: pros and cons

Owners have different opinions on the issue of sterilization. Some consider this operation to be the only right step towards the pet’s health; for others, it does not seem humane to deprive a cat of the opportunity to give birth to offspring.

It is worth noting that timely sterilization greatly reduces the risk of cancer.

The best time to perform the operation is considered to be the period before the onset of the first estrus or immediately after its end. Also, the possibility of developing breast cancer is reduced to almost zero. It is possible to sterilize at an older age, but then you need to consult a doctor to see if the animal will tolerate anesthesia.

As for deprivation of the right to give birth, such doubts are inherent only to humans. Animals live by instinct and do not dream of a large cat family since childhood.

The veterinary community has come to the conclusion that sterilization is absolutely safe for cats; the only contraindication can be the patient’s advanced age. But the operation once and for all relieves the cat from suffering, minimizes the risk of disease, and also guarantees peace of mind for the owner.

The disadvantages of sterilization include the recovery period. Since the operation is performed under full anesthesia, she needs careful care and attention over the next few days. In addition, changing dressings requires courage from the owner, although it is not difficult.

Kitty in a post-operative bandage

Also, sterilization requires financial investment, and for some owners it seems more convenient to buy medications that stop or reduce the cat’s sexual desire. But you need to understand that often this kind of drug intervention puts the pet’s health at risk.

It is also worth noting that there are often cases when, due to hormonal changes after sterilization, a cat may become less physically active, thus increasing the likelihood of gaining excess weight. But in this case, it is possible to take control of nutrition and independently provoke physical exercise in the cat, which at the same time will add joyful emotions to the animal and its owner.

If not hormones, then what?

Since hormonal drugs can be harmful, it is better to use more gentle options. For example, “Fitex” or “Cat Bayun”. These are herbal-based preparations, therefore they are the safest for cat health. “Palladium”, “Bromine” and “Ignacia” have also proven themselves well. These are homeopathic remedies that have a gentle effect on the body and do not cause side effects. In addition, the result is achieved almost immediately after use.

Many veterinarians advise sterilization if the owner does not want the cat to give birth to kittens. After the operation, the pet will no longer walk and will not be able to get pregnant. The pills temporarily suppress her arousal. And besides, they can cause irreparable harm to health. It makes sense to use such drugs if mating is not planned now, but in the future the owner plans to breed a cat with a cat. What exactly to choose, sterilization or taking sedative hormonal medications, it all depends on the decision of the pet owner, as well as the health and age of the animal. Read more about the use of sedatives here.

This article discussed how to understand that a cat wants a cat, when it is recommended to breed and how to do it correctly. Each cat has its own character and preferences. And it is important to learn to understand your pet. If the owner does not want the cat to give birth, it is better to undergo sterilization surgery. Of course, you can use various drugs to suppress your pet’s sexual arousal, but many of them, especially hormonal ones, can be harmful to health.

The mating process and possible problems

In order to correctly cross animals of this breed, you need to know how the mating process is carried out. When meeting, the cat is placed close to the cat - approximately at a distance of 1 m. Periodically, he makes attempts to get closer. However, he receives a growl and hiss in response. At the same time, the male pretends that he is not interested in the guest.

The cat, in turn, begins to meow invitingly and also rolls on the floor. But if the cat tries to get closer, the female shows aggression. This continues several times until the cat stops hissing. Then the male, approaching the female, grabs her by the withers with his teeth and climbs on top. If the cat agrees, it raises its butt and moves its tail to the side. If the guest changes her mind, she lowers her tail.

Sexual intercourse in cats lasts about 5–10 seconds and ends with ejaculation. At the same time, the cat may squeal. The male jumps away from her and begins to lick her. The female falls on her back and rolls around.

Mating occurs until one animal gets tired of this action. This usually happens within 2–3 days. Sometimes, in order for a cat to become pregnant, mating is carried out several times.

During mating, the following problems may arise:

• the guest simply does not let the cat near. Additional stroking of the abdomen, back and areas near the external genitalia can help. Rarely, a probe is inserted into the vagina;
• the cat shows no interest in the guest. In this case, another partner is selected;
• throwing a cat on its side during mating. The solution to the problem is to hold the animal during mating;
• prolonged cat aggression. In this case, the female needs to be given more time to get to know her partner.

Options for calming your cat at home

There are not many effective ways to calm your pet. Experts recommend paying attention to the tips below, which will greatly alleviate the condition of the pet and the owner.

Koshkin or

Drops for cats

Since very often the cat’s desire develops into aggression, and the animal begins to behave inappropriately with household members or other pets in the house, you can try to start with the use of sedatives in the form of drops. There are a huge number of manufacturers and brands; you can find an effective one based on any budget. However, it is worth remembering the dosage indicated on the drug. Since many people sell a “dummy”, you need to look for the composition – FSH and LH. These substances are a corpus luteum hormone that suppresses the action of hormones. Among the known options are:

• Sex Barrier "Skif";
• Ovostop;
• Ex-5 – for dogs and cats.

In addition, you need to indicate contraindications. You cannot simply add drops to food and wait for the effect if you are not sure that the animal does not suffer from:

• diabetes mellitus - according to statistics, more than 40% of pets already have this problem by the age of 4;
• the cat has not yet reached sexual maturity - that is, the drug is given by mistake, and it has signs of a completely different disease;
• hormonal balance was disrupted after unsuccessful childbirth;
• the cat is already pregnant;
• first heat.

By the way, giving such hormonal drugs is very dangerous if the cat is in her first heat. Ultimately, this can disrupt the cycle and disrupt the pet's psyche.

Important! Veterinarians recommend simply waiting out this period, watching her diet, and not allowing sexual contact if she is under 12 months old.

Folk remedies

As practice has shown, among folk remedies there are still effective methods of combating screaming at night and constant “molestation” of household members. To make this period easier:

• chamomile;
• thyme.

Decoctions of these remedies have not yet caused allergies. You can even make it from pharmaceutical powder, which is available in every city and region. If a cat begs for a cat, what should you do?

• wet the pet with warm water - while the cat gets itself in order, household members will be able to forget about screaming for several hours;
• locking in the back room is effective at night, you must first give a herbal decoction.

You cannot create a stressful atmosphere; there will be less screaming; on the contrary, the cat will be even more excited. It is easy to poison with little-known drugs and tinctures. You can try to keep her busy with games.

And others

Herbal sedatives are no less effective. They will not cause any harm to the pet, experts point out:

• Kot Bayun is a worthy remedy that is given even to dogs. The dosage is measured by weight, it is advisable to start giving at the beginning of estrus, as they have an accumulation effect;
• Stop stress – available in tablets and drops;
• Stop intimacy - if the owners do not intend to get kittens in the future, then this product is ideal for forgetting about screaming at night.

Important! If we are talking about the first heat, then it is advisable to show your pet to a veterinarian. Only he will be able to give a correct assessment of the condition and detect deviations in a timely manner.

Continuous heat

If a cat yells and wants a cat and this continues for more than 15 days, we are talking about a protracted hunt. For representatives of the Siamese breed and related breeds, this is considered normal. In fact, there are intervals between heats, but they are very short.

But the main reasons why a cat often asks for a cat are related to illness. Most often these are ovarian cysts. Balls (cysts) form on the surface of the ovaries, which synthesize the hormone estrogen, which greatly affects sexual behavior. A reason to suspect cysts is a long-lasting estrus and if the cat was taking contraceptives. The diagnosis is made using ultrasound. Ovarian tumors are more often diagnosed in older animals. The disease also manifests itself as prolonged or irregular estrus, aggressiveness, and hair loss. Treatment in both cases is surgical and is often accompanied by sterilization.

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First walk in winter

So, when should you start walking with your newborn in winter and how to dress him for a walk? If your baby was born in such a cold time, then you should not go outside for at least ten days from the moment he was born. And the day of the first walk will entirely depend on the weather. If the temperature outside is not lower than 10 degrees below zero, you can take the baby out for 10-15 minutes. In this case, you can not even use the stroller, but walk with the baby in your arms or in a special sling.

It should be noted that the time when to start walking with a newborn is set by his parents, and this largely depends on weather conditions, the condition of the baby and the busyness of the mother. Sometimes you can get by leaving the baby on the balcony or closed terrace, because if the frost drops to -10 degrees or even lower, or during heavy snow or rain, it is better to postpone the walk and limit yourself to thoroughly ventilating the room where the baby is. The time spent outside should be increased gradually, bringing the daily amount of time spent in the fresh air to 1-1.5 hours twice a day.

What actions will help relieve anxiety?

What to do if a cat goes on a spree worries all owners. You can use various methods to relieve anxiety during this period. To increase efficiency, it is better to use them comprehensively.

• Limit contact with other animals in the house.

Such actions will help avoid conflicts, because a cat’s character changes for the worse during heat. She can show aggression towards other cats, dogs and small animals.

A closet or bathroom is suitable for insulation. There must be clean water there. It is recommended to give food before bedtime and several small portions during the day.

The cat becomes aggressive

• Increase comfort.

You need to lay a softer bedding made from natural fabrics. The cat will appreciate the comfort and nervous tension will decrease somewhat.

• Keeping the tray clean.

Cats are particularly clean even during estrus. Due to increased irritability, an uncleaned litter box can cause a negative reaction and the cat will shit in another place.

• Keep your cat busy with games and entertainment.

Excessive activity and energy need to be directed in the right direction. To do this, purchase new toys, and she will be busy for several days. Having played enough all day, she will sleep soundly.

Of course, the cat will not stop wanting a cat, but the anxiety will decrease.