Features, signs and symptoms of the first estrus in cats

What will you learn from the article?

1. When do cats go into heat?
2. How long does a cat's heat last?
3. As often happens
4. Signs and symptoms
5. How do cats go into heat?
6. How to help a cat in heat
7. Drugs for estrus Drops, tablets and suspensions for festivities
8. Why should you get sterilized?

Estrus in cats is a period of sexual arousal. Like other mammals, these periods occur when they become sexually mature and ready to reproduce.

In this article you will learn everything about this condition and understand the best way to deal with your animal.

When do cats go into heat?

Typically, puberty occurs between 7 and 10 months of age..

But the complete physiological formation of the body for procreation ends at approximately 12-14 months.

It should be noted that the time of the onset of the first heat, as well as its regularity, depend on many factors, including the breed of the cat.

For example, in such oriental breeds as Siamese, Persian and Oriental, estrus can be observed much more often than in cats of other breeds (for example, Scottish, British).

How many days does a cat walk?

One of the main questions that arises for cat owners is how long do they walk? There is no clear answer to this question, since many factors influence the duration of estrus .

The duration of the period depends on:

• Age;
• Time spent without a cat;
• Living conditions;
• Environment, weather, time of year;
• Nutritional features;
• The physical condition of the cat;
• The nature of the pet's body.

In pets, estrus most often lasts from 5 to 10 days. The first estrus may be short-lived . With age, the duration increases, as the pet’s hormonal background forms and changes. In different breeds, a duration of up to 20 days can be observed.

Estrus requires constant monitoring by the breeder. You need to know how long your pet normally goes into heat.

If deviations occur and the heat lasts too long, this may indicate the presence of an ovarian cyst or tumor. A visit to the veterinarian is required to undergo an ultrasound examination.

Signs and symptoms

Determining heat in cats is quite simple. You need to pay attention to the following signs:

• The animal's genitals are enlarged, there is no bloody discharge, but there is a clear, generally light discharge that the cat can inherit.
• Your pet will lick itself more often, and urination may become more frequent than usual.
• Sometimes there are disturbances in appetite - the cat eats less often and less.
• Cats become more affectionate, rubbing against everything they can - furniture, owners. They also roll around on the floor and squirm. There are, of course, individuals who, on the contrary, become too aggressive during the period of heat.
• The animal tries to escape from the house, using all possible entrances and exits - windows, doors, etc.
• The animal makes plaintive, drawn-out and sometimes very loud sounds, thus calling cats.
• He bends his posture, lies down on the floor, actively tramples his hind legs and moves his tail to the side.

What to do if your cat doesn't walk

One of the deviations is the absence of estrus in a mature cat. Besides a visit to the veterinarian, there are several ways to help your pet:

• If there is a pet in the neighborhood who is in heat, he needs to be housed. As a rule, cats leak at the same time.
• If there is a cat nearby, it is also advisable to bring the animals closer together. If there is a male, the maturation of the egg will occur faster.
• If the cat is healthy, you can give vitamins and homeopathic remedies.

How do cats go into heat?

Divided into 4 successive stages:

Proestrus is the first stage of a cat's estrus, which lasts 1-4 days. During this period, the cat is even more or less calm. There may be increased, but not so much expressed affection towards the owner. The appetite remains, sometimes even higher than usual. The cat may make quiet sounds in its throat. The genitals gradually increase in size, discharge begins, but despite all this, the cat will not yet allow a single cat to come near her.

Estrus is the second stage, lasting a week and a half. This is the heat itself, when the cat wants a cat, becomes especially affectionate, wriggles, meows loudly, and rolls on the floor. If you stroke your pet in the sacrum area, she will take a characteristic mating position and move her tail to the side. This is a normal and natural phenomenon inherent in nature. It should be noted that during the estrus period, days 3-5 are considered optimal for mating.

Metestrus is a period of decreased sexual arousal in an animal. Lasts 3-12 days. If fertilization occurred at the previous stage, then during metestrus the cat will react aggressively to cats. Sometimes it happens that if fertilization does not occur, then it is at the third stage that cats develop a false pregnancy.

A false pregnancy resembles a true pregnancy in all respects, except that this pregnancy will not end in childbirth. Usually a false pregnancy goes away within a month and a half. If fertilization occurred at the previous stage, then after 60-70 days the cat gives birth to kittens.

Anestrus is the fourth final stage of estrus if fertilization does not occur. The cat gradually calms down and returns to its normal life.

How many times a year does a cat walk?

The frequency of estrus depends on whether the cat has given birth or not. As a rule, cats after giving birth go for walks once every two months, and sometimes once a year. It is impossible to give a definite answer to the question of how long after giving birth the estrus will begin. As a rule, this happens after a month, but it all depends on the specific breed and the nature of the birth.

If the cat has not given birth, estrus occurs quite often - once every two weeks or month. If the owner wants to reduce the frequency of festivities, you can allow the animal to reproduce, or contact a veterinarian to prescribe hormonal medications.

Duration of estrus in different cat breeds

The duration of estrus directly depends on the breed of the pet.
British women are known for the rarest periods of festivities. The first heat occurs at the age of 7 months. Over time, the regularity of ovulation and its duration are disrupted;

Scottish women are famous for their early puberty - at 5 months. The duration of estrus is up to 6 days, the frequency is several times a year.

How to help a cat in heat

Statements that it is better not to touch cats during sexual activity are not entirely correct.

On the contrary, show more tenderness and care, pick up, talk to, stroke and comb the cat more often. These simple manipulations will relieve tension and calm the animal a little.

Keep in mind that active games with your pet will also help to distract her at least a little from the irresistible desire to procreate. During heat, give your cat a good run so that she can throw out the accumulated energy.

You can also use sedatives such as herbal infusion Kot Bayun or Anti-Stress drops. They are harmless and can help correct the cat's behavior during estrus. They should be used following the instructions in the instructions.

Read what should be in a cat's first aid kit.

Keeping your cat healthy

What to do if your cat is in heat? Cats can have a very difficult time with the sexual cycle, and sterilization in this case has many advantages. For example, sterilization helps prevent the development of ovarian and uterine cancer in cats.

According to the College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, it is recommended that your cat be spayed before she goes into her first heat. A spaying procedure performed at a veterinary clinic involves the removal of a cat's reproductive organs so that she will no longer have an estrous cycle (that is, she will no longer be in heat) and will no longer be able to become pregnant. Because pets can become pregnant during their very first reproductive cycle, it's important to neuter them to prevent cat populations from becoming too large, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says. Kittens are cute, of course, but not all of them will find a loving home.

When you take a cat home, be sure to ask if it is sterilized. If you are unsure, consult your veterinarian during your fur baby's wellness checkup. We also recommend asking your veterinarian more about your cat's cycle and how you can stop it. While it may not be entirely clear how to behave during her estrous cycle, being informed and constantly caring for your cat is the best place to start.

Anti-estrus medications

Yes, there is a hormonal injection ( Covinan ), the introduction of which can stop estrus and prevent its occurrence for an average of six months.

Please note that it is highly undesirable to use such a drug without consulting a veterinarian.

Firstly, these injections must be given strictly according to the scheme, not just once, but over several months.

Secondly, the drug can only be used before the onset of estrus.

The use of hormonal injections during estrus is strictly contraindicated.

Please take into account the fact that the first injection of this drug should be given ONLY by a veterinarian, explaining the further regimen of use.

Do not forget about the high risk of diseases of the uterus, appendages and mammary glands of your pet. This medication is contraindicated for use in cats over 5 years of age, especially if it has never been used on your cat before.

Deviations from the norm

For most pets, estrus is calm and painless. However, some cats are susceptible to hormonal imbalances or have a predisposition to abnormalities.

Prolonged heat

This refers to estrus that has lasted for more than 14 days. The phases of the physiological process are extended, going beyond a certain norm. At this time, mucous discharge does not stop, but at the same time the cat is aggressive and does not allow the cat to approach, so fertilization does not occur.

Anaphrodisia

This is the complete absence of any signs of estrus in an adult cat. A delay in normal puberty is accompanied by a similar deviation. In any case, the animal must be shown to a competent veterinarian, who will prescribe treatment.

False pregnancy

If fertilization does not occur, but all the symptoms of pregnancy are present, a false pregnancy appears. The pathological condition is determined by the doctor.

Some breeds, such as Sphynxes, have a predisposition to such manifestations. In most cases, it is still a psychological problem that develops due to stress.

The animal's behavior also changes. The cat looks for a secluded place, often carries soft objects in its teeth, considering them its children, while its stomach and mammary glands swell, its appetite and thirst increase. The pathological condition is dangerous due to the development of a complication – purulent mastitis.

Empty heat

This is a situation when the estrus has ended, but the pet has not become pregnant. This condition is dangerous due to the development of ovarian cysts, inflammatory processes in the reproductive system and even cancerous tumors.

If the owner does not plan to go through the procedure of mating animals, it is better to immediately sterilize the pet.

Bloody issues

According to the norms, a cat should not have bloody inclusions in its discharge. If such a phenomenon was noticed by the owner, it is better to immediately show the animal to an experienced veterinarian to determine the problem.

When to castrate a Scottish Fold cat

Very often, a furry friend is created without the goal of breeding it. Having reached puberty, cats begin to mark their territory, and to avoid this, they are castrated. The question arises at what age can one be castrated? This should not be delayed.

It is optimal to castrate a Scottish cat at 7-9 months. If the operation is not performed in time, the mature kitten will experience discomfort from the inability to satisfy its natural desires.

A Scottish Fold cat should be castrated in a specialized clinic, regardless of how many months the procedure is performed. Castration of a cat takes place quite quickly, however, it must be performed under general anesthesia. During the operation, incisions are made in the male's scrotum and, using clamps on the spermatic cords, the testicles are removed.

No special care is required for your pet after surgery. However, care must be taken to ensure that the cat does not lick the wounds and thereby tear the stitches; this can harm the pet’s health.

Symptoms

Let's look at how allergies to cats manifest themselves. In fact, the manifestations of an allergic reaction can be of different types.

Respiratory symptoms of a cat allergy:

• nasal congestion and allergic rhinitis;
• burning sensation and itching in the throat and nose;
• cough and sneezing;
• dyspnea;
• swelling of the nasopharynx.

Against the background of these symptoms, general weakness and even fever may occur.

The intensity of respiratory symptoms varies from person to person. For some, they appear after prolonged contact with a cat, while for others, an attack can begin literally when the animal appears.

Manifestations of a skin allergic reaction to cats:

• the appearance of irritation and itching on the skin;
• burning and itching;
• rash, blistering and redness.

Skin symptoms usually appear upon direct contact with the animal. If an allergic reaction is expressed only in this way, then it will be enough for the patient to simply minimize the risks of their manifestation - it is enough to exclude contacts with felines.

Allergic manifestations of food nature:

• nausea;
• pain syndrome in the stomach.

If an allergen gets into food, symptoms can manifest themselves in this way - a general deterioration in the condition, the urge to vomit and pain in the stomach. In this case, it is also important not to delay your visit to the doctor, so that the specialist has the opportunity to make the correct diagnosis as early as possible.

Other cat allergy symptoms:

• headache;
• lethargy and irritability;
• the appearance of swelling in the eye area, profuse lacrimation.

It should be noted that all of the listed symptoms are not unique and may indicate the development of another disease. Therefore, the key point is accurate diagnosis and determination of the cause of the symptoms that appear.

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Straight mating

The most important thing that a cat owner needs to remember is that early heat is not a reason to start arranging your pet’s personal life. The minimum age suitable for adulthood is 8 months. It’s even better to start knitting a cat from the age of one. Most often, early-ripened individuals are simply not fully prepared to lead adult life, much less for pregnancy and childbirth. Breeders usually breed cats after their second or even third heat.

It is preferable to pay attention to the weight of the animal. It is believed that a straight-eared Scottish animal that has gained 3 kg already has a properly formed body. This means it can be crossed. True, experts still recommend waiting out several heat cycles.

IMPORTANT: The best period for breeding a cat with the highest probability of subsequent fertilization is the 3rd day of estrus.

The first experience of close communication with the opposite sex may well be accompanied by confusion. The cat cannot cope on its own - it is scared, suspicious of attention shown in its direction, and is often aggressive. It is worth noting that this behavior is quite natural.

As you can understand, a lot depends on the cat. Therefore, acquaintance should take place on his territory - the male must persistently court, feel in charge, and confident. As for the cat, for her confidence it is worth placing the usual tray and food nearby. After all, the guest will have to spend some time in the groom’s home. It is naive to believe that close contact will happen quickly - it is possible that the lady will have to be left for several days. After all, a couple definitely needs to get acquainted. It is also possible that after the first contact the cat will not be pregnant, which means she will have to visit several times. It’s impossible to say how many times - everything is very individual.

It is advisable to breed Straits with fold-eared cats - this way you can get healthy offspring, even if they have droopy ears. The fact is that this way it is possible to avoid pathology associated with weakened ear cartilage. However, it is also possible to mix straights with straights.

If there is no heat: reasons

The absence of estrus at all is a sign that some kind of malfunction has occurred in the cat’s body. The complete or temporary absence of sexual heat is influenced by the emotional mood of the cat and illness. The most common reasons:

• breed characteristics;
• lack of thyroid hormones;
• hormonal disorders;
• “atrophying” of natural instincts if the domestic cat has never encountered its own kind (other cats);
• congenital absence or underdevelopment of the ovaries;
• there is estrus, but with erased manifestations (outwardly it is practically not noticeable);
• any pathologies of the ovaries (neoplasms, cysts);
• hermaphroditism - instead of ovaries, the cat has underdeveloped testes.

In any case, if, according to external signs, a cat older than one and a half years is not in heat, this is already a reason to seek advice from a veterinarian. Especially if it is a purebred animal and is bred for breeding purposes.

Sterilization

The only way to make life easier for the cat and yourself is sterilization, which involves removing both the uterus and ovaries. As you know, empty heats without mating have a bad effect on the cat’s health, leading to the development of pyometra and uterine cancer. Unfortunately, pyometra is an all too common disease among cats of all ages, directly related to hormonal levels, sex life and childbirth. It is very important to monitor the condition of the cat both during heat and after it ends. Increased temperature, dark vaginal discharge, weakness, lethargy – these are things that should alert you. Often a cat hides in dark corners, refuses to eat, or tries to run away from something. She is actually trying to escape from the pain in her vagina, thinking that someone is hurting her. Having noticed such manifestations, you need to urgently go for an ultrasound of the genitourinary system. Delay may cost the animal's life. Inflammation of the uterus develops very quickly, in a matter of days.

If breeding is not planned, the best solution would be to sterilize the cat. It may seem like this is unjustifiably causing pain to your pet, but in fact, this is the most humane and, in fact, the only way to help the cat.

Video

Scottish straight cat pregnancy

So, how do you understand that pregnancy has taken place?

• Like humans, a pregnant cat suffers from toxicosis. Which means she must be sick.
• Pregnancy of a Scottish Straight cat also affects eating habits. The appetite becomes stronger. Food preferences may well change.
• Long sleep becomes the norm. The character changes towards apathy.
• The nipples become larger and pinker.
• The animal naturally becomes fatter. But this becomes noticeable no earlier than the 6th week.

As for the duration of an interesting situation, it is, of course, different and individual. On average, the duration is 60-65 days, sometimes 72 days. However, it all depends on many factors:

• The weight of cats - large individuals are prone to overbearing. Miniature ladies weighing up to 3 kg, as a rule, give birth earlier.
• Age - so, if the owners did not listen to the recommendations and brought the pet earlier than a year, her unprepared body may give birth too early. In this case, the offspring very often do not survive.
• Number of offspring - the more fruits, the faster the expectant mother will give birth.
• The cat's health - for example, infection can cause prematurity and miscarriage.

However, a lot also depends on the behavior of the owner. So what not to do:

• Provide feeding according to the principle “I will give you what I eat.” Even with pets in their normal state, it is undesirable to do this, because not all the food we like suits them. A pregnant cat needs special care, which necessarily includes a balanced, healthy diet.
• Change your diet suddenly. This procedure is stressful for the animal, which a pregnant cat does not need at all. Therefore, if your pet ate natural food before pregnancy, it should be left on the menu.
• Perform palpation. Of course, this method will allow you to determine pregnancy much faster and more accurately than indirect signs. However, this procedure is fraught with great risks, and breeders do not advise amateurs to carry it out.
• Expose yourself to stress. When experienced breeders care for a pregnant cat, they make sure to provide her with calm living conditions. Moving, contacting new people, even rearranging furniture - all this should be postponed for another time.
• Allow walking outside. Fresh air is, of course, wonderful, but it is better to let the cat out on the balcony. Outside the apartment, the chances of catching worms, fleas, ticks or a virus increase significantly.
• Allow jumping - even if the cat was previously graceful and agile, do not forget that pregnancy directly affects coordination.

Childbirth: what is important to know

Considering that the duration of pregnancy, as mentioned above, varies, it is important to learn to recognize the signs of labor beginning in advance. So, the first signs of labor include:

• In about a week, the expectant mother begins to lick herself more actively than before in the genital area and abdomen.
• Within a few days, the cat is actively searching for a place to give birth. At such times, she tends to actively travel through closets and build a nest in blankets.
• Character can also change. This is not a necessary condition, but sometimes it happens that a previously calm pet begins to show irritation. This is completely normal - you just need to keep in mind that the cat family may soon be replenished.
• But even if the pet showed irritation, about a day before the important event it will begin to follow the owner. This is how the search for support manifests itself.

Speaking about support, I would like to smoothly move on to the topic of proper behavior of the owner:

• It is worth providing the cat with a nest in advance. A spacious box with a removable lid and a side slot for entry and exit is ideal for this purpose. Or you can go to a store with goods for animals and ask to see special houses for childbirth. The inside of the nest must be covered with something warm and disposable diapers. You need to place the nest in some very quiet and peaceful place, away from drafts.
• Just like for humans, childbirth is stressful for animals. Especially the first ones, when many cats don’t even understand what’s happening to them. In such cases, the owner needs to talk to the cat and stroke it.
• Be sure to stock up on a good veterinarian coordinator in advance. No one has canceled the complications, and you can’t do it on your own.
• Usually the cat itself cleans the newborn’s nose and mouth, but sometimes it forgets to do this or is distracted by other kittens. In this case, the owner must clean everything himself using microenemas and napkins. Sometimes it becomes necessary to break the water bubble - this is where scissors come in handy. It is advisable to manage it within 30 seconds after the baby is born.

Sterilization and castration of representatives of the breed

It’s worth saying right away that these procedures are most often safe. In the event that a good doctor is chosen and the animal has no contraindications such as a weak heart. When can a Scottish cat be spayed and neutered?

• It is preferable to sterilize before a year - at the age of 8-11 months. During this period, the cat can already be considered mature, but at the same time it is still very young, which means it will tolerate anesthesia and surgery well. Separately, it is worth noting that during estrus, operations are strictly contraindicated. At this moment, a lot of blood flows to the genitals, so various manipulations with them in most cases can lead to heavy blood loss.
• A cat is most often castrated at 7 months. He can already be considered mature, but at the same time he has not yet felt the pull towards adulthood. If you have managed to feel it, then some probability that it will be harmful even after the operation remains. After 5 years, castration is also possible, but the risks of complications increase.

When preparing for surgery, you need to consider the following:

• Parasites must be driven away before surgery. If it seems that they are not there, it is still worth carrying out prevention.
• Claws should also be trimmed in advance. Sometimes the animal injures itself during the postoperative period.
• Vaccination must be carried out not just in advance, but at least 3 weeks before sterilization or castration.
• Medicines are not the best thing to give an animal before an important event. Combining medications with anesthesia sometimes leads to unpredictable results.
• Experts advise not to bathe your cat 2 weeks before and 3 weeks after surgery. She has already suffered a lot of stress, so she clearly doesn’t need another one.
• If the cat is over 5 years old, it is a good idea to check it for its general health.
• You should not feed the animal approximately 8-10 hours before surgery. But it is better to clarify this information with a veterinarian - data may vary depending on the individual condition of the patient.

Often the owner of a mustachioed pet is lost when first faced with the nuances of the sexual life of his ward. I would like to hope that this article helped answer some questions.

Breeding any breed of cat requires deep knowledge of the owners about mating. Thus, mating Scottish Fold cats requires the correct implementation of several stages: choosing a partner, preparation and the procedure itself. All this will be discussed in detail below.