Springtime Cat Scream Mystery: Unraveling the Reasons!

Spring has arrived, and with it, the peak estrous period for cats. It's hard to say who is more troubled: the cat owners or the cats themselves who are troubled by the estrous cycle.

As the estrous season for cats approaches, how can cat owners help both themselves and their feline companions alleviate the烦恼 brought by the estrous cycle? Let's first explore some methods to ease your cat's estrous symptoms.

Neutering

For cats that do not require breeding, neutering is a permanent and effective solution. Whether it's a male or female cat, neutering can prevent them from being constantly bothered by estrus, reduce certain reproductive system diseases, and also minimize the trouble for the cat owner. More detailed information about neutering will be discussed in future articles.

Breeding or Isolation

Finding a suitable mate for your cat to breed with is an option. However, breeding too young can be harmful to both the cat and its offspring, as young cats have not yet developed mature reproductive organs, and breeding can lead to difficult deliveries, weak or stillborn kittens. Therefore, it is best to wait until the female cat is 1012 months old and the male cat is 1 year old for breeding. Before this time, it is crucial to isolate the cats from the opposite sex, close the windows, draw the curtains, and isolate the smells to prevent the cats from seeing other cats outside.

Distracting the Cat

When you're at home, spend more time playing with your cat and prepare some toys like laser pointers to distract them and burn off their energy. Additionally, you can continuously stroke your cat's bottom, which is a great method but can be tiring, as cats want you to keep petting them.

Music or Food

Soft and soothing music can also help alleviate the estrous cycle for cats. Alternatively, providing your cat with their favorite food in moderation can also shift their attention away from the estrous symptoms.

Methods Not to Use

Some methods that are not recommended for alleviating the estrous cycle include the widely circulated "Qtip method" (which can easily lead to vaginal infections in cats) and the use of estrus powder (which cannot guarantee effectiveness).

Cat Estrous Time and Season

Cats are seasonal polyestrous animals, with estrus most commonly seen during the spring and autumn seasons in a natural environment. Once a female cat is in heat, her estrous period usually lasts about a week, with an estrous interval of two to three weeks, making the estrous frequency quite high. Male cats, on the other hand, are stimulated to become estrous.

Estrous Time for Female Cats

Female cats usually start their first estrus at 78 months of age, with the latest at one year (there are individual differences, with some starting as early as 6 months).

Estrous Time for Male Cats

Male cats usually start showing estrous symptoms at 68 months of age (some male cats may not show estrous symptoms until much later if they have not been stimulated by a female cat).

Estrous Symptoms in Female Cats

When a female cat is in heat, she may become restless and anxious, her appetite may decrease, and she may even exhibit aggressive behavior towards humans. Her calls will become sharp and piercing to attract male cats. When stroked, she may kick her legs and lift her tail, and she may allow male cats to mount her.

Estrous Symptoms in Male Cats

The most common symptom is continuous low growling to attract female cats, as well as rolling on the ground. They may also urinate excessively during this period. Male cats are more likely to wander off or have accidents during this time, as they are eager to get out of the house and may mount female cats.

Other Considerations

Accompany your cats during their estrous period, take care of their diet and living conditions, as this period can also be quite painful for them. If your cat is intended for breeding, ensure they receive adequate nutrition, as estrus can reduce their appetite, potentially leading to malnutrition and weakness. Female cats must weigh at least 3.5 kilograms before breeding to avoid complications such as miscarriage or difficult deliveries. Choose a healthy mate and, if possible, breed in a male cat household.

If your cat is not intended for breeding, avoid breeding or neuter them as soon as possible. It is best not to perform spaying on female cats during estrus. While some may argue that the success of the surgery depends on the doctor's skill, it is still advisable to avoid surgery during estrus for the cat's health. This is because mature follicles can cause the ovaries to swell, making it difficult to remove them cleanly during surgery. If you still cannot determine the best time for neutering, consult a professional veterinarian online first.