Frequent Estrus in Cats: Possible Causes and Solutions

But, to be in heat every now and then, really, is that too much to ask from my dear cat owner? It's like she's not giving me the respect I deserve as her caretaker.

Let's enumerate the seven sins of a cat in heat:

1. Spraying urine everywhere

2. Scream loudly at night

3. Accidentally bumping into things or tripping me (not on purpose, of course)

4. Finding an excuse to be picky about food

5. Accidentally getting pregnant (adding more burden to my already notsorich family)

6. Jumping off buildings (a red alert for highrise cats)

7. Vanishing~

Of course, there are also some "scoundrel" cats that eat without taking responsibility.

For such issues, we should, of course, choose to have them spayed or neutered happily~

Let's continue to discuss the issue of cats "being in heat."

Cats in heat will continuously meow, especially at night when it's quiet, becoming more "frivolous" in their mating behavior, much like a baby's cry.

The heat period for cats usually starts between 6 to 10 months of age, with 6 months being when their reproductive organs are generally mature, and around 10 months when they are physically mature.

It is not recommended to breed cats when they first come into heat because their bodies are not fully developed. Starting breeding too early can greatly increase the likelihood of stillbirths, weak kittens, and deformities.

Cat owners often find it quite a hassle to deal with the timing and frequency of their cats' heat cycles.

Under normal circumstances, cats tend to come into heat during the spring and autumn seasons. Male cats usually go into heat once a week, with each heat lasting for about seven to ten days. During this time, male cats may first roll around on the ground, twist their bodies (spreading their scent everywhere), and let out low, loud howls, as well as spray urine in various corners of the house.

Of course, if a male cat comes into contact with the scent of a female in heat, it can also cause him to go into heat (passive heat). This is why in many communities with a lot of stray cats, it's easier for unneutered pets to run away or jump off buildings...

Females also come into heat during the spring and autumn seasons, and this is also their breeding period. A mature female cat's heat cycle lasts for 36 days, and if she does not become pregnant, she will come into heat again every 1421 days, with the breeding time generally occurring on the 2nd or 3rd day (this is why they keep coming into heat). Of course, different breeds, environments, constitutions, ages, and other factors can lead to variations.

After a female cat comes into heat, she becomes more friendly with her owner, often rubbing against them with her body (a confirmed case of "bumping into things"), rolling around, howling, crawling forward, and raising her tail. If you gently tap the base of her tail, she will instinctively lift her buttocks (but please don't do this too frequently, as it can be stimulating).

After understanding the reasons behind a cat's endless heat cycles, don't you feel a mix of enlightenment and a sense of powerlessness?

Actually, it's quite simple! Just find her a "date," or schedule a neutering appointment (it's best to do it before the first heat cycle).

Of course, the "Qianban" method mentioned by DuDu (a search engine) is not recommended by me!

Firstly, the Qianban method may cause false pregnancy in female cats, significantly increasing the risk of uterine pyometra and tumors. Moreover, there is a risk of infection due to the owner's technique or poor quality of the cotton swab, which can be counterproductive!

Aside from the seven sins mentioned earlier, there are also some things to keep in mind during the heat cycle:

Not bathing during the heat cycle: Cats' resistance drops during this time, and bathing them can cause a strong reaction and stress, greatly increasing the likelihood of illness. The cat's skin acts as the first line of defense against external pathogens, secreting oils to protect the skin from damage. Overbathing can strip the skin of its oils, damage the barrier, weaken the skin's resistance, and lead to hair problems, follicle damage, and poor hair quality in the long run.

Not vaccinating during the heat cycle: Cats' resistance drops during the heat cycle, and their hormone levels change. It is not recommended to vaccinate them during this time. If the cat is pregnant or planning to breed, the vaccine can be transmitted to the fetus through the placenta, causing stillbirths, miscarriages, or incomplete fetal development. Even for cats that are not breeding, vaccination can cause discomfort. It is recommended to get vaccinated after the heat cycle.

Food issues during the heat cycle: During the heat cycle, cats may change their eating habits due to hormonal reasons, losing their usual enthusiasm for food (leading to pickiness). It's also important to ensure that cats have access to water 24/7, especially male cats, who are more prone to urinary tract issues.