Each complete estrus cycle lasts about 2 to 3 weeks on average. Such a removal results in the cessation of subsequent estrus (heat) symptoms in the female. In the Northern hemisphere, this falls from mid-January to mid-October. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'miauland_com-box-4','ezslot_4',143,'0','0']));A feline typically enters a periodic phase of feline reproduction cycle where she becomes fully receptive to males and mating. A cat’s first heat cycle, called estrus, occurs at sexual maturity — which, depending on the type, might be when the kitty is anywhere from 5 months old (for Siamese cats, for instance) to 10 months old (particularly for a few of the longer-haired types, such as Persians). eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'miauland_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_6',107,'0','0']));Whether you allow your queen to reproduce or not, you need to understand how feline fertility cycle works. You’ll see that they will howl less after a rigorous exercise. Signs of heat will resolve within 24-48 hours of ovulation, which will occur only if a female cat in heat mates. This period, when she's most receptive to getting pregnant, can last for up to seven days. She may be irritable or act aggressively, but don't take it personally. Unlike dogs, cats can be in heat several times a year. A female cat’s heat cycles last a week on average but can vary from several days to 2 weeks. Depending on where in the world you are, this season could last anywhere from six to nine months, or more. This is the stage where she is actually in heat. Physical changes begin to manifest during this stage. However, the vast responsibility of assuring safe labor and delivery can be challenging.eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'miauland_com-banner-1','ezslot_15',144,'0','0'])); eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'miauland_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_7',152,'0','0']));Not to mention, putting your pet’s life at risk in pregnancy and giving birth. Oestrus usually last for between 7 to 10 days. Otherwise, the average cat will be in “heat” for seven days (ranging from 2-19 days). It lasts 13-18 days—until proestrus starts again. eval(ez_write_tag([[300,250],'miauland_com-netboard-2','ezslot_16',118,'0','0']));Spaying is a surgical procedure for removing a pet’s ovaries. What is an F1 Savannah Cat? Now back to the question. Some may hit puberty earlier than six months while late bloomers may reach sexual maturity as late as one year old. There are 5 stages in the feline estrus cycle Proestrus (1 – 2 days) This stage is the best time to spay your furry pet. Within the breeding season, cats will continuously cycle in and out of heat. It means that she can go in heat longer than 12 days giving her an extended chance of getting pregnant. So, how long are cats in heat? However, the start of sexual maturity may vary from cat to cat. She most probably will return, but pregnant. Breeding from a pedigree cat seems like a feasible business. A feline will start her reproductive cycle once she reaches sexual maturity. At the end of a cat’s heat period, the male enters the female with its barbed penis, causing pain in the female cat, triggering ovulation. In general, domestic cats can hit puberty at around five months of age. Multiple episodes of heat cycles can be bothersome, both to the pet and to the owner. At the peak of their reproductive cycle, they give off distinctive cries that sound as if they’re in pain. When a cat is in heat, it seems like a very long time. Moreover, the presence of male cats in her environment can also heighten her sexual drive. A cat in heat however will rub against everyone and everything in your home all day long, this includes other pets in the house.She will push her face, body and bottom against you, insisting that you rub and soothe her.Your usually independent cat will become very needy and overly affectionate, constantly demanding your attention. Depending on the individual cat, she'll stay in heat for seven to 10 days. Moreover, how can we distinguish if our feline pet is going into heat? There are other benefits of spaying other than this. It is therefore essential how long do cats stay in heat. But the average complete heat cycle is 1-3 weeks. Several factors may influence the frequency of your pet’s reproductive cycle. To have a better understanding of the feline reproductive cycle, here are the different stages that female felines have to go through. Anestrus: This is the absence of any heat cycle. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'miauland_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_1',121,'0','0']));However, the condition becomes less aggressive when there is no reproductive activity. One of the most complicated things about feline hormone cycles is the irregular period in which it occurs. A queen in heat usually raises her hips and sticks her bottom in the air while swinging her tail to the side. One of which is the behavioral changes that female felines manifest when they reach sexual maturity. Physical activity is a smart way to divert their energy and focus. If mating is not achieved during the cycle, cats will go into heat again after 2 or 3 weeks. Look out for any combination of the following signs that your cat may be in heat: A cat can stay in heat for 7 to 10 days and this can repeat every few weeks until she mates. At the peak of the heat cycle, they’ll incessantly howl and scream to get the attention of male cats. Bitches generally come into and remain in heat for around three weeks at a time, although again this is very variable and anything between two weeks and four weeks is considered normal. When a feline ovulates, an egg is produced in the ovaries and waits for fertilization. And this condition may happen every few weeks which make you become disturbed after the long run. Female cats (or Queens) will stay in heat from 2-3 days, to 2-3 weeks. This is because, cats are polyestrous breeders, which means that they have multiple heat cycles in a year, as compared to dogs that have just two heat cycles in a year. Estrus (“heat”): Lasting an average of seven days (ranges from 2-19 days), this is the stage where you will see behavioral changes in your cat. It is advisable to give in to their demands by giving them a head brush or by simply stroking their fur. How Long Are Cats In Heat? Interestrus: This period occurs if a cat has not ovulated. Male cats tend to show interest in her, but she will not return the interest. This cycle can repeat itself every two to three weeks, as long as there are extended daylight hours. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'miauland_com-mobile-leaderboard-2','ezslot_8',120,'0','0']));Also, frequent mood swings and irregular pattern of behaviors can take a toll on its mental and physical wellbeing. During this stage, she will show no sign of reproductive activity for a week and eventually joins the next stage called anestrus. At this point, she may appear pregnant and not show any sign of reproductive activity. How often will my cat be in heat? At the start of the cycle, expect to see some tolerable symptoms such as restlessness and increased appetite. Medical studies show that spaying a cat before her first heat cycle significantly reduces the risk of breast cancer. If your kitty shows increased appetite and restlessness along with the sudden physical changes, you should expect that she’s going into heat. Will she return? As a result, this increases the chances of more heat cycle episodes to occur. If the ovaries are removed, a female cat can no longer produce eggs. The number of daylight hours typically has the largest impact on when cats will reach sexual maturity. This means you might have a highly hormonal cat on your hands for one week out of every three. If you’re not sure about your pet’s condition, bring her to the vet right away to find out what’s causing her pain. https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/evr_ct_cat-facts-how-long-are-cats-in-heat During the surgery, pets are fully anesthetized so they won’t feel any pain. If you have unsprayed cats, expect them to undergo multiple series of heat cycles. They can go into heat at any time especially if they are sexually stimulated. Last Updated: January 22, 2021 Approved An unspayed female cat comes into heat every three to four weeks, and she's not usually quiet about it! The best way to determine if they’re getting into heat is to look for signs and sudden behavioral changes. Also, non-spayed cats will go on the heat on spring season several times. Cats are polyestrous meaning they have several heat cycles a year. Unless your cat mates she will continue to come into heat every 2 to 3 weeks. The symptoms of a cat in heat can try the patience of even the most loving pet owner. But it can also go into heat any time. Estrus lasts approximately four to five days. You might wonder how long does a cat stay in heat especially since the odd behavior as well as the yowling may disturbed you. In case the mating was successful, the feline will skip the entire menstrual cycle and go through pregnancy stage. For these reasons, cat owners must be prepared to go through this period of time in which their pets will be more cuddly and meow constantly with a sound that can be very annoying. However, if she mated and ovulated during estrus but did not conceive, she goes through diestrus phase that can last 3 to 5 weeks. How long will my bitch be in season for? If you wish your pedigree cat to conceive, this is the right time to introduce her to a tomcat. This relies on the season changes, species, etc. A female cat’s heat cycles last a week on average but can vary from several days to 2 weeks. However, certain breeds can sexually mature earlier than four months. Therefore, it is essential to learn how long do cats stay in heat. eval(ez_write_tag([[728,90],'miauland_com-netboard-1','ezslot_13',122,'0','0']));Please do your part as a supportive and responsible owner by finding ways to calm them down during this stage. Diestrus: Occurs when a cat has ovulated (this happens when the female cat mates with a male). This is because anestrus is the period when the feline is no longer in heat. There are several ways to help calm your kitty during this period. However, many cat owners believe their cat is always in heat even though that may not be the case. During this stage, her body allows the uterus to reset and prepare for the next menstrual cycle. We’re gathered every detail you need to know about a feline’s fertility cycle, when, and how long do cats stay in heat. If she doesn't get pregnant she'll come back into heat every three to four weeks from spring to fall. During a heat your cat may be more affectionate, rubbing up against furniture, walls and her favorite people. The estrus cycle is normal. This is one of many reasons that, if you are not planning on breeding your cat, you should have her spayed to avoid this cycle. Most cat owners know that when their female kitty starts yowling and rocking her hindquarters back and forth, she has come into her heat cycle. A feline’s behavior can be a little tricky when she’s in heat. How Often Do Cats Go Into Heat? In any stressful situation, distraction is always the most effective solution. Since female felines are polyestrous, they will go through reproductive cycles multiple times all year round until they become pregnant. All cats are different, but it is usually fairly obvious when a female cat is in heat, as they will display a distinctive set of mating behaviours and often, undergo personality and temperament changes for the duration. Just make sure she has a comfortable, private space such as a cat tree or the top shelf of a closet where she can escape the commotion when she needs peace and quiet. How long does a female cat stay in heat? eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'miauland_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_14',106,'0','0']));If you intend to adopt a female pedigree cat, you’ll need to decide whether to breed from her or not. If your feline goes into heat more often than necessary, it can lead to a stressful and unstable life. A cat can experience heat symptoms for days or even weeks. HOW DO I TELL MY CAT IS IN HEAT? Her genital organ, in particular, may become slightly swollen and moist during the proesterus phase. Felines, in particular, can reach sexual maturity around six months of age. This stage usually lasts about two months or until she has given birth. Short-haired breeds will typically begin to cycle earlier, while long-haired or larger breeds may not show signs of heat until 18 months of age. Many veterinarians practice early spay and neuter for this reason. However, don’t let her cold behavior fool you. A cat usually has her first heat at around 6 months of age, but some can have it as early as 4 months old. With that being said, having no definite date when your pet’s menstrual cycle makes it more complicated. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. eval(ez_write_tag([[468,60],'miauland_com-box-3','ezslot_9',140,'0','0']));Every cat owner needs to be aware of certain behaviors and temperament distinctive of domestic felines.