Recognizing Cats in Heat (Spoiler: Much Different From Dogs in Heat)

cat in sun — Thankfully you don't have to have "the talk" with your cat. Tatiana Meteleva / Getty Images

Cat owners may notice odd behavior, loud vocalizing or extra affection from their feline friend and wonder what's going on.

The answer is often that cats in heat are experiencing a natural but intense part of their reproductive cycle. Unlike dogs, cats have multiple heat cycles per year and can display some very noticeable changes.

Understanding the Feline Heat Cycle

A female cat’s heat cycle, also known as the estrous cycle, typically begins when she reaches sexual maturity around 5 to 9 months of age.

In warmer months and especially in the northern hemisphere, more daylight hours can trigger cats to go into heat more frequently. This is why the breeding season often starts in spring.

Cats are induced ovulators, meaning they only release eggs during mating. The cycle includes several stages, but the most obvious is the estrus stage when the cat becomes sexually receptive.

This stage lasts a few days to a week, and the cat may experience multiple cycles throughout the year if not spayed.

8 Signs Your Cat Is in Heat

Cat rolling on floor — Is your cat in heat or just acting a little goofy? skaman306 / Getty Images

When a cat is in heat, the behavioral changes are hard to miss.

Loud yowling or calling
Attention-seeking behavior
Rubbing against furniture or people
Rolling on the floor
Mating position (raising the hindquarters)
Increased urination, often outside the litter box
Restlessness and agitation
Extra affection toward people or other cats

These behaviors are driven by hormonal changes and are the cat's way of attracting intact male cats.

It's also important to note that most cats do not bleed during heat, unlike dogs. If your cat is bleeding, it may signal a urinary tract infection or other health issue that requires veterinary attention.

If you've had your cat spayed, she will not go into heat, so you won't see her go through this part of a cat's cycle.

Environmental and Physical Factors

A cat may lift her heinie when you scratch the base of her tail, but that alone doesn't mean she's in heat. Anita Kot / Getty Images

Indoor cats can go into heat year-round due to artificial lighting and stable temperatures. Environmental factors like exposure to other cats and increased daylight can also influence how often a cat enters her cycle. Once cats reach puberty and go into their first heat, they remain fertile for most of their lives.

During the heat cycle, a heating pad or treat-filled toy can serve as a great distraction. Playing games and keeping your cat mentally stimulated may help reduce some of the more extreme behaviors.

The Importance of Spaying

Spaying your cat — surgically removing the ovaries — is the most effective way to prevent unwanted pregnancy and eliminate heat cycles. Most veterinarians recommend spaying before the first season to avoid health complications and behavioral stress.

A cat's health and comfort can be greatly improved by avoiding the hormonal swings of the estrus cycle. Preventing pregnancy also helps reduce overpopulation and improves quality of life for pets and pet parents alike.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.