Female cats enter heat cycles based on seasons and light. This process starts young. It repeats until spayed. Learn the details below.
What Is a Cat Heat Cycle?
A heat cycle prepares a female cat for mating. Cats are polyestrous. They have many cycles in breeding season. Breeding season runs from early spring to late fall in most places. Indoor cats may cycle all year due to steady light.
The cycle has stages. Proestrus lasts one or two days. No clear signs show yet. Estrus follows. This is the main heat phase. It lasts three to 14 days. Average is seven days. If no mating happens, interestrus comes next. This rest phase is one to three weeks. Then the cycle starts over.
Anestrus is the quiet time. No cycles occur. It lasts two to three months in winter.
When Do Cats Start Going Into Heat?
Most cats hit puberty at six months. Some start at four months. Others wait until 12 months. Breed matters. Siamese cats often start early. Larger breeds take longer.
Weight plays a role. Cats reach heat when they hit 80% of adult size. Warm weather and long days trigger it. In the Northern Hemisphere, cycles peak from February to October.
Young cats can get pregnant in their first heat. Keep them away from males if you do not want kittens.
For more on cat growth, check our pet age calculator.
How Often Do Cats Go Into Heat?
Unspayed cats go into heat every two to three weeks during season. This means up to 10 cycles a year. Outdoor cats follow nature’s rhythm. Indoor ones face artificial light. They might cycle more often.
Cycles stop if mating leads to pregnancy. Pregnancy lasts 60 to 65 days. Cats can heat again soon after birth. Sometimes in one week.
Senior cats keep cycling. No menopause happens. But cycles may slow with age.
Spaying ends all cycles. It cuts health risks like infections.
How Long Does a Cat Stay in Heat?
Each heat lasts three to 14 days. Most average a week. If mated, heat ends fast. Often in one or two days.
Without mating, the body resets. The next heat starts in two weeks.
Signs peak in estrus. Cats act needy. They call loudly. Rub on things. Roll on floors.
- Vocalization: Loud meows or yowls to call males.
- Affection: More rubs and head bumps.
- Posture: Tail to side, rear up when touched.
- Spraying: Urine marks to attract mates.
No blood shows. Unlike dogs. Clear discharge might appear rarely.
If signs worry you, use our pet symptom checker.
Signs Your Cat Is in Heat
Watch for behavior shifts. These help spot heat.
Behavioral Changes
Cats get vocal. They yowl at night. Seek attention. Rub on legs or doors. Roll more. Tread back legs.
They may spray urine. This marks scent for males.
Physical Signs
Swollen vulva sometimes. But hard to see. No heavy bleeding. Light spots mean see a vet.
Appetite may drop. Restless pacing occurs.
Males nearby? Your cat tries to escape.
For tips on cat actions, read why do cats knead or why does my cat lick me.
How to Help a Cat in Heat
Heat bothers cats. You can ease it.
Keep her inside. Block escapes. This stops mating.
Play more. Toys distract. Puzzle feeders work.
Use calming aids. Pheromone collars help some.
Warm spots comfort. Like a heated bed.
Avoid punishment. It’s natural.
If heat repeats, spay her. It stops cycles for good.
Talk to a vet on timing. Spay during heat is possible but riskier.
Risks of Not Spaying Your Cat
Unspayed cats face dangers.
Pyometra is common. Uterus infects after cycles. Needs fast surgery.
Mammary cancer risk rises. Each cycle adds chance.
Unwanted litters grow. Overpopulation strains shelters.
Spaying before first heat cuts risks most.
For pregnancy info, see how long are cats pregnant.
Can Male Cats Go Into Heat?
No. Males stay ready to mate always. No cycles.
They respond to female scents. May spray or roam.
Neuter males to curb this.
Do Cats Bleed During Heat?
Rarely. No monthly shed like humans.
Spotting means issue. Check with vet.
How Soon After Birth Can Cats Go Into Heat?
Quick. One to two weeks post-kittens.
Nursing does not stop it.
Separate from males right away.
People Also Ask: Common Questions
At What Age Do Cats Stop Going Into Heat?
They do not stop. Cycles last life unless spayed.
Can You Spay a Cat in Heat?
Yes. But wait if possible. Swollen tissues raise bleed risk.
What Triggers Heat in Cats?
Long days. Warmth. Other cats nearby.
How Many Times a Year Do Cats Go Into Heat?
Up to 10. Depends on location and light.
Does Catnip Help Cats in Heat?
Sometimes. It calms some. Try small amounts.
For safe treats, use our pet food safety checker.
Related Topics
Explore more cat care.
- Fruits safe for cats? Read what fruits can cats eat.
- Dandruff issues? See why does my cat have dandruff.
- Nail care: how to cut cat nails.
- Introduce pets: how to introduce a cat to a dog.
- Kneading explained: why do cats knead.
Find a breed match with our pet breed finder quiz.
External Resources
For vet advice, visit American Veterinary Medical Association.
See ASPCA on spaying.
This guide helps you understand cat heats. Spay early for health. Questions? Ask your vet.