How to tell your cat is in heat

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Heat is when your cat enters the most reproductive phase of their cycle and is looking to mate.

Cats generally go into heat several times a year with each cycle lasting around six days.

These cycles can start as early as four or five months into a cat’s life and will repeat until they are spayed or become pregnant.

One of the biggest indicators a cat is in heat is increased vocalization.

Known as ‘calling’, this distressed-sounding wailing sounds different to standard meowing, and can even keep pet parents up at night.

Some cats are extremely vocal so you may need to look out for other signs alongside this.

Knowing when our cats are in heat is important because they can experience added stress or anxiety during this time.

It’s up to us to ensure they remain as calm and comfortable as possible.

The signs your cat is in heat

  • Restlessness. If your cat is struggling to relax or get comfortable then this could be a sign that they’re in heat. Remember, their body is undergoing significant hormonal changes, so they are bound to see a few behavioral changes. Try and make conditions as cosy as possible for them. Maybe place a warm blanket, or a pillow, in their bed. A bit of extra TLC is definitely required when your cat is in heat.
  • A notable increase of affection. Cats in heat will tend to show a lot more affection. This can see them rubbing up against furniture, walls, even your ankles, in order to spread their scent, which changes when they are in their heat cycle. Increased levels of affection can be quite a prominent indicator, especially if your feline isn’t usually one for fondness.
  • Extended time spent outside. Have you noticed your feline spending longer periods of time outside? Or is your usual, relaxed, stay-at-home feline now desperately trying to escape the property at any given opportunity? Cats in heat want to venture outdoors more often so they can increase their chances of finding a mate. Keep all windows and doors locked, and if you have a cat flap ensure this is fastened shut. This will prevent any unwelcome visitors, who may have picked up your cat’s scent, from getting in.
  • Excessive grooming. Your cat’s genital area may become swollen and uncomfortable while they are in their heat cycle. Intensified grooming, focusing on this area, is their way of trying to alleviate discomfort. If they have been spayed then this can be a sign that they have picked up an infection.
  • Mating position. Your cat may begin taking on the mating position where they drop their head, lay their front half low and push their rear end into the air. They will sometimes also hold their tail to one side when doing this. This tends to happen when she is being petted.
  • Spraying their urine. This is one sign you certainly need to watch out for. Some cats will urinate more frequently when they are in heat, and this can involve spraying against vertical objects such as a wall. The reason they do this is because their urine is heavily scented with estrogen, which acts as a signal for attracting males.
  • Changes in appetite. You may notice your cat begins to lose their appetite during this period. This is perfectly normal, so there is no need to worry. However, if their disinterest in food continues once the heat cycle has finished you will need to speak with a vet. All cats are different and you may find that your feline’s appetite actually increases while in heat. Be sure to keep a close eye on mealtimes, monitoring exactly how much they are eating.

Keeping your cat healthy

Whether your cat is in heat or not, feeding them a nutritious, well-balanced diet is vital if we are to keep them healthy and happy.

Knowing what’s good for your cat, and what’s not so good, can prove to be a mealtime minefield with so many options and so much advice available these days.

One of our main missions at Reveal is to make life as simple as possible for pet parents.

All our limited ingredient cat food recipes are filled with natural goodness and real animal protein that will leave your felines purring with pleasure.

No grains, no fillers, no additives; just wholesome meals packed with body-boosting goodness, and dripping in flavor.

Whether you go for our Chicken Breast in Broth Pouch, the Tuna Fillet with Salmon in Gravy Can, or one of our other delicious recipes, your cat will love every single bite.

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