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Pawrennial

Cat in heat: how long does it last?

A cat's heat usually lasts

About 7 days

A cat's heat lasts about a week on average, though it can be anywhere from 1 to 21 days. If she doesn't mate, she's usually back in heat after a break of about a week, so an unspayed cat can be in heat every 2 to 3 weeks for much of the year.

How long is a cat in heat?

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, a cat's heat (estrus) lasts 7 days on average, with a range of 1 to 21 days. Unlike dogs, cats ovulate only when they mate, so a cat who isn't bred goes out of heat for a short break, usually about a week, and then comes back into heat. A full cycle takes about 3 weeks.

That's why it can feel as if your cat is always in heat. Without spaying or a pregnancy, the cycles keep coming through the breeding season.

How often do cats go into heat?

Cats cycle again and again during the breeding season, which is driven by daylight. In the Northern Hemisphere, that usually runs from about January to late fall. Indoor cats, who live with lamps and light bulbs, and cats in tropical places may cycle all year round.

Most cats have their first heat at about 6 months old. It can come as early as 4 months, and some longhaired breeds don't start until they're over a year old.

Signs of a cat in heat

Heat in cats shows up mostly in behavior. Unlike dogs, cats don't usually bleed.
  • Loud, insistent yowling or calling, often at night
  • Extra affection: rubbing against you, furniture, and doorways
  • Rolling on the floor
  • Raising her rear end and treading her back feet when you stroke her back
  • Restlessness and trying to get outside
  • Peeing more often, or spraying urine on walls
  • Less interest in food

The yowling and rolling can look like pain, and owners sometimes rush to the vet thinking their cat is ill. It's normal behavior. But if your cat has blood in her urine, is straining in the litter box, or seems unwell, call your vet, because those aren't signs of heat.

How to help a cat in heat

  • Keep her inside and away from unneutered males. Check windows and doors: cats in heat are determined escape artists, and one mating is enough for kittens.
  • Play with her more. Short, active play sessions burn off restless energy.
  • Give her a warm, cozy spot like a soft blanket, a pet-safe heated bed, or a sunny window perch.
  • Keep the litter box extra clean, which can help discourage spraying.
  • Be patient. Don't punish yowling or spraying. It's hormones, not bad behavior.

Spaying: the only lasting fix

Spaying ends heat cycles for good and prevents pregnancy. Because the first heat is hard to predict, VCA says most vets suggest spaying at around 6 months old, and that there's no medical reason to let a cat have a heat or a litter first. A cat can be spayed while she's in heat, though some vets prefer to wait until it's over. Ask yours.

If your cat may already have mated, our cat pregnancy calculator shows when the kittens would be due.

Frequently asked questions

How long is a cat in heat?

About 7 days on average, but anywhere from 1 to 21 days. If she doesn't mate, she usually comes back into heat after a break of about a week.

How often do cats go into heat?

Every 2 to 3 weeks during the breeding season, which runs from about January to late fall in the Northern Hemisphere. Indoor cats can cycle all year.

At what age do cats go into heat?

Usually at about 6 months old, but it can be as early as 4 months. Some longhaired breeds don't have their first heat until after their first birthday.

Do cats bleed when in heat?

Not usually. Signs of heat in cats are mostly behavioral: yowling, rolling, rubbing, and raising the rear end. If you see blood in your cat's urine, call your vet.

Is my cat in pain when she's in heat?

Heat isn't thought to be painful, even though the yowling and rolling can look like it. Call your vet if she stops eating for more than a day, strains in the litter box, or seems unwell.

Can you spay a cat in heat?

Yes, cats can be spayed while in heat, though some vets prefer to wait until the heat is over. Most vets recommend spaying at around 6 months, before the first heat if possible.

Sources

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