Have you ever noticed a loud meowing from outside as winter comes to an end and warmer weather approaches? It might be a sign that cats are entering their mating season. In this article, we’ll explain the behaviors of cats in heat and discuss the timing and duration of their estrus cycles.

When does a cat’s estrus cycle begin?

As the weather warms up, cats enter their breeding season. The onset of the breeding season typically starts around January when the length of daylight gradually increases, and it may last until around September. Spring (February to April) and summer (June to August) are particularly peak times, and you may spot kittens outdoors during these periods.

A female cat’s estrus cycle is influenced by daylight hours, with the cycle said to begin when daylight exceeds 14 hours. This is because instinctively, cats choose to give birth during the warmer seasons when food is abundant, increasing the survival rate of their kittens compared to the cold, food-scarce winter. This mechanism is triggered not only by sunlight but also by artificial lighting. If exposed to light for more than 12 hours a day, cats are more likely to enter estrus regardless of the season. It’s worth noting that only female cats experience estrus cycles related to daylight hours. Male cats, on the other hand, are stimulated to enter estrus by the vocalizations and pheromones of females in heat.

The behaviors during estrus vary between female and male cats

It’s said that a female cat’s first estrus typically occurs around 6 to 12 months of age, reaching sexual maturity. However, the age of sexual maturity can vary depending on factors such as the season of birth, environment, and whether the cat is a long-haired or short-haired breed. Some female cats may experience their first estrus after 12 months or more. The estrus cycle of a female cat, known as the “estrus cycle,” consists of four phases: “proestrus,” “estrus,” “metestrus,” and “anestrus,” which repeat in cycles.

Female cats entering estrus exhibit instinctual behaviors to attract male cats, such as vocalizing loudly and releasing scents.
Behavior during estrus in female cats includes:

• Vocalizing loudly, unlike usual
• Rubbing their backs on the floor repeatedly
• Assuming a posture with their rear end raised high
• Spraying urine in a manner similar to male cats
• Urinating outside of the litter box

On the other hand, male cats begin sexual maturation around 3 months of age, with their testes developing by around 5 to 6 months old. From this stage, behaviors like mounting and marking territory start. By around 9 to 12 months old, they are physically ready for mating, and actual mating becomes possible. While male cats do not have estrus cycles like female cats, they respond to appeals such as the vocalizations and pheromones of females in heat.

• Behaviors during estrus in male cats include:
• Becoming restless
• Vocalizing loudly
• Attempting to move towards the direction where signs of estrus in females (vocalizations or pheromone scent) are present
• Spraying urine to mark territory
• Displaying aggressiveness towards other cats, especially in multi-cat households

Some female cats may enter estrus as early as 4 months old, and owners may consider spaying them, but sometimes the onset of estrus occurs before this is done. It can be bewildering for owners to witness their once-kitten behaving unusually. Since estrus is a physiological behavior, it is difficult to control, so scolding or overuse of catnip should be avoided. While there are methods suggested by experts involving stimulating the perineum, these are not recommended for household use.

Common problems during estrus include nighttime yowling and urine spraying, reminiscent of a baby’s crying. If estrus behaviors pose a challenge without any breeding plans, neutering the male cat is effective as the testosterone levels drop within 24 hours post-neutering. Conversely, for female cats, it’s advisable to avoid spaying during estrus due to uterine engorgement, and surgery is often performed after estrus ends. It’s not uncommon for cats to go through their first estrus without being spayed. Refer to the following measures to address behaviors during estrus:

• Handling estrus behaviors:
• Place waterproof sheets in areas where spraying might occur
• Set up litter trays in areas where spraying might occur
• Increase the sealability to prevent sound and scent leakage (applicable for outdoor cats)
• Even if the cat seeks attention excessively, refrain from indulging too much

The duration of estrus in female cats is approximately one week. Even if the cat appears distressed, continue to observe quietly. It’s worth noting that even after estrus ends, if the cat is not spayed, estrus may return about 2 to 3 weeks later. When considering spaying, consult your veterinarian.

From Pregnancy to Birth in Cats

While human females typically ovulate and menstruate monthly, in cats, ovulation is triggered by mating. It’s said that almost 100% of cats become pregnant after mating, and because they are polyestrous animals, they can ovulate multiple eggs and fertilize them with sperm from multiple males in one mating. After mating, the gestation period in cats ranges from about 62 to 67 days, during which they can give birth to anywhere from one to eight kittens (depending on the number of nipples).

Around Day 20 of Pregnancy:

• Nipples turn pink. There may be a period of reduced appetite for about a week.

Around Day 30 of Pregnancy:

• Mammary glands swell, and abdominal enlargement can be observed.

Around Day 45 of Pregnancy:

• Appetite increases, and weight gain occurs. Along with this, activity levels decrease.

Around Day 50 of Pregnancy:

• Fetal movement can be felt.

Around Day 60 of Pregnancy:

• Milk production begins two to three days before delivery. Appetite decreases rapidly from 24 hours before delivery.

As birth approaches, the cat will start seeking out a suitable place for delivery. This is because they seek reassurance by marking their scent in the chosen location during the early stages of labor. If the cat will give birth indoors, prepare a comfortable “birthing box” environment with soft blankets and a pet-safe enclosure or box with a cover for privacy.

The Necessity of Spaying and Neutering Cats

When owning a cat, spaying and neutering surgeries are highly recommended. Let’s revisit the reasons why these surgeries are necessary, along with their pros and cons, especially when welcoming kittens into our lives.

Advantages of Spaying and Neutering:

Prevention of Reproductive System Diseases: Spaying female cats helps prevent reproductive system diseases such as mammary tumors, endometritis, and pyometra. Among these, mammary tumors in cats are mostly malignant and have a high fatality rate.

Avoidance of Unwanted Pregnancies: It’s common for unspayed female cats to escape outdoors and return pregnant unexpectedly. Cats have high breeding potential, and if left unspayed, a single female cat can give birth to a litter of kittens, leading to an exponential increase in population over time. Preventing unwanted pregnancies also means saving the lives of those who might face euthanasia due to overpopulation.

Reduction of Sexual Drive Stress: Failing to fulfill their natural reproductive instincts can cause significant stress for cats. As estrus cycles repeat during the longer daylight hours, it can become a major stressor affecting their health.

Control of Male-Specific Behaviors: Neutering helps narrow down the territory-marking behavior inherent in male cats. Indoor male cats may sense the presence of a female in heat outdoors and seek them out, which could lead to accidents and infections. Limiting their territorial awareness can help reduce risks and prevent mounting and aggressive behavior towards other cats in multi-cat households.

Prevention of Neighborhood Issues: The three major neighborhood issues involving cats are “noise,” “odor,” and “unsanitary conditions.” Odor problems, in particular, stem from the scent marking of territories through urine. This odor, attributed to a compound called felinine in urine, becomes stronger as the cat grows. Unneutered male cats, in particular, emit strong odors over a wide area. Neutering reduces the concentration of odor-producing substances in urine, thus alleviating the odor.

Disadvantages of Spaying and Neutering:

1. Elimination of Reproductive Functionality: Cats undergo spaying or neutering surgery, which permanently prevents them from reproducing.
2. Concerns about General Anesthesia: Some pet owners may feel anxious about subjecting their pets to general anesthesia for the surgery. However, pre-operative assessments are conducted to ensure there are no risks involved, which should alleviate such concerns.

It’s natural for pet owners to feel hesitant about removing their pets’ reproductive capabilities or subjecting them to anesthesia when they are not sick. However, as responsible pet owners, we have a duty to safeguard our pets’ health and have the right to choose ways to alleviate their physical discomfort and distress. Let’s make choices that align with our pets’ lifestyles, considering the time we spend together with them.

Additionally, for cat owners concerned about the possibility of their feline companions contracting feline panleukopenia, we recommend using the Feline Panleucopenia Virus Antigen Rapid Test. This rapid test kit enables you to quickly detect whether your cat is infected with the feline panleukopenia virus, allowing you to take necessary preventative and treatment measures promptly. Feline panleukopenia is a serious disease, and timely detection and treatment are crucial for safeguarding the health of your beloved pet.