How To Calm a Cat in Heat [Basic Home Remedies To Calm Your Kitty]

How To Calm a Cat in Heat [Basic Home Remedies To Calm Your Kitty]
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Cat owners know that when their cat is in heat, she is likely to be feeling agitated and restless. She may cry mournfully, vocalize more than usual, urinate frequently (sometimes in inappropriate places), and display other signs of distress. But there are a few things pet parents can do to help calm their cat down and make her more comfortable. That's why you need to know how to calm a cat in heat.

 

At HolistaPet, we're the experts at holistic remedies for pets. It's no wonder that many cat owners utilize our CBD for cats products every day to keep their cat's health at an optimal level. That's why we've put together this helpful guide about your cat's heat cycle and what you can do to make her experience better.

 

 

Is Your Cat in Heat?

When a cat is in heat, she is fertile and receptive to mating. Your cat's heat cycle (also called estrous or estrus cycle) usually lasts for around three weeks, although it can vary from cat to cat. The most common trigger for a cat to go into heat is the lengthening of daylight hours (photoperiod), although some cats may go into heat regardless of the season. Other triggers can include stress, weight loss or gain, and changes in her environment.

 

 

cat in heat stretched out on carpet

 

We recommend this product line for cats in heat:

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How to Know When a Cat Is in Heat?

If your cat is female and hasn't been spayed, she's probably in heat. An unspayed cat will go through regular heat cycles. Spayed cats, however, do not have a reproductive system, which means they have no ovaries, produce no estrogen, and do not go through heat cycles.

 

When a cat is in heat, she is fertile and receptive to mating. Your cat's heat cycle (also called estrous or estrus cycle) usually lasts for around three weeks, although it can vary from cat to cat.

 

What Are the Signs of a Cat in Heat?

In cats, the most noticeable indicators of heat are behavioral. Always keep an eye out for any unusual behavior. If you notice your cat acting out of the ordinary, she might be in heat.

 

When in heat, your cat may:

  • Become restless
  • Yowl or cry incessantly
  • Show more affection and want to spend more time with you
  • Rub her rear end on a cat tree, furniture, or walls
  • Urinate more often (including in places other than her litter box)
  • Assert a mating position by elevating her hindlegs, allowing a male cat to mount her and mate
  • Repeatedly try to run away
  • Excessively groom herself due to swollen genitalia
  • Scent mark areas to attract male cats
  • Isolate in solitary areas

 

By knowing what to look for, you can identify future heat cycles. If you suspect your cat is in heat, it's best to take her to the vet to confirm and discuss your options.

 

 

When Does a Kitten/Cat Get Their First Heat?

The average age for a kitten to reach sexual maturity and have their first heat is between 5 and 9 months old. However, some may have their first heat as early as 4 months old, while others may not experience it until they are a year old. If your cat has not had her first heat by the time she is a year old, seek veterinary advice to check for any underlying health issues.

 

 

How Long Does Heat Last in Cats?

According to the latest veterinarian research, the typical length of heat cycles is six days. If an unspayed female cat is not mated during her estrus cycle, she will go out of heat for a short period of time. The mating season usually lasts every year from February to October.

 

 

How Many Times a Year Does a Cat Go in Heat?

Female cats will go into heat multiple times per year if they're not spayed. The average frequency is every three to four weeks, but it can range from every two weeks to once every six weeks.

 

 

Are Cats in Pain When in Heat?

Cats are not in pain when in heat, but they may act differently than usual and may feel discomfort or become agitated. Their behavior is usually more affectionate and vocal, and they may urinate more frequently. If your cat is in heat and you're concerned about their behavior, seek out veterinary guidance.

 

According to the latest veterinarian research, the typical length of heat cycles is six days.

 

 

What Are the Remedies To Calm a Cat in Heat?

How to calm a cat in heat might sound daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few things you can do and some natural remedies you can utilize to help your cat feel more comfortable during her heat cycle:

 

  • Water: Make sure she has plenty of fresh water to drink.
  • Affection: Give her a little extra TLC and extra attention, including petting and brushing.
  • Attractants: Use a feline pheromone diffuser in your home. Spraying these synthetic cat pheromones can help calm your feline and make her feel more comfortable. Seek veterinary advice on which diffuser is right for your cat.
  • Exercise: Provide your cat with some additional exercise during her heat cycle. A short walk or play session each day can help burn off some of her excess energy.
  • Veterinary Medicine: Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help ease her discomfort. In some cases, it may be necessary to spay your cat. 
  • Clean Litter: Keep your cat's litter box clean. This encourages scent marking in the litter box instead of other areas in and around your residence.
  • Heat Remedy: Allow your cat to sit on a warm towel, heat pack, or microwaveable heat pad to keep them calm.
  • CBD: One of the best remedies for cats is CBD. Some of the best hemp-derived CBD-infused cat products you can give your feline friend include soft chews, treats, oil (tincture), and capsules, all of which you can find right here at Holistapet! CBD may help provide your cat with a calming effect, making them less agitated and frisky during heat.
  • Catnip: Utilize loose catnip or catnip-filled toys to keep your feline friend occupied and away from male cats.
  • Isolation: To avoid unwanted pregnancy, keep your cat inside to avert straying and interacting with other cats.

 

 

lonely cat on floor

 

 

Is There a Way To Prevent Heat?

The good news is that there are ways to help prevent heat in cats. One way is by spaying your cat. This will help to reduce the hormones that trigger heat cycles.

 

Another way to prevent heat in cats is through the use of injections. These can help regulate their hormones and reduce the chances of your cat going into heat. But there may be potential side effects associated with these treatments. If you are concerned about your cat going into heat, talk to your veterinarian about these and other options.

 

Can I Spay My Cat While in Heat?

Yes, but it's generally not recommended. Although you can have your cat spayed while in heat, most veterinarians do not recommend it. This is because your cat's reproductive organs become filled with blood, making the procedure very difficult and more time-consuming than usual.

 

Spaying during heat can also increase the risk of certain complications, such as infection or bleeding. If you do choose to spay your cat while she's in heat, be sure to tell your veterinarian beforehand so that they can take precautions to minimize the risks.

 

In cats, the most noticeable indicators of heat are behavioral. Always keep an eye out for any unusual behavior. If you notice your cat acting out of the ordinary, she might be in heat.

 

 

Final Thoughts - How To Calm a Cat in Heat

While your cat is in heat, it's important to be patient and understanding. There are a few things you can do to make the experience more comfortable for both you and your cat. You can keep her indoors where she'll be safe from potential mates and hazards; provide her with plenty of litter boxes to relieve herself as often as necessary, or give her lots of love and attention - she needs it now more than ever! These are some of the many solutions to make your cat in heat more comfortable.

 

If you follow these tips, hopefully, your cat will be calm and relaxed until her heat cycle ends. But if you want to make your cat's heat cycle a thing of the past, you can get her spayed. This will ensure your feline friend will never endure another heat cycle ever again. Any responsible pet parent who wants to boost their cat's general wellbeing should go to our shop and get some CBD products. Not only will CBD improve your cat's soundness, but it will help make her next heat cycle more comfortable and less stressful.

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