If a cat has not been spayed, it will periodically go into heat, meaning it will be ready to mate every 3-4 weeks. It generally moans, squeals, writhes, and tries to lure male cats or runs away to join them. It is difficult to calm her down, and more than anything else, any remedy in this regard is only temporary. Given its conditions, in fact, it is a natural behavior, regardless of the annoyance it causes to the owners. If it's unbearable, look for a long-lasting solution instead of a quick fix.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Calming a Cat in Heat
Step 1. Find out if your cat is in heat
Make sure her behavior actually indicates that she is in heat and not sick. An unsterilized cat who enters mating period meows frequently, is restless, rubs against people and objects, and rolls on the floor. If you stroke her in the lower back, she reacts by lifting her pelvis and moving her tail sideways.
- The normal breeding season for cats falls between spring and late summer. It is likely to go into heat during this time of year.
- Determine if she is in heat or sick. If she is restless, but doesn't rub against every object by lifting her tail to the side, she is likely to feel some pain. Take her to the vet to find out what's happening to her.
Step 2. Keep her isolated from males
When in heat, she becomes even more excitable in the presence of male cats. Don't let her out at all, close the windows and lock all doors, including the cat flap. To reassure her (and prevent her from getting pregnant), you need to keep her away from all male cats. If you isolate it, it will be safe. But she will try to run away from home if she hears a male on the outside.
- If you also own a male cat, find a friend to entrust him to or hire a cat-sitter to look after him for a couple of weeks. If he stayed in the same place as the female, they would both behave as they would in the wild, almost certainly ending up mating.
- If you can see male cats from the window, close the curtains or cover the glass with a piece of cardboard.
Step 3. Give the cat something warm to sit on
While it's not sure if this method works, some people find a hot water bottle or a warm wet towel for the cat to sit on is a great way to keep her still and calm. A microwave oven heating pad may be the simplest solution, as you can heat it up quickly when it starts stirring again. A thermoelectric blanket or electric hot water bottle will also work fine.
Step 4. A catnip only if it makes it quiet
Each cat reacts differently to catnip. Some relax and calm down after eating it, while others become lively and aggressive. If you are unfamiliar with your cat's reactions to such circumstances, avoid using this method, as there is a risk that it will make the situation worse.
Please note that this is a temporary solution, but it may give you an hour or two of peace
Step 5. Try to see if herbal remedies are effective
There are many homeopathic or herbal products on the market designed to calm cats. Sometimes, some owners find that they work, but there is no single remedy that is suitable for all cats. Also, your cat is likely to have no reaction to these kinds of products. Get a collection of samples and try different solutions. Once you've found the right one, buy it in larger quantities.
- Follow the instructions on the package. You will probably need to add the product to the water, rub a few drops on your fur or use it as an air freshener.
- Do not use products intended for human use, as they probably contain higher dosages.
Step 6. Use Feliway at home
It is a synthetic pheromone for cats that has a calming and restful action. However, it takes a few weeks to calm them down, so it's not an immediate solution. If you know your cat has not been spayed, you may want to consider turning on the "Feliway Diffuser" early in the breeding season (ie in the spring). In this way, every time he goes into heat, the product will already be circulating in his body.
Step 7. Keep the litter box clean
Often, when cats go into heat, they use urine as a mark to attract males. By keeping the litter box clean at all times, you will encourage your kitten to use it instead of marking territory around the house. However, if it continues to dirty, clean and deodorize the environment immediately. On the contrary, by letting the urine smell, you will encourage her to maintain this behavior.
Do not use bleach-based cleaning products. The ammonia contained inside is also present in the urine in a natural way, so the smell will encourage the cat to dirty again in the same place
Step 8. Play with the cat
By playing with her, you can distract her momentarily, although she often resumes meowing desperately as soon as you stop. Cuddling, massaging, or a brush on the lower back may be more effective if the cat is calm enough to let them do it.
Method 2 of 2: Sterilization and Other Durable Solutions
Step 1. Have the cat sterilized
With sterilization, the ovaries are removed and the appearance of oestrus cycles is definitively prevented. In addition, this procedure completely eliminates the possibility of her becoming pregnant and significantly reduces the risk of certain types of cancers and other diseases.
- If you can't afford this surgery, look for a low-cost sterilization service. Many vets offer it at reduced prices to decrease the stray cat population.
- Search veterinary clinics, shelters, and animal welfare associations.
- There is a small chance that residual ovarian tissue will still cause the cat to go into heat even after surgery. If this happens, consult your vet.
Step 2. Wait for the estrus cycle to finish before spaying the cat
The vet can perform the operation at any time during the hormonal cycle, even if the cat is in heat. However, there is a risk of increased blood loss. Surgery is possible, but you should consult an experienced veterinarian for advice.
Step 3. Use hormone therapy as a last resort
You can use prostaglandins and estrogen to stop the heat. However, this type of treatment comes with serious side effects, including uterine infections and tumors. In view of these risks, use this solution only if it is not possible to subject the cat to a sterilization operation. Consult with your vet in detail before using hormones, whether he prescribes them or whether you buy them. Although the cat cannot be spayed for clinical reasons, the risks of hormone therapy are too high for her restlessness.
Advice
- If the surgery is too expensive, look for an animal sterilization nonprofit.
- If you were looking for a guide on how to help your cat fight the heat, rather than the reproductive process related to the "heat" of females, try reading this article.
