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When a female cat goes into heat, everything changes at home. Constant meowing, unusual behaviors, strange postures. For many owners, this is the first real warning sign. But how long does this phase last, and above all, how should you react sensibly without overreacting or downplaying the situation? Here is a complete, straightforward guide with clear, reliable, and verified reference points.

At what age do the first heat cycles begin in a female cat?

The first heat cycle generally appears between 4 and 10 months of age, depending on breed, weight, season of birth, and environment. An indoor cat that is well fed may show early signs as soon as 4 and a half months. Oriental breeds such as Siamese or Abyssinian cats often go into heat earlier than heavier breeds like the Norwegian Forest Cat or the Maine Coon.

One detail matters: it is not size or exact age that triggers heat, but estrogen levels in the body, which are influenced by daylight exposure (photoperiod). In winter, some cats may remain inactive. As soon as days lengthen, heat cycles return.

What is the exact duration of heat in a female cat?

On average, heat lasts between 5 and 10 days, sometimes slightly longer. This period can be divided into several hormonal phases, but in practice, what matters most to owners is the length of time during which the cat displays specific behaviors.

In some cats, heat seems to last up to two weeks. In more pronounced cases, it may appear almost continuous over several months, with only a few days of remission. These are known as persistent heat cycles, commonly seen in highly sexually active breeds such as Bengals.

A typical cycle looks like this:

• Pre-heat phase: 1 to 2 days, often subtle.
• Visible heat: 4 to 10 days, with meowing, rubbing, and lordosis posture (arched back, raised hindquarters).
• Rest phase (diestrus or interestrus): 7 to 14 days, sometimes shorter if hormone levels remain high.

Without mating or ovulation, this cycle can repeat every two to three weeks. A cat may therefore go into heat more than 10 times over four months if not spayed.

What are the visible signs of heat in a female cat?

A female cat does not bleed during heat, unlike dogs. The signs are behavioral and vocal. The most common include:

• Loud, prolonged meowing, day and night.
• Mating posture at the slightest touch: hindquarters raised, tail to the side.
• Hyperactivity or, conversely, an increased need for affection.
• Rubbing against objects, rolling on the floor.
• Attempts to escape outdoors, sudden attraction to windows and doors.

These behaviors are normal. They indicate neither pain nor psychological distress, but a very strong sexual instinct. However, they can make life difficult in an apartment setting.

How often does a female cat go into heat each year?

An unspayed and unmated female cat may go into heat from February to October, or even year-round if kept indoors under constant artificial lighting. Annual cycles can reach 12 to 20, depending on living conditions.

In temperate climates such as France, heat usually begins at the end of winter, peaking in spring. Females living in groups or exposed to males also tend to cycle more frequently.

If the cat mates and ovulation occurs, heat stops immediately. Otherwise, it resumes within 10 to 15 days. This mechanism makes reproductive management difficult for private owners.

Can heat cycles be reduced or stopped?

Yes, but not without consequences. Hormonal treatments exist, but they carry a high risk of mammary tumors, pyometra (uterine infection), and endocrine disorders. They should be used only as an exceptional temporary solution and never long term.

The only truly reliable method to permanently stop heat cycles is surgical sterilization (ovariectomy or ovariohysterectomy). It can be performed from 3 to 6 months of age, even before the first heat, without affecting growth.

The earlier the procedure is done, the lower the risk of mammary tumors (over 80% reduction if performed before the first heat). That said, an adult cat can also be safely spayed, even during heat if necessary.

Can repeated heat cycles harm a cat’s health?

Heat cycles themselves are not dangerous. However, excessive repetition can lead to:

• Weight loss due to stress and hyperactivity.
• Behavioral issues, especially in indoor cats.
• Pyometra, when ovulations without mating create a favorable environment for bacteria.
• Hormonal imbalance in some sensitive females.

A cat with very frequent heat cycles and very short rest periods between cycles should be monitored. A veterinarian may recommend a uterine ultrasound or a hormonal assessment.

How to react when a female cat is in heat

There is no miracle solution. The key is to calm, manage, and limit stimulation. To ease both the cat and the household, a few simple measures can help:

• Limit petting if she shows signs of hyperexcitement.
• Dim the lights and reduce noise. A calm atmosphere can sometimes lessen agitation.
• Avoid contact with the outdoors, even through windows or scents. A male cat outside the building can trigger intense vocalization.
• Use calming pheromones via sprays or diffusers, which help some cats cope better with this phase.
• Offer targeted olfactory stimulation such as valerian or catnip. Some cats calm down when rubbing their head on a organic valerian heart or playing with a bit of dried catnip. For others, the effect may be neutral or slightly stimulating. Testing, observing, and adjusting is essential.
• Consider sterilization as soon as possible if the cat is not part of a breeding program.