How long female cats stay in heat

Typically, female cats will start to go into their estrus cycle or heat cycle by six months of age. Certain environmental factors like temperature and access to potential mates can cause it to happen sooner or later.  

Certain breeds—like Siamese cats—may go into heat as early as 4 months, while other breeds may not go into heat until around 10 months of age. Larger-sized cats may also take a bit longer to mature. Nonetheless, when a female cat grows to about 80 percent of her adult weight, puberty usually begins.  

When Is Mating Season for Cats?

A cat’s mating season relies on several different factors, including geographic location. For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, the mating season for cats runs from March to September, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it’s from around September to March.  

Cats living indoors with regulated temperatures and lighting can potentially stay in heat year-round. That’s because—assuming a cat has not been spayed—the lighting and temperature of indoor environments mimics that of the natural triggers/settings for mating.  

Another contributing factor can be the presence of other cats, especially intact ones. Once the conditions are right, the reproductive cycle begins.  

Do Female Cats Get Periods?

Yes, cats have periods during their estrus cycle, but menstruation is different for cats than for humans. Unlike human females, cats do not shed the lining of their uterus and bleed it out.  

Instead, the womb-lining gets reabsorbed by the cat’s body. As a result, cats are unlikely to have more than a little light bleeding occur during this time, if at all. If you notice more than some light bleeding, call your veterinarian.  

How Long Does a Cat Stay in Heat? 

A cat can stay in heat anywhere from about a week to 10 days, with 15 to 21-day intervals in between. If a female cat finds a mate, however, her estrus period will last no more than four days. It’s normal for a cat to go into heat around two to four times per mating season, with peak activity taking place in the Northern Hemisphere from about February to October.  

How Do I Know My Cat Is In Heat?

There are many indicators that will tell you when a cat is in heat, including crying, unusual posturing and an intense focus on male cats that may result in your cat trying to escape your house when she sees one.  

Before your cat goes into estrus, there’s a lead-up called proestrus where your cat may show increased signs of affection. She may also rub her body—especially her hindquarters—against various objects and furniture as well as any other cats and even humans living in your home.  

Your cat may also vocalize and let loose a loud yowl intended to get the attention of male cats. They may also spray while in heat to mark their territory. If you don’t want kittens, it’s important to keep a close eye on your cat to prevent them from trying to escape to the outside to try to find a potential mate. 

Once in full heat, you may notice your cat walking with their tail pointed to one side and go into the mating stance, which includes lifting the hips skyward while putting their head down and kneeling with the front legs.  

How to Support Your Cat While in Heat

Going into heat can be an uncomfortable time for your cat. Cats don’t have the same bloating, cramping or other physical symptoms that human females do during their cycle, but that’s not to say they don’t experience some form of discomfort as well as irritability. To alleviate some of this discomfort, try the following:  

• Provide your cat with a covered heated pad to lay on 
• Try giving some catnip to calm them down 
• Play with your cat to help distract from discomfort 
• Give stress-relieving herbs or pheromones to help ease stress levels 

If you have specific questions or concerns about your cat, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian. Discover more insights about kittens and cats from our pet experts on our Pet Expertise page.  

When your cat reaches the age of sexual maturity, they may begin to act differently—indicating they might be going through a heat cycle. Below, we’ll explore what to look for to determine if your cat is in heat and how you can help your cat throughout the process.  

What is a cat heat cycle?

A heat cycle takes place when a female cat is fertile and ready to mate with a male cat. This cycle begins between 5 and 10 months of age in felines. The heat cycle occurs when your feline’s body is hormonally ready to become pregnant. If you wish to prevent your cat from becoming pregnant, it is important to take her to the vet to get spayed when your vet deems it is safe. If not, you run the risk of your cat becoming pregnant.

How often are cats in heat?

Cats have multiple cycles during the breeding season. Your cat will go through the stages of heat—outlined below—and then the cycle will repeat itself every 2 to 3 weeks until the breeding season is over. 

Cats are seasonally polyestrous. This means that depending upon geographic and environmental factors—like temperature and daylight hours—your cat's cycle will last anywhere from spring to fall. However, cats that live in tropical regions or are strictly indoor cats can have cycles all year round. 

Signs your cat is in heat

While you might assume that cats’ cycles are similar to humans and the most obvious sign would be vaginal bleeding, you would be incorrect. In fact, vaginal bleeding from a cat in heat—or in general—should result in a trip to the veterinarian. Instead, you should be looking for the following signs that your cat is in heat:

• Unusually affectionate
• Marking territory by spraying surfaces with urine
• Mating call: loud vocalization
• Mating position: head down, rear quarters and tail raised
• Excessive grooming
• Wanting to escape to the outdoors
• Loss of appetite

5 stages of feline heat cycle

Your female feline will go through 5 phases during her heat cycle.

Stage 1: Proestrus

During this stage, your female cat will begin to attract unneutered males, but she will not be receptive to mating. This typically lasts a day or two. You will not notice any changes in behavior these few days. 

Stage 2: Estrus

In the estrus stage, your cat will begin to exhibit the behavioral changes mentioned above. During this stage, your cat will be receptive to mating with unneutered males.

Stage 3: Diestrus

If your feline mates during estrus, ovulation will be induced as hormone production from the act of mating is stimulated—triggering ovulation. When your cat has ovulated, it is now in diestrus. 

During ovulation, felines generally need to mate 4 to 6 times to become pregnant, and can have several mates. It is even possible for your cat to give birth to a litter of kittens with different fathers. This is known as superfecundation.

Stage 4: Interestrus

If pregnancy does not occur during diestrus, your cat will go into interestrus. This is the stage where her hormone level will drop and she will have no signs of heat. The interestrus stage lasts anywhere from 2 days to 3 weeks. Then your cat will go into heat again. These stages continue throughout the breeding season or until your feline becomes pregnant during diestrus. 

Stage 5: Anestrus

The last stage during the heat cycle is anestrus. This stage is the absence of the heat cycle. It typically occurs when there are fewer daylight hours, like in the winter. Your cat will begin hormone production again when it is stimulated by light during longer daylight hours. 

How can I support my cat in heat?

When your cat is in heat, you will likely know it. The yowling and constant need for affection can be overwhelming. But your cat will need your help and support to ease through the stress of the breeding season.

Spaying

If you do not want your cat to become pregnant, you should consult your veterinarian or local Humane Society to inquire about options on spaying your cat. The surgery will prevent unwanted pregnancies and litters of kittens, helping control the overpopulation of cats. 

Can you spay a cat while in heat?

It’s possible to spay a cat during her heat cycle, but most vets would not recommend it. As Dr. Justine Lee explains, when a cat is in heat, there’s more vasculature (e.g., blood vessels and blood flow) to the ovaries and uterus. That results in a more expensive, longer surgery, as the tissue is more delicate. Only in emergency medical situations will vets spay a cat in heat.

Avoid male cats

If you have unneutered male cats in your home, now is the time to keep them separated. Your female cat will grow more excitable around males and mating can lead to pregnancy.

You should also ensure that your cat is safe inside, away from windows and doors so she does not try to escape. She will be searching for mates, and the isolation within your home will help keep her safe.

Comfort and stimulation

Your cat will likely need extra comfort, including extra petting and brushing. The attention can help ease the stress your feline is feeling. It’s also important to remember that some cats may prefer being alone, or even a mix of wanting to have attention and still needing places to escape. A cat tower is a great solution that offers comfort, lounging, exercise, stimulation, and stretching—all in one! It’s an ideal place for your cat to escape to, while also providing the stimulation that she requires. 

Catnip

Catnip can be a great resource to use, but only if it has a calming effect on your cat. Since each cat responds differently to catnip—either energetically or calmly—you should proceed with caution. If it generally calms your cat when not in heat, utilize catnip to help relax and quiet your cat. However, if your cat generally becomes energetic around catnip, it could make her even more stimulated. 

Heat pack or towel

Having a warm pack or towel for your cat to sit on can help keep her calm and still. You can also use a heating pad on low or warm towels to ease any discomfort. 

Can you stop your cat from going into heat mid-cycle?

Short of spaying your cat mid-cycle (which, again, vets do not recommend), you can't artificially stop your cat’s heat cycle. The best you can do is keep her indoors and away from unneutered male cats, so that mating will not occur.

Understanding your cat’s heat cycle

If your cat has not been spayed, you should continue to look out for the signs of the estrous cycle to help her through the process. Be sure to follow her cues to determine whether she needs more attention or more space. And be sure to have options for both calming environments and playful stimulation, like this rechargeable laser pointer.

If you do not want your cat to become pregnant, it is highly recommended that you spay your cat. Spaying cats is the most effective way to prevent cats from going into heat—and prevent pregnancies. Spaying is also healthier for your cat in the long run.

How often do cats go into heat in a year?

Heat cycles repeat every 2 to 3 weeks and typically start in January and last through the fall, or until the cat becomes pregnant or is spayed.

Is estrus painful for cats?

No one can accurately say if estrus is painful for cats. However, their symptoms lead us to believe that they are likely uncomfortable.

What triggers a cat to go into heat?

A cat goes into heat based on sexual maturity and the timing of the seasons. Longer daylight hours that are filled with sunlight trigger your feline’s body to begin the estrus cycle.

How can I get my cat out of heat?

How long does it take for a female cat to stop being in heat?

How often do cats go into heat in a year?

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