Cats in Season: How to Tell When a Cat’s in Heat
Your cat can go into season, also known as in heat, from as young as 4 months. This is when they are fertile and can get pregnant. Unless they are spayed when young, they will continue to have their cycle every year from February until October (unless for some reason, they are fertile outside of these months). They can also have multiple cycles, which last about 2-3 weeks.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the typical breeding season for cats is from spring through late autumn. This is because the increasing daylight hours stimulate their reproductive hormones. However, cats living in warmer climates or primarily indoors with artificial lighting may cycle year-round.
Common Behaviours for Cats in Season
You might notice that when cats are in heat, they become more affectionate, as well as meowing or calling more. She can appear more playful and move her tail around a lot more, almost like she’s flirting. She may try to find a mate, unless you already have a pairing.
Unlike dogs in season, cats in season won’t bleed, and they won’t be in any pain. Although they may appear unsettled or uncomfortable. 
Signs of cats in heat:
- Overwhelmingly affectionate
- Vocal and calling to males
- Poor appetite
- Restlessness
- Urinating frequently or outside their litter box
Managing Your Cat in Season
If you do not wish for your cat to become pregnant, then options outside of spaying would be to keep them indoors during their cycles.
Other than this, your cat needs no other specific care, but entertainment to keep them busy if they’re restless or confused. Playing with them or engaging them with treat toys or puzzles can keep them busy.
Preventing Cat Heat Cycles: The Benefits of Spaying
The only way to avoid cats in season, or cats in heat and going through heat, is to have them spayed, which also offers many other benefits.
A spay procedure involves removing the ovaries, and sometimes the womb, so that a female cat cannot get pregnant or experience her cycle. Other benefits include reducing the chances of mammary cancer, pseudopregnancy, infections and ovarian cancer.
Unless your cat is part of a breeding programme, then there’s no reason they can’t be spayed or castrated (males).
Book a cat neutering consultation online
FAQs about Cats in Season / Cats in Heat
How long are cats in heat?
Cats will come into heat from February to October each year if not spayed and have multiple cycles, each lasting around 2-3 weeks.
When do cats come into season?
Female cats, also known as queens, typically start coming into season as early as 4 months old, but usually start around 6 months of age. However, this can vary depending on several factors, including breed, time of year and their weight.
How many days is a cat in heat?
Cats in heat typically last from 3-14 days, but on average a week.
Can you spay a cat in their heat?
Yes, you can have your cats spayed at any point in their cycle.
Do male cats go into heat?
No, male cats don’t have cycles like females; they can mate at any time.
