Female cats in heat
As spring and warmer weather approach, the unspayed female cat begins to go into heat. This causes her to vocalise heavily in an effort to attract male cats for mating. This time can be demanding and stressful for both the cat and her owner.
Signs of heat
She vocalises loudly to attract male cats.
She may have a poor appetite, sometimes refusing food altogether.
She may urinate indoors to signal her availability to male cats.
She may rub against walls, furniture and people, often arching her hindquarters.
Female cats in heat may get into fights, so it's important to check for any wounds that could become infected.
How long does a cat stay in heat?
A cat's heat cycle typically lasts between 7-9 days. The frequency with which a female cat goes into heat can vary. Some females go into heat once a year, while others experience cycles on and off throughout the year. Cats with outdoor access are influenced by the seasons, and it's common for them to have a break from their heat cycle from October to February, when daylight hours are shorter.
Spaying female cats
As the heat cycle can be very stressful for a cat, it's best to spay cats that are not intended for breeding. The advantages of spaying a female cat include preventing uterine infections or ovarian tumours. Many owners also find that their cat becomes calmer, and any issues with inappropriate urination may disappear. A potential disadvantage of spaying is a risk of weight gain, but this can be managed with a suitable diet and regular activity.
Requirements for spaying outdoor-access cats
In Germany, there's no legal requirement to spay your cat, although vets often recommend it. If your cat has outdoor access, spaying is advisable to prevent accidental litters and reduce the risk of injury from fighting.
In Germany however, there is no legal requirement to neuter your cat, although this is often recommended by vets. If your cat is an outdoor cat, it may be wise to neuter them to avoid accidental breeding and reduce the risk of injury due to fighting.
