When a cat begins to ask for a cat, the owner who has encountered this for the first time is very worried. After all, during sexual heat, the pet screams wildly and behaves inappropriately. Not every person is able to remain calm; many are looking for any ways to calm it down. Folk remedies, sedative pills and even hormonal drugs are used.
Let's find out which methods of suppressing the symptoms of estrus are safe for cats and why you should decide to sterilize.
At what age does a cat start walking?
Cats start yelling at different ages. In some animals, puberty occurs earlier, in others - later. This depends on many factors:
- breed affiliation;
- fatness;
- conditions of detention;
- pet's temperament;
- heredity.
The first time a cat begins to ask for a cat is when mature eggs are already being produced in her ovaries. In most cases, sexual heat begins between 6 and 10 months, but there are exceptions.
In any case, mating during the first few heats is not advisable. After all, for the body to fully form and strengthen, it needs more time.
It is extremely rare for cats to start asking for a cat at the age of 5 months. Such early maturation indicates the presence of health problems. In this case, it is advisable to show the animal to a veterinarian. You will also need to consult a specialist if your first heat starts after a year.
Signs that a cat is wandering
A cat in heat causes a lot of trouble to its owners.
The average duration of a cat's heat is 5-7 days. There are also temperamental individuals that can walk for 10-14 days every month. The first time a cat begins to ask for a male cat is at the age of 6 months, but this is too early for mating.
The characteristic symptoms of estrus are immediately noticeable:
- friction of the pet against objects - often, for a long time;
- loud screams with inviting notes, often at night;
- more affectionate behavior with the owner and others;
- refusal of food (the cat may not even eat its favorite treats);
- frequent urination, especially if there is a cat nearby;
- when stroking the tail area, the animal protrudes its back part, twitches its tail, and bends its paws;
- clear fluid is discharged from the vagina.
Symptoms may vary between individuals. There are animals that walk almost unnoticed, and the owner finds out about the heat after pregnancy. But more often the first signs are pronounced.
Symptoms of estrus
It's impossible not to notice when a cat asks for a date with a cat. Signs by which you can determine that your pet has gone on a spree:
- The cat screams and meows protractedly at the top of her voice. Some owners get scared - they think she is sick. In fact, this is a natural process. The female attracts potential suitors with a loud cry.
- When a cat asks for a cat, she leaves marks in the house. It is unknown whether she does this on purpose or not. The fact is that during the hunting period a special mucous secretion is released from the vulva. In nature, its smell attracts cats.
- The cat becomes very affectionate, gentle, constantly rubs against the owner’s legs and purrs. In rare cases, the pet behaves in the opposite way - it becomes irritable and aggressive.
- The urge to urinate becomes more frequent.
- When a cat asks for a cat, she takes a characteristic pose - arching her back and raising her butt. The tail is moved to the side. In this way, the female shows the male that she is ready for mating.
- It is easy to understand that a cat wants a cat by its loss of appetite. The pet rarely approaches the food bowl and eats little. Some individuals generally lose interest in food, they even refuse their favorite treat.
You should not worry about the cat’s well-being during this period - when the heat ends, everything will return to normal. The behavior will become habitual, an appetite will appear, and the pet will stop behaving inappropriately.
How to understand that a cat wants a cat
Signs of a natural call are quite easy to identify. The cat begins to show too much affection towards members of the household, scream a lot, and stand in the appropriate position, indicating its readiness to mate. This period begins not only in early spring, as many might think. This can happen either in the middle of a cold winter or at the end of a hot summer.
Cat
Since animals are driven by instinct, a noticeable deterioration or excessive improvement in the environment in which they find themselves can be a signal that it is time to reproduce.
Important! Scolding, beating, or mocking animals is strictly prohibited. It is worth understanding that a pet is driven not by a desire to receive pleasure, but by instincts that they cannot control, much less stop.
Domestic cats suffer from this much more, because long-term abstinence can lead to illness. That is why, if the owners have no desire to nurse kittens in the future, it is advisable to remove the reproductive system at a young age. In 90% of cases, the pet lives a long and healthy life. But as experience shows, sometimes force majeure occurs, and this procedure does not prevent the cat from ceasing to desire the cat. To save yourself from unnecessary problems and inconveniences, it is suggested that you study the following information on what to do if your cat screams.
At what age do people start asking for the first time?
The average age of puberty depends on the conditions and breed. Speaking of statistics, a cat begins to crave for the first time at 6-8 months. In rare cases, estrus may be late and come at 12 months. It all depends on her physical and emotional health. If the nutrition is correct and the environment is positive, the cat may begin to require reproduction at 5 months. Especially when it comes to small breeds.
What owners need to know:
- estrus is not affected by weather, climate and other nuances associated with the conditions of the region;
- as soon as the body gets stronger and all body indicators return to normal, instincts will give a signal that the cat is ready to mate.
It is impossible to predict the first heat, but a trip to the veterinarian can significantly ease the situation. For example, many are immediately recommended to have their appendages removed.
Like a cat asks a cat
A cat's personality can change dramatically. Not everyone becomes affectionate and kind during this period. There are other indicators that can explain your pet's strange behavior. What you should pay attention to first:
- loss of appetite. This indicator can mislead the owners, because it also indicates the presence of other problems;
- The cat rubs against its legs and meows a lot. Of course, this may be a signal that the pet is bored or is simply trying to attract attention. During heat, the animal is too affectionate and “talkative.” If before it was impossible to get the pet out from under the sofa, then when it “want”, it is impossible to drive it away from your hands;
- increased interest and love for men. Whatever one may say, cats sense gender differences among their owners. If at a certain period the pet became more interested in the strong representative of the house, then she goes through a period of maturation;
- house marks – even the most trained cat will place small marks around the apartment. It is useless to scold and punish for this. It is useless to fight against instincts with a simple word and beating;
- began to go to the toilet more often - the excited hormonal system affects urination, so if the cat began to visit the litter box more often, there is a high probability that she has begun a period of growing up. This fact is relevant if other indicators are additionally present. It may also be a kidney disease;
- the cat bends over and shows unusual poses - the most clear and visible sign that the cat wants a cat.
All these indicators will help you understand in a timely manner what strange phenomena are happening to your beloved pet. You can't just ignore it. This position will lead to damage to property and mental disorder of the animal.
Cat and cat
How many times a year does a cat ask for a cat?
When it comes to the frequency of estrus, even the best veterinarian in the city cannot give an accurate answer. It all depends on the breed and the health of the pet. Larger representatives of cats flow 2 times a year. Small cats - 3-4 times.
For those who are engaged in breeding or just want to plunge into this field, you need to know a few facts:
- You cannot breed a cat under 1 year of age. Despite the fact that she is instinctively ready for mating, the pet’s pelvis is not yet fully developed due to “greenhouse keeping”;
- using untested home methods is extremely dangerous. Many people recommend feeding bromine to their pets or giving them catnip. All these methods in 90% of cases negatively affect the condition of the animal, which leads to death or loss of control over them.
Duration and frequency of sexual heat
The length of the period during which cats ask for a cat differs from individual to individual. On average, estrus lasts 7-10 days.
The period of sexual hunting can be divided into several stages. Each of them has certain characteristics:
- Proestrus. The cat begins to ask for a cat, but at the same time she is not yet ready for effective mating. Her estrogen levels increase. Sexual heat begins - the external genitalia increase slightly in size, and transparent discharge appears from the vulva. Behavior changes - the cat rubs against objects for a long time, requires more attention and affection. Appetite decreases. The duration of proestrus is 2-3 days.
- Estrus. The cat is already ready for mating. If she has a date with a cat during this period, she is more likely to get pregnant. The pet feels increasing excitement, this is eloquently evidenced by her behavior - loud inviting cries, adoption of a characteristic pose for mating. The duration of estrus is 3-4 days, in some individuals it lasts longer.
- Metestrus. The level of estrogen in the cat’s body decreases, and along with it, interest in representatives of the opposite sex disappears. Some females even feel irritated at the sight of a male. The cat no longer asks the cat, does not allow him to approach, drives him away with hiss.
- Anestrus. At this stage, the hormonal levels stabilize and the cat calms down.
The frequency of the onset of estrus differs between domestic and wild animals. This process is influenced by the length of daylight hours, quality of nutrition, breed and other factors.
On average, cats ask for a male cat every 3-4 weeks, provided that mating has not occurred.
How often does heat occur?
How to calm a cat - options during heat and when she's mad
As mentioned earlier, the average frequency is about 3-4 times a year. However, experts assure that a cat is not always ready for offspring from a physical point of view. She should not be allowed to bring kittens more than 2 times a year. Ultimately, the pet will run out of strength, it will wither and die completely by the age of 3-4 years.
Cycle schedule
How to determine heat
The determination process is quite complicated for those who have just become pet owners. To be sure that a cat is in heat, you need to know the features that are associated with the physiology of felines. For example, many people are not even aware of such a fact as “cyclicality”. It is worth paying attention to the following information:
- The pre-temperature period lasts approximately 3 days. Already at this stage, you can immediately tell that the cat is about to begin to behave differently than before. This shows a strong attachment to the owners, loss of interest in games and food. In rare cases, aggression is observed and the genitals swell. If the owner plans to get offspring, then pre-breeding is not the best period for mating. Everything is simple here: the cat simply will not let the male near, but during this period she begins to “shit” a lot in the corners;
- Estrus is the period of estrus itself, lasting on average from 7 to 10 days, it all depends on the breed and weight category of the pet. During this period, you need to be extremely careful, the cat is in the mood to “hunt” (to find a partner), so it can easily run out of an open door or slip through the windows from its owners. This period is characterized by: standing in a pose, loud meowing, excessive affection. Speaking about the internal component, during this period the follicles reach a state of maximum development and are ready to leave the egg. The main thing is not to let it on the bed, as the discharge is difficult to wash off. The pet will meow a lot, you need to try to distract it;
- post-estrus - here a false pregnancy can occur, which you need to be able to identify, or a real pregnancy if the cat managed to escape in search of adventure. The cat's behavior calms down, becomes more irritable, and tries to run away. During this period, if you just need to monitor your pet, in case of gland swelling, you should contact an experienced veterinarian. False pregnancy has a very negative effect on the psyche; the cat may begin to hide or be aggressive towards members of the household;
- enestrus is the period between estrus. On average, this is 4-5 months; if the period falls in winter, it can last up to 6 months. Hormones are produced minimally, the cat behaves normally.
In addition to tablets, drops and traditional methods of eliminating the problem, you need to know about others:
- Sterilization is a good way to resolve the issue; most importantly, it completely stops estrus and completely rids the cat of diseases of the reproductive system. In simple terms, your pet has a better chance of living a healthier, longer life. After removal, you can forget about the kittens, as well as the constant screaming;
- mating - on average, a cat can give birth 3 times in 1 year. If the owner does not plan to deal with the kittens that much, then it is better to use the first option. Moreover, pregnancy greatly depletes the body, even if the cat has already given birth this year and seems thin, her instincts will not stop her from doing it again. You can calm it down using the techniques above.
Important! Correct identification of symptoms will make it possible to minimize the consequences.
The above information will help you figure out what to do if a cat wants a cat and screams, how to calm it down at home. You can use medications and traditional medicine. The main thing is to treat the cat carefully and carefully during the period when it requires a cat.
How long after giving birth does estrus occur?
The frequency of sexual estrus depends on whether pregnancy has occurred. If a cat has a date with a cat, then she bears the offspring for about 2 months, and then feeds them. Then the next estrus begins 30-50 days after lambing or 10-14 days after the end of lactation. In the wild, cats go into heat on average 2-3 times a year. If there was no mating, then the next time the estrus will begin in 3-4 weeks.
In rare cases, nursing cats ask for a male cat as early as 2 weeks after lambing. If mating does not occur during this period, the next estrus will begin again after 14-21 days.
If the date with the male takes place, then a new pregnancy will not occur, since the uterus has not yet had time to recover and the process of feeding the kittens is underway. But mating during the next heat is more likely to be effective.
How long does estrus last?
The average duration of the estrus process is from 5 to 10 days. The optimal period is 5–6 days. If the process lasts more than 10, or less than 5 days, then this is a reason to immediately seek help from a veterinarian.
In females that have given birth or have mated at least once, estrus occurs approximately once every 3 months, sometimes once a year. In nulliparous women, this process is more frequent - from once every 2-3 months to once a month .
If the natural desires of the pet are not satisfied, then everyone suffers - both she and the owners. Frequent hormonal surges are physically difficult for her and can cause irreparable harm to her health. Therefore, measures must be taken to avoid this.
Behavior problems
When cats ask for a date with a cat, household members have a hard time. The constant screaming makes it impossible to sleep at night. Some people can’t stand it and lock their pets in one of the rooms. Others wet the animal’s fur with water in the evenings. This allows you to gain an hour of silence while the cat licks its fur coat. But as soon as she dries up, she starts asking for the cat again. This behavior is exhausting and forces you to try different ways.
Is it possible to calm a cat at home?
Simply petting and calming a cat that asks for a cat is unlikely to work. You will have to be patient and wait until the heat ends.
Numerous “folk” tips on how to calm a pet usually turn out to be ineffective:
- Pet your pet more often. Showing attention will only increase arousal.
- Give sedatives. They will not help because the animal is not stressed. They are driven by the instinct of reproduction. Such medications only slightly dull the desire to mate.
- Feed the cat with products containing pheromones like Feliway. During sexual hunting they are completely useless. Such drugs help to quickly adapt to a new place and to endure the trip more calmly, but they do not pacify natural instincts.
Calming medications for cats
Sometimes veterinarians recommend taking sedatives. Such medications help to dull arousal a little, but their main purpose is to achieve mental lability, eliminate aggression and anxiety.
List of drugs and method of use:
- Cat Baiyun. A medicine based on herbs with a sedative effect - valerian roots, oregano, sweet clover, mint, motherwort, hop cones and others. As soon as the cat begins to ask for a cat, she is given 2 ml of medicine three times a day for 5-7 days.
- Fitex drops. A sedative with herbal components – valerian, motherwort, hop extract. The medicine normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system, muffles the feeling of fear and aggression. If a cat wants a cat, or vice versa, then the pet is given 3-5 drops of the product in the morning, lunch and evening for several days.
- Drops for cats Stop stress. The drug is available in the form of drops and tablets. The medicine contains aminophenylbutyric acid and extracts of valerian, catnip, hops and motherwort. This remedy helps reduce agitation and correct the animal's behavior in stressful situations. Directions for use: 1 drop per 1 kg of weight twice a day.
Sedatives should not be given to a cat for a long time. They are allowed to be used for no more than 10 days. And you should not expect that these medications will completely eliminate sexual arousal. They can only slightly smooth out the symptoms of estrus.
Artificial ovulation
Sometimes the safest and most effective way to calm a cat so that she does not ask for a cat is to artificially induce ovulation. This method is suitable if the pet cannot be given for mating right now for some reason. For example, if she is in her first heat or a worthy candidate for mating has not yet been found.
In some cases, veterinarians show owners how to simulate sexual intercourse at home, which will cause ovulation. To do this, you will need a small phallic-shaped object about 4-5 mm thick and 1.5-2 cm long. A cotton swab wrapped in a fingertip or something similar will do. The cat is held by the withers. When she is in the mating position, the object is gently inserted into her vagina.
It is recommended to repeat this procedure 3-4 times within 12 hours. After this, the pet should ovulate, which will provoke a false pregnancy.
The heat will stop, the cat will calm down, stop asking for the cat and will prepare for the appearance of kittens. Some females begin to arrange a place for birth. During a false pregnancy, hormonal changes occur, so milk may be released from the mammary glands.
Attention! The artificial ovulation technique cannot be used every time the cat asks for a cat. This can cause inflammation in the uterus.
What not to do
Some actions of owners can harm the cat. For example, you cannot lock an animal in a cellar or bathroom. Being alone will have a negative impact on your mental health.
It is also undesirable to let your cat outside unattended, because it could get hit by a car, contract a virus, or become a victim of aggressive dogs. In addition, uncontrolled walking during estrus can lead to mating with an outdoor cat.
You should not punish her, yell at her, or hit her. This will not help solve the problem, because the animal is at the mercy of instincts. The pet will still continue to scream and roll on the floor.
Options for calming your cat at home
After sterilization, the cat asks the cat: is this normal and what to do?
There are not many effective ways to calm your pet. Experts recommend paying attention to the tips below, which will greatly alleviate the condition of the pet and the owner.
Koshkin or
Drops for cats
Since very often the cat’s desire develops into aggression, and the animal begins to behave inappropriately with household members or other pets in the house, you can try to start with the use of sedatives in the form of drops. There are a huge number of manufacturers and brands; you can find an effective one based on any budget. However, it is worth remembering the dosage indicated on the drug. Since many people sell a “dummy”, you need to look for the composition – FSH and LH. These substances are a corpus luteum hormone that suppresses the action of hormones. Among the known options are:
- Sex Barrier "Skif";
- Ovostop;
- Ex-5 – for dogs and cats.
In addition, you need to indicate contraindications. You cannot simply add drops to food and wait for the effect if you are not sure that the animal does not suffer from:
- diabetes mellitus - according to statistics, more than 40% of pets already have this problem by the age of 4;
- the cat has not yet reached sexual maturity - that is, the drug is given by mistake, and it has signs of a completely different disease;
- hormonal balance was disrupted after unsuccessful childbirth;
- the cat is already pregnant;
- first heat.
By the way, giving such hormonal drugs is very dangerous if the cat is in her first heat. Ultimately, this can disrupt the cycle and disrupt the pet's psyche.
Important! Veterinarians recommend simply waiting out this period, watching her diet, and not allowing sexual contact if she is under 12 months old.
Folk remedies
As practice has shown, among folk remedies there are still effective methods of combating screaming at night and constant “molestation” of household members. To make this period easier:
- chamomile;
- thyme.
Decoctions of these remedies have not yet caused allergies. You can even make it from pharmaceutical powder, which is available in every city and region. If a cat begs for a cat, what should you do?
- wet the pet with warm water - while the cat gets itself in order, household members will be able to forget about screaming for several hours;
- locking in the back room is effective at night, you must first give a herbal decoction.
You cannot create a stressful atmosphere; there will be less screaming; on the contrary, the cat will be even more excited. It is easy to poison with little-known drugs and tinctures. You can try to keep her busy with games.
And others
Herbal sedatives are no less effective. They will not cause any harm to the pet, experts point out:
- Kot Bayun is a worthy remedy that is given even to dogs. The dosage is measured by weight, it is advisable to start giving at the beginning of estrus, as they have an accumulation effect;
- Stop stress – available in tablets and drops;
- Stop intimacy - if the owners do not intend to get kittens in the future, then this product is ideal for forgetting about screaming at night.
Important! If we are talking about the first heat, then it is advisable to show your pet to a veterinarian. Only he will be able to give a correct assessment of the condition and detect deviations in a timely manner.
Interrupting estrus with hormonal drugs
Estrus can be prevented or interrupted with the help of hormonal medications. However, they should not be used often, as this will lead to health problems.
List of drugs to suppress sexual arousal in cats:
- Sex Barrier;
- EX-5;
- EX-5T;
- Four with a tail.
Hormonal drugs are designed to reduce the level of estrogen, which will reduce the manifestations of sexual desire. Essentially, taking such medications moves the animal from proestrus to anestrus.
Pros of taking hormonal drugs:
- the cat does not ask the cat, its behavior does not cause inconvenience to the owner;
- it is possible to skip 1-2 matings if the animal is used for breeding, but mating is not possible at the moment.
There are just as many disadvantages to taking hormonal medications. This needs to be understood when deciding whether to give them to your pet:
- such medications cannot be used frequently and for a long time;
- taking them disrupts hormonal levels, and this can lead to serious illnesses - the development of pathologies in the uterus and oncology.
Problems do not appear immediately after taking hormonal drugs. Most often they occur at the age of 3-4 years. If a cat develops endometritis or other diseases of the reproductive system, it will have to resort to castration.
Methods for regulating sexual estrus
Sterilization and castration
These are the most radical methods of solving the problem. After sterilization surgery, the cat will have ovaries forever, and castration will have ovaries and a uterus. Sex hormones will cease to be produced and estrus will cease for life.
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This procedure is recommended for females aged 7 months to 10 years.
During this period, the body will tolerate the operation well and no complications will occur. All that is required from the owner is minimal care for the animal and a visit to the clinic for the final removal of stitches. After 10 years, sterilization and castration can cause complications and even cause the death of the animal. If the cat asks for a cat, then it is best to carry out the procedure before the first mating, in which case the success rate is higher.
Contrary to popular belief, castration and sterilization do not negatively affect the health or character of your pet. On the contrary, the body is not tired of numerous hormonal surges and exhausting childbirth. In addition, uterine cancer and other diseases of the reproductive system are completely excluded.
Mating
If the prospect of distributing kittens into good hands does not frighten you (or you are planning to engage in breeding), you can organize mating. The main thing is to select the healthiest candidate for the “groom”. In no case should you use a male who is a relative of your pet for this purpose - their children may be born weakened, with abnormalities, or even dead.
You can calm a cat down when she asks for a cat with the help of mating. It should occur no earlier than after 3 heats (the optimal age of partners is one and a half years). During this time, the animal’s body will fully strengthen and prepare for subsequent fertilization and childbirth. Before mating, it is recommended to check animals for the presence of fungal, viral and other diseases.
It is very desirable that at least one of them is already “untied”, that is, mated earlier.
Sedatives
The cat asks the cat what to do at home? This is a question often asked by owners of furry pets. A good way out of the situation is to take special sedative drops. Most often they are made on a homeopathic basis - herbs and plants that have a calming (sedative) effect. It is recommended to give such drugs a few days before the start of the estrus period , or at the very beginning. Otherwise, their action simply will not have the desired effect on the animal. These herbal infusions are considered relatively safe, as they suppress not only the sexual desire in animals, but also alleviate their stress caused by the unrealized reproductive instinct. In order not to ask the cat, you need to give the cat “Cat Bayun” or “Stop Stress” drops.
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Hormonal drugs
Often, would-be veterinarians recommend hormones - medicine for the cat so that the cat does not ask for it. This is the most dangerous category of drugs that reduce sexual desire. They are available in the form of injections, tablets and drops. They are not recommended for use, as they can provoke serious diseases of the genitourinary system - tumors of the mammary glands, pyometra of the uterus, deterioration of the adrenal glands and even diabetes. Their “secret” is simple - large doses of hormones are introduced into the pet’s body, which suppress sexual instincts.
However, due to such stress, your pet may soon develop serious health problems that require veterinary intervention.
This category includes the drugs “Anti Sex”, “Sex Barrier”, “Anti Meow”, etc.
Emergency measures
Sometimes this happens when heat takes you by surprise, and an important event is at stake, before which the owner needs to get a good night's sleep. To prevent your cat from yelling, you can use the following techniques:
- swimming (only when the room is warm and there is no draft);
- long active games with a pet;
- increased attention from the owner (avoid stroking the back and tail);
- reducing the level of bright lighting in the room;
- communication with a castrated male who has retained his sexual instincts.
Sterilization
To get rid of your pet’s meticulous screams forever, it is recommended to carry out a sterilization procedure. This method is suitable only for those who do not want to breed cats.
Veterinarians now recommend neutering rather than a simple tubal ligation. This is an abdominal operation to remove the uterus and ovaries. It is done under general anesthesia.
The appropriate age for surgery is when cats start begging for the first time. That is, approximately 6-7 months. It is advisable to have the operation done before the first heat.
Pros and cons of castration:
pros | Minuses |
The lifespan of a cat increases by 1.5-2 years | Since the operation is performed under general anesthesia, there is a possibility of complications. |
The cat does not yell, behaves calmly, does not cause inconvenience to the owner | |
There is no need to look for partners for mating and think about where to put the kittens | |
The pet's risk of developing mammary gland cancer, ovarian and uterine pathologies is reduced |
The case for castration also holds true for males. In addition to the fact that cats start screaming when they ask for a cat, they leave marks in the apartment with a pungent musky odor. Rather than endure this, it is better to have surgery and forget about sleepless nights. Today this is the most effective way to solve the problem.