How to understand that a cat is asking for a cat, and how to calm it down?

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.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. The urge to urinate becomes more frequent.
5. 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.
6. 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.

What should you do to avoid using medications?

The option when the fluffy one is isolated in a room is controversial. For a pet that is constantly indoors, such an exit will not bring significant inconvenience. In the absence of attention, she begins to behave more calmly. If a cat is used to constant walks outside, this is a rather stressful situation.

Many owners try to help the cat when she wants a cat by involving her in outdoor games. Fluffy beauties are distracted from the problem and spend excess energy. Children take part in such games. The pleasure is mutual.

Don't discount hygiene factors. Cats, being naturally neat animals, during the period of heat become even more demanding of external conditions. Not cleaning the toilet on time can provoke irritation and aggression in pets. She can find a place for the toilet not in the usual place, but where she sees fit. To avoid creating additional problems, you should clean the tray more often.

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For breeders, the issue of estrus is resolved at a professional level. A cat of the same breed is selected, an acquaintance takes place, and after the allotted time, cute purebred babies are born.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.

To castrate or not

Owners must understand that life in an apartment is very different from their natural habitat.
Therefore, you must be prepared for all the hardships that a pet will bring with you. A cat must mate with a cat at least 9 times a year, while hormones can “play” at any time, and the cat will mark the territory. This method of protection from enemies in the natural environment does not bother anyone, but in the apartment there will be a persistent smell of urine. It is necessary to think in advance about how life with a pet might turn out and decide to castrate it. During the heat period, cats cause a lot of trouble to their owners. They can walk around the apartment day and night and meow heart-rendingly. They may start rushing from room to room, knocking on doors and tearing upholstery. Cats, on the other hand, are very affectionate during sexual activity.

They wriggle, rub themselves on everything that gets in their way, climb into the arms of their owners, and try in every possible way to attract attention to themselves.

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 can you calm a cat during heat?

If you go to a veterinary clinic, they will, of course, advise that the easiest way to calm the animal is to sterilize it. After all, after such a procedure, she will become much more affectionate, calm and obedient, and during the “mating season” there will be no chants. She will also relieve her needs only in the place allotted to her and will stop marking her territory and things. But this is a serious decision and must be approached with all responsibility, because there are also contraindications for sterilization. If the above method is not suitable, then you can resort to other methods of calming cats.

Feline contraceptives

Today, veterinary pharmacies offer a fairly large assortment of various medications for cats and cats that walk. Let's look at their types:

• Contraceptive drops. A fairly simple and common method for calming a pet. It’s enough just to drop a couple of drops under the cat’s tongue or on the food, but then you should make sure that she eats everything. After 3-4 hours, you can safely take the cat to the cat to satisfy their needs, without being afraid of the consequences of such “communication”. But it is worth considering that these drops are hormonal and you should consult a veterinarian before using them, and they are not suitable for constant use.
• Hormonal medications. They are very strong and prevent estrus. You can give them to your cat only by strictly following the instructions for use and no more than twice a year. These can be, for example, “Stop Sex”, “Ex-5”, “Sex Barrier”, “Gestrenol”, “Counter Sex”, “Stop Intim” and others. But we must remember that such drugs have a very bad effect on the animal’s body, causing severe hormonal imbalance. Therefore, a good veterinarian will advise resorting to this method of calming your pet as little as possible.

Just as for humans, in animals the use of various kinds of hormonal drugs can cause diseases such as cancer of the uterus and mammary glands (cats that have taken at least one walk are especially at risk), pyometra and other ailments.

Homemade ways to calm a runaway cat

There are still several ways that are safe for the pet’s health that will help the cat to be good on “days like this” and the owners to sleep peacefully. You can try these simple tricks:

Play with the cat

A great way to distract her from annoying meowing while still giving her your attention. On such days they have additional energy and need to spend it on something.

You can buy your pet new toys (balls, ivy animals, sticks). Do not overfeed. During this period, their appetite increases, so you should make sure that the cat does not overeat. You need to give her food regularly, but at the same time reduce the portion size. Play classical music. This music has a calming effect on both people and cats. Therefore, you can include calm works by Bach, Mozart, Glinka, and Chopin for your pet. Pheromones. This could be, for example, Feliway. But, alas, they do not work on all cats. Sedatives. These can be the most common decoctions of chamomile, thyme, valerian, or special preparations for cats “Cat Bayun”, “Anti Stress”. They are completely harmless and act gently, but you should give them according to the attached instructions. Special massage. You need to take the cat by the withers with your left hand and press it to the floor, and press with your right hand (palm) in the area where the tail begins, there may be a small depression there. You should press well, without fear of the cat's roars. This massage should be done several times a day. A couple of days will be enough for the pet to calm down. Induce ovulation. To do this, you need to start by stroking the cat on the back (from behind), then rub the vulva a little and only then insert a stick with cotton wool at the end into its vagina (about 2–2.5 cm). If everything is done correctly, the cat will caress and meow. Such manipulations should be repeated every 20 minutes for an hour, and then only after a 12-hour break. This is a completely safe and effective procedure.

Plain water will help get rid of annoying screams for a while (short-term). You just have to wet the cat a little with it, and she will be busy licking herself thoroughly. But this method does not work with all pets.

You can’t leave your animal unattended, but you should help him cope with this problem. Each owner independently chooses the appropriate method to calm a roaming cat, because not all of them can be safe for the pet’s health. If none of the methods is suitable or helps, then you just need to let the animal go for a walk without torturing it or yourself.

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:

1. Pet your pet more often. Showing attention will only increase arousal.
2. 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.
3. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

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.

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:

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.

Did your cat go on a spree for the first time? what to do?

Please advise: Should I be patient and give her the opportunity to go through this period on her own, or should I “help” her and give her calming drops?

If a cat is valuable to you, not only as a piece of furniture, then it’s better to give it a walk. I have two cats (more precisely, one has already left for the happy world of “Whiskas”), and I can say for sure that any violence against a cat’s psychology changes its character, and far from for the better. We tried with our first cat. They gave me medicine, on the advice of one grandmother, they soaked me in cold water, and in the end they operated on me. You know, it turned out to be a different cat. Of course we didn't throw it away. She lived with us all her cat life, but she never became our friend. But the second one. And he will take a walk, and give birth (we always place kittens), and he is a rare friend. Can we talk. Something hurts, he will do murotherapy. She loves us. A

I have heard a lot about the suffering of animals after sterilization - to the point of death. Therefore, we gave the cat the opportunity to give birth for the first time. No one noticed how she went on a spree. Missed it. She gave birth to three lovely children. A couple of months later they placed an advertisement in two newspapers and the kittens were taken away. And even then they called again for half a month.

But if you don’t need kittens, you can try drops. I have several friends who have had positive experiences. The neighbor has two cats - they have been living on drops for seven years now. they purr a little - they get a dose)) The Siamese is nervous there, yes, but Siamese themselves are more irritable than others. And the second ordinary Siberian does not suffer at all. And this despite the fact that you have your own house and there are plenty of cats in the area.

Do not give any drops under any circumstances! Wait until the cat “takes a walk” and run to the vet. clinic for sterilization. It costs little (in Omsk it starts from 800 rubles), but the animal will no longer cause inconvenience, will never give birth, will never go on sprees, and will not mark a house or apartment.

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