Is it very uncomfortable for cats to be in heat? When cats are in heat, if they do not get to mate, they can feel quite uncomfortable. Because the cat's normal physiological needs are unmet, the body feels discomfort which then affects the mind, making the whole cat feel unwell. Owners also become anxious wanting to help relieve the cat's distress. After the heat period passes, the cat will usually return to normal, but there will be a second heat cycle. Let's look with the editor at what cats in heat look like.

　　Signs of a cat in heat

　　Generally, domestic cats start to go into heat normally between 7-10 months of age. During heat, intact male cats will exhibit behaviors such as urinating everywhere to mark territory, causing the whole home environment to have a stubborn odor that is hard to remove. At the same time, if a male cat in heat is not strictly supervised, he may sneak out and get into fights with outside cats, resulting in severe injuries. Without careful attention, wounds may become infected or lead to other serious diseases.

　　Changes in female cats in heat

　　Firstly, after a female cat goes into heat, her genitalia will show different changes during various stages.

　　In the early heat stage, the fur around the female cat’s vulva just begins to part, the external genitalia swell, and the labia slightly separate. In the pre-mid heat stage, the vulva swelling is obvious, the labia show distinct two large lobes, with a small amount of white mucus. In the mid-late heat period, the vulva is strongly swollen and everted, showing clear four lobes with more mucus. In the late heat stage, the vulva swelling gradually subsides, shrinks and dries, and the fur once again forms a brush-like shape.

　　Besides physical changes, the cat's personality also noticeably changes. Female cats become restless and anxious, and like to go outside frequently. When owners are not paying attention, the cat may already have gone out looking for an ideal mate.

　　Cats in heat will also vocalize day and night with baby-like cries, and the cries become even more intense at night. Many female cats in heat also continuously roll around on the ground, enjoy following their owner, and become very clingy.

　　Finally, during heat, female cats’ eyes become bright, appetite gradually decreases, and activity increases significantly. Cats in heat like to wander outside and often rub their bodies against people or furniture like tables and cabinets. A few female cats may urinate around or have poor appetite. At the peak of heat, the cat will squat on the ground with her rear raised high, waiting for a male cat to mate.

　　How to handle a cat in heat

　　If a female cat does not get a chance to mate during heat, the heat period may last as long as 20 days. When a cat is in heat, owners should prepare a suitable mate in advance if they plan to breed. If breeding is not intended, it is best to perform spaying surgery as early as possible.