After reaching sexual maturity, cats usually come into heat about every three weeks. If a cat does not fulfill its mating needs during the heat period, the interval until the next heat will shorten, meaning the heat cycle becomes shorter. Cats tend to have frequent heat cycles, so it is recommended to neuter them after sexual maturity. Some choose to use heat-suppressing powder for cats, while other pet owners directly have their cats neutered—both methods are acceptable. So, what behaviors do cats show during heat? Let's check with the PetsZone editor.

Behaviors of cats during heat:

Usually, cats are clingy, but during heat, they become even more so—the degree of clinginess during heat is hard to compare to normal times. Cats like to rub against their owners, especially between your legs, showing great affection. Female cats during heat make a kind of shrill sound, known as "calling" or "caterwauling." Male cats’ vocalizations don’t change much during heat and they don’t call frequently.

Female cats in heat willingly approach male cats and enjoy playing with them. Even if confined indoors, once a female cat hears a male cat’s call, she will try desperately to get out to meet him. She will also behave very affectionately toward the male cat, raising her tail high, mainly to invite mating.

Female cats in heat try every means to attract male cats. They urinate around the house to mark their territory and attract male cats. Additionally, female cats often exhibit mating poses, exposing their genital area.

The female cat’s genital area also shows changes during heat. You often see her licking her genital area with her tongue, generally due to discomfort. At first, the external genitalia are slightly swollen; in the second stage, the swelling is more obvious and accompanied by a small amount of white mucus. In the third stage, there is significant swelling and more mucus is visible. Finally, the swelling gradually recedes and the fur around the genitals begins to close back.

Cats during heat may have unstable emotions, becoming irritable and even biting randomly. At this time, owners should spend more time accompanying and soothing them. Playing with the cat more can help divert their attention.