From a medical perspective, female cats develop a cyclical sexual activity called heat after reaching sexual maturity. This indicates that the cat's reproductive organs have matured, eggs can be produced, and it has the ability to reproduce the next generation.

Some owners mistakenly believe that their animals are in heat because of a desire for a mate, so when they see signs of heat, they hurriedly find a partner for their cat. This is a wrong understanding! Heat in animals is a very normal physiological phenomenon, not a sign that they want love; it is simply an instinctual reaction.

① Spaying ―― this is the best and most thorough way to solve the problem of animals in heat. Although this method may seem cruel, it can effectively help cats avoid false pregnancies, reduce physiological diseases related to prostatitis and uterine problems. It can also reduce the number of stray cats ― cats mate uncontrollably during heat. It is best to have the cat spayed before its first heat. Because if spaying is done after it has been in heat, some habitual heat behaviors may still appear later.

② Prepare teaser sticks/toy balls. Owners who do not want to spay can prepare items in advance to help divert the cat's attention. For example, toy balls or teaser sticks to attract its attention and prevent it from constantly thinking about mating. Owners planning to do this need to be very patient, comfort it more when it shows restlessness, get closer to it, and prepare more canned food and feed with different flavors.

③ Note, it is not recommended to bathe cats during their heat period.

④ Do not believe internet 'methods.' There is an online rumor about a cotton swab method, claiming that using a water-dipped cotton swab can help female cats get through their heat period. This has no scientific basis. The uterus of a cat in heat is swollen and very fragile, making it easy to injure her. Also, female cats are very sensitive during this period; be careful not to get scratched by their sharp claws.

The heat period of female cats varies by breed, generally occurring between six to eight months old. Late bloomers may be delayed until eighteen months. The duration lasts 3 to 7 days. If not impregnated during this time, the next heat will occur two weeks later. If they remain unbred, the intervals between heats shorten.

The heat period for male cats occurs between eight to thirteen months old, and if development is slow, it is even later. It lasts 7 to 10 days, with most males going into heat roughly once a week.