The heat phase of animals can be a bit disturbing for owners. The meow of a cat in heat is a little different from its everyday meow and is easily identified by those who live with these felines.
Furthermore, due to significant hormonal changes, not only does the tone of the meow change, but also the frequency and general behavior of the cat. The good news is that it is possible to help the cat go through this phase more calmly, in addition to reducing the meowing of a cat in heat. See how in the text below!
What is heat in cats?
The reproductive cycle of animals is divided into several phases, with the phase called “estrus” being known as heat . The heat period is when the female is ready and willing to copulate with the male.
During the estrus phase, specific hormones are present in high doses in the body, causing physical, physiological and behavioral changes. This is why a cat’s meow in heat is different.
Why do cats meow in heat?
It’s no secret that a cat’s meow is its “voice.” It meows to communicate with other cats, people, or even to send a message to other species of animals. Anyone who has a cat at home knows how to recognize each type of meow: if it wants affection, is hungry, wants to sleep, and much more.
The meowing of a cat in heat is no different. Female cats meow loudly, constantly and intensely — all this to inform you that they are in heat, ready to mate. If there is a male nearby, he will get the message.
Physiological characteristics of heat in cats
The heat cycle of female cats is a little different from that of other species, such as female dogs, which have regular heat cycles. Female cats have a stationary polyestrous heat cycle, meaning they can ovulate several times during the same heat cycle, and the intervals between heat cycles also vary depending on the light.
The incidence of light influences the cat’s hormonal levels, and estrus occurs more frequently during the sunniest period – in the summer, for example. Another important factor for the cat to go into heat is the presence of unneutered males in the vicinity. Thus, the cat can be seen meowing very loudly .
From the cat’s scent and meow, the cat’s body begins to prepare to mate and gestate future kittens. Thus, as long as there are male cats near a female and good lighting, the cat may be in constant or very close heat, with the cat’s fertile period lasting from 5 to 20 days.
Behavioral characteristics of a cat’s heat
The meowing of a cat in heat is already quite characteristic of this phase, but the cat may also try to escape from the house constantly, not eat properly, become irritated or very clingy, rub itself against furniture or people.
How to help a cat in heat?
Hormonal changes affect the behavior and well-being of cats. A cat that meows a lot can also affect family life, as some females cannot even sleep well, and males often want to run away.
Some activities can help your four-legged friend feel better and get through this phase more calmly. To do this, invest in games, increase the amount of affection and be patient with your feline.
Some flower remedies are recommended for specific heat phases or stressful phases that animals face. There are also products based on feline pheromones, which help calm and improve cats’ behavior. However, talk to your veterinarian before using these alternatives.
Is it true that males also go into heat?
Male cats do not have the same reproductive cycle as females, but they can also be hormonally influenced by light. In sunny weather, they end up being more active, but in reality, males can mate at any time: they just need a receptive female.
Unlike females, males who are eager to mate can become more aggressive, runaway and quarrelsome. It is very common for unneutered males to go out into the streets and return injured due to fighting with other males for females in heat.
Castration: the definitive solution
Want to know how to stop a cat from meowing in heat effectively and safely? The answer is spaying. Since spaying is a surgical procedure in which the ovaries and uterus are removed, the female does not receive hormonal stimulation.
Without these stimuli, behavioral changes end, in addition to being the best way to avoid unwanted pregnancies, diseases related to the reproductive tract and tumors.
In the case of males, neutering is also very beneficial. Even though meowing is not as big a problem as it is in females, neutering, which removes the testicles, allows the cat to be calmer and more domesticated, in addition to preventing diseases such as tumors and an enlarged prostate.