The one thing that tends to get overlooked in cats during their heat period is calling. Female cats keep calling in varying-pitched meows when they are on heat, but pet parents don’t understand why. So, this time, we thought we’d help you understand what calling in cats is and how it is related to a cat’s heat period.
Estrus or estrus-related calling in cats means that the cat is on heat. This indicates that the female cat is fertile and would be receptive to mating. The stage is defined according to the female cat’s sexual behavior.
Mating Season Mayhem
Once a female cat reaches puberty, she comes into heat under the effect of increasing day length (also known as photoperiod).
Calling in cats is a part of their heat cycle. There are 4 phases of a cat’s heat cycle –
- Pre-estrus
- Estrus
- Met estrus
- Di estrus
Calling usually happens during the estrus phase. This phase lasts for 7 – 10 days.
‘Cats are induced ovulators – it means that mating stimulates them to release (ovulate) their eggs’ explained Dr. Gautam.
Usually, a female cat would not stop calling until she is bred. There are high chance that even after mating she would still be in the estrus period. In simple words it means that she would still be on heat, said Dr. Gautam of of Dr. Anand’s Pet Clinic, Delhi.
Kitty Chemistry –
Decoding the Signs
Some of the main symptoms that indicate your cat is in heat include –
- Calling during the day and night
- Loss of appetite
- Behavioural changes
- Increased affection
- Rubbing against people/ furniture
- Pronounced (husky) meowing
- Varied pitch in meows
- Rolling on the floor
- Spraying on vertical surfaces (table legs, chairs, sofas etc.)
Some cats may be silent callers. Instead of calling out loudly, they howl or squirm around.
From Purrs to Whirs – Trust the Treatment
‘Spaying is the most effective treatment option’ said Dr. Gautam. It is essential that when spaying is done both the ovaries are removed. The cat would still have heat cycles with a single ovary as well. Spaying is a safe procedure and your vet can guide you through the entire procedure. If you have any doubts or questions, talk to your vet.
Apart from this surgical procedure, the other treatment method is a suppressive injection. ‘This particular injection suppresses the heat cycle in cats for up to 6 months’ said Dr. Gautam.
As your cat grows you will be able to judge the heat cycle by knowing the symptoms. Calling in shrill meows can sometimes be intimidating for the pet parent, but you need to understand the cause and get proper treatment. You must understand that your pet undergoes various hormonal changes during the heat. Therefore, like we always say – a little extra love and patience go a long way!