A female cat that is not neutered (spawned) will cycle in heat every 3-4 weeks, indicating that the cat is ready to mate. Typically, a cat in heat will make characteristic meowing noises as well as screeching, squirming, and trying to get attention or run towards the male cat. Calming a cat in heat is difficult, and more importantly, temporary. Cat behavior in heat is completely natural and normal behavior for a cat, no matter how annoying it may seem to the owner. If you're having trouble dealing with something like this, look for a long-term solution, and not just a quick fix.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Calming a Cat in Heat
Step 1. Recognize the signs your cat is in heat
Make sure that your cat's behavior is a sign that she's in heat and not sick. Cats that are not spayed and who are in heat will become very noisy, agitated, rub their bodies against people and objects around them, and roll on the floor. If you pet your lower back (base of tail), your cat will respond by raising its pelvis and moving its tail to one side.
- The normal breeding season for cats is between spring and late summer. Chances are they will experience an estrus cycle at these times.
- Determine if your cat is in heat or sick. If he looks agitated, but isn't rubbing his body against something and lifting his tail to the side, he's probably sick. Take your cat to the vet to find out what's going on.
Step 2. Keep your female cat away from the male cat
When your cat is in heat, he will appear more excited in the presence of a male cat. Don't let him roam outside at all, and close all windows and lock all doors, including pet flaps. To keep your cat calm (and prevent her from becoming pregnant), you should keep her away from all male cats. This will also keep her safe - she may try to run away from your house if she senses the presence of a male cat outside.
- If you also keep a male cat in the same household, find a friend or hire a cat sitter to take him out of your home and care for him for a few weeks. If two cats, a male and a female, are in the same place, they will behave wildly, and they will almost certainly mate.
- If the tomcat is visible from the window, cover the window with curtains or a piece of cardboard.
Step 3. Give your cat something warm to sit on
While this doesn't guarantee success, some people find that giving the cat a heat pack, or a warm wet towel for him to sit on, will keep him quiet and calm. A heat pack that can be rewarmed in a microwave can be the easiest option, as you can reheat it quickly when the cat starts acting up again. An electric heat pad/blanket is also a good choice.
Step 4. Use catnip "if" to calm your cat down
Each cat will respond differently to catnip. Some cats are relaxed and calm when given catnip, but others can become excited and aggressive. If you don't know how your cat responds to catnip, avoid this method, as it may only make the situation worse.
Keep in mind that this quick way to calm your cat down is temporary, but you can get an hour or two of calm
Step 5. Try to use natural remedies
There are many herbal or homeopathic medicines (made from natural ingredients, such as animals, plants, minerals, and other natural elements) on the market that are effective in calming cats down. Some cat owners claim that these medications work, but there really isn't a specific drug that really works for every cat. Also, your cat may not even react to any of these products. Buy some samples of the medication and try them on your cat. Once you find a product that works for your cat, buy a larger quantity.
- Follow the directions on the medicine label, such as for example you are asked to mix the medicine in the cat's drinking water, rub a few drops of the medicine into the cat's fur, or use the medicine as an air freshener.
- Do not use products intended for humans, as these products may use higher doses.
Step 6. Use Feliway in your home
Feliway is a synthetic pheromone that has a calming effect on cats. It can take up to a few weeks for Feliway to react, so using it is not a quick way to calm a cat down. If you know your cat has not been spayed, you might consider using Feliway in the form of a plug-in diffuser (shaped like an electric mosquito repellent, and plugged into a power outlet) at the start of the cat breeding season (spring). That way, whenever he was in heat, Feliway would have formed in his system.
Step 7. Keep the cat litter box clean
When cats are in heat, they often mark their location with urine to attract male cats. By keeping his litter box clean at all times, you encourage him to use the litter box for its purpose and not to mark the location of your home. If he keeps marking the litter box with his urine, clean it immediately and get rid of the smell. By ignoring the smell of his urine will only encourage him to continue to do so.
Do not use cleaning products that contain bleach. The ammonia in bleach is also naturally found in urine, and the smell will prompt him to mark the spot again
Step 8. Play with your cat
Playing with your cat may temporarily distract him, but he will often return to a distinctive meow after you've finished playing with him. Stroking, scratching, or brushing your cat's lower back (base of the tail) can be more effective at calming your cat down if she's calmed down enough to let you do this beforehand.
Method 2 of 2: Spaying Cats and Other Long Term Solutions
Step 1. Spay your cat
Spaying a cat means removing the ovaries and preventing a estrus cycle. This will prevent your cat from becoming pregnant, and reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and other diseases.
- If you can't afford the cost of the operation, look for a cheaper cat spay service. Many clinics offer cat spay services at a lower price because this can help reduce the number of feral cat populations.
- Look up your area's location in the database listed on the USDA website.
- There is a small chance that the ovarian tissue is not completely removed so that even if the cat has had surgery, the cat is still in heat. If this happens, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Step 2. Before spaying your cat, consider waiting until your cat's heat cycle is completely over
In fact, your vet can perform the spaying procedure at any time throughout your cat's hormone cycle - even when she's in heat. However, the risk of blood loss at that time will increase. Spaying procedures like this can still be done, but first consult an experienced veterinarian for advice.
Step 3. Use hormone therapy as a last resort
Prostaglandin and estrogen hormones can be used to stop a cat's oestrus cycle. However, this procedure has serious side effects including uterine infection and tumors. Because of this risk, use this method only when spaying the cat is not an option. Always consult with your veterinarian in detail before you decide to use hormones, regardless of whether they are prescribed, or purchased from a pet store. Even if the cat cannot be spayed for medical reasons, the risks mentioned above may not be worth the calm feline behavior we will get.
Tips
- If spaying a cat is too expensive, find a nonprofit cat spay or neutral organization that can provide financial assistance.
- If you're looking for articles about cats getting really hot and not because cats are in heat, then try looking for related articles on our site or do some research.
