Heat Cycles – Cats

Heat Cycles in Cats are referred to as “polyestrus,” which means that they will go into heat cycles periodically during their fertile years.

These heat cycles may start as early as the fourth or fifth month of a kitten’s life, and will continue until she is either bred or spayed.

Heat cycles in cats last from several days to two weeks or longer, and repeat every two to three weeks.

You can see then, how a female cat may almost always seem to be in heat. No one can say with any accuracy that heat cycles are painful to cats; however from the calling (loud yowling) and other symptoms they exhibit, it would appear that they are very uncomfortable. A kitten can have her first heat as early as 4 1/2 months!   And remember, that once a female cat has her first heat, it will happen again and again, until she either mates or is spayed.

• The breeding season in cats lasts almost year-round.
• Heat cycles can start as early as four or five months in a female kitten.
• Heat cycles in cats last from several days to two weeks or more
• Heat cycles in cats repeat every two to three weeks until the cat is spayed or becomes pregnant.
• Heat cycles may cause pain or discomfort in cats.