What should an owner do if a cat asks for a cat?

What is estrus

Estrus is a natural physiological process that is characterized by constant sexual arousal in the female. This period occurs when the animal’s body is fully prepared for the process of reproduction and the production of offspring.

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The period of puberty in these animals is from 5 to 1 month. This depends on the level of health of the pet, its weight, quality of nutrition, breed and individual characteristics, as well as heredity.

An important aspect of the onset of estrus is the presence of a mature cat nearby. If there is a male nearby, then the pussy wants intimacy more often and more intensely.

The main signs of the onset of estrus

During estrus, cats do not exhibit the same active physical signs as dogs. However, there are several signs that will help you understand that the animal is ready to breed:

• The genitals swell and a clear fluid begins to be produced. This is the main evidence that the cat is ready for mating.
• The animal begins to behave unusually. If before this the cat had an aggressive character and could bite or scratch, then during the period of estrus she, on the contrary, begins to actively fawn towards the person and shows playfulness. The cat rubs against all corners, spins and turns over on the floor.
• Loud meowing is another sure sign of the onset of estrus. The tone changes, the cat can call the cat both during the day and at night. The latter causes particular trouble for the owners.
• Appetite disappears. The cat is acting very nervously and is no longer as hungry as usual.
• Your trips to the toilet will become more frequent, and you will have to constantly check the litter box and clean it more often than usual.
• You will notice that when stroking the lower part of the body, the cat will begin to uncontrollably arch and expose its butt.

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How long does estrus last?

The average duration of the estrus process is from 5 to 10 days. The optimal period is 5–6 days. If the process lasts more than 10, or less than 5 days, then this is a reason to immediately seek help from a veterinarian.

In females that have given birth or have mated at least once, estrus occurs approximately once every 3 months, sometimes once a year. In nulliparous women, this process is more frequent - from once every 2-3 months to once a month .

If the natural desires of the pet are not satisfied, then everyone suffers - both she and the owners. Frequent hormonal surges are physically difficult for her and can cause irreparable harm to her health. Therefore, measures must be taken to avoid this.

What kind of heat is considered protracted?

The period of sexual hunting is called estrus or estrus. The onset of the physiological process indicates the female’s readiness to mate and further care for the offspring. Puberty occurs at different times in different cats. Domestic non-pedigree cats, as a rule, mature earlier, and purebred cats later. In general, you can expect a female to go into heat from 4 to 12 months.

It is quite difficult to predict in advance the onset of a cat's first heat. This is influenced by many factors - care, feeding, breed predisposition, environmental influences.

With the onset of estrus, the animal's behavior changes dramatically. During estrus, the following signs are observed:

• frequent urge to go to the toilet;
• constant licking in the area of ​​the external genitalia;
• change in appetite - up or down;
• manifestation of excessive affection or, on the contrary, an aggressive attitude;
• sounds that are not typical for normal behavior;
• arching of the back with a characteristic movement of the tail to the side;
• calling meows and attempts to escape from the house or apartment in search of males.

It is noteworthy that, unlike dogs, cats should not experience bloody discharge from the loop. Light, clear discharge is considered acceptable.

There are several periods of sexual heat in cats. They have their own duration and characteristic features. But if one of the stages of the reproductive cycle increases, this indicates the beginning of a prolonged estrus. This process can be characterized by an increase in the duration of all stages of sexual estrus or one of them.

Depending on what stage of estrus has changed, the doctor prescribes medications. The selection of medications must be carried out by a veterinarian, since the basis of the reproductive cycle is a change in the hormonal mechanism.

It is not difficult to understand that a cat is in protracted heat if you know all the key stages of sexual heat. Highlight:

• Proestrus or precursor. This is the first stage, the duration of which varies from 1 to 4 days. During this period, the animal is calm, affectionate, and its appetite does not change. In some cases, sensing the onset of estrus itself, the cat may make quiet sounds in the throat. The loop area increases, and mucous discharge appears. During proestrus, the cat does not allow males to approach her.
• Estrus or estrus itself. This is the second stage, which lasts from 4 to 12 days. In some cats, estrus lasts 14 days. The cat is excited, makes attempts to escape from the house, meows invitingly, and can show aggression.
• Diestrus or metaestrus, the third stage of the heat period, characterized by a decrease in sexual desire in a pet. The average duration of metaestrus is from 3 to 12 days. If during the second stage mating with a male occurs and fertilization occurs, the female will actively drive away other males.
• Anestrus is the fourth stage of the sexual heat period, which occurs in a cat in the absence of mating. The animal becomes calmer, gradually returning to its normal state.

The period between heats is called interestrus. Its duration depends on many factors, such as breed predisposition, health status, and the presence of males in one territory. As a rule, cats come into heat once every 3 months. But there are cases when the animal is ready to mate with males every 15-20 days.

The average duration of estrus is 6-10 days. In some cases, the period of sexual hunting lasts 20 days. Anything beyond this is called protracted estrus.

Methods for regulating sexual estrus

Sterilization and castration

These are the most radical methods of solving the problem. After sterilization surgery, the cat will have ovaries forever, and castration will have ovaries and a uterus. Sex hormones will cease to be produced and estrus will cease for life.

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This procedure is recommended for females aged 7 months to 10 years.

During this period, the body will tolerate the operation well and no complications will occur. All that is required from the owner is minimal care for the animal and a visit to the clinic for the final removal of stitches. After 10 years, sterilization and castration can cause complications and even cause the death of the animal. If the cat asks for a cat, then it is best to carry out the procedure before the first mating, in which case the success rate is higher.

Contrary to popular belief, castration and sterilization do not negatively affect the health or character of your pet. On the contrary, the body is not tired of numerous hormonal surges and exhausting childbirth. In addition, uterine cancer and other diseases of the reproductive system are completely excluded.

Mating

If the prospect of distributing kittens into good hands does not frighten you (or you are planning to engage in breeding), you can organize mating. The main thing is to select the healthiest candidate for the “groom”. In no case should you use a male who is a relative of your pet for this purpose - their children may be born weakened, with abnormalities, or even dead.

You can calm a cat down when she asks for a cat with the help of mating. It should occur no earlier than after 3 heats (the optimal age of partners is one and a half years). During this time, the animal’s body will fully strengthen and prepare for subsequent fertilization and childbirth. Before mating, it is recommended to check animals for the presence of fungal, viral and other diseases.

It is very desirable that at least one of them is already “untied”, that is, mated earlier.

Sedatives

The cat asks the cat what to do at home? This is a question often asked by owners of furry pets. A good way out of the situation is to take special sedative drops. Most often they are made on a homeopathic basis - herbs and plants that have a calming (sedative) effect. It is recommended to give such drugs a few days before the start of the estrus period , or at the very beginning. Otherwise, their action simply will not have the desired effect on the animal. These herbal infusions are considered relatively safe, as they suppress not only the sexual desire in animals, but also alleviate their stress caused by the unrealized reproductive instinct. In order not to ask the cat, you need to give the cat “Cat Bayun” or “Stop Stress” drops.

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Hormonal drugs

Often, would-be veterinarians recommend hormones - medicine for the cat so that the cat does not ask for it. This is the most dangerous category of drugs that reduce sexual desire. They are available in the form of injections, tablets and drops. They are not recommended for use, as they can provoke serious diseases of the genitourinary system - tumors of the mammary glands, pyometra of the uterus, deterioration of the adrenal glands and even diabetes. Their “secret” is simple - large doses of hormones are introduced into the pet’s body, which suppress sexual instincts.

However, due to such stress, your pet may soon develop serious health problems that require veterinary intervention.

This category includes the drugs “Anti Sex”, “Sex Barrier”, “Anti Meow”, etc.

Emergency measures

Sometimes this happens when heat takes you by surprise, and an important event is at stake, before which the owner needs to get a good night's sleep. To prevent your cat from yelling, you can use the following techniques:

• swimming (only when the room is warm and there is no draft);
• long active games with a pet;
• increased attention from the owner (avoid stroking the back and tail);
• reducing the level of bright lighting in the room;
• communication with a castrated male who has retained his sexual instincts.

Causes of prolonged estrus in cats

Various factors can provoke disruption of cycles. But the main reasons for the development of prolonged estrus in a cat are:

• hormonal imbalance while taking specific hormonal medications;
• violation of animal care;
• unbalanced diet;
• lack of normal lighting in the house;
• problems in the functioning of the thyroid gland - hypothyroidism, characterized by reduced production of hormonal substances;
• disorders in the reproductive system - underdevelopment of the ovaries or their absence;
• pathologies in the ovarian area - malignant neoplasms or cysts.

What not to do when a cat asks for a cat

You cannot shout at a pet that requires your attention, even if it is intrusive and irritating with its pestering. This difficult period is stressful for both the owner and the cat itself. It goes without saying that force should never be used - this can lead to adverse consequences.

Whatever method the owner chooses to calm a cat that wants a cat, it is necessary to take into account its individual physiological characteristics. You should not neglect a trip to the veterinarian - it is best to decide on the relief of estrus based on his recommendations.

What to do if you don't want kittens?

Fortunately, for owners, medicine has long found methods to combat the animal’s desire to procreate. After all, a cat can very often want a male if special measures are not taken. And this can be repeated for a very long time. What to do if a cat asks for a cat? We will talk about this further.

Contraception for furries

Sometimes surgery scares owners. But if a cat wants a cat, what should you do if you don’t want small pets later? Sterilization is one of the solutions in this situation. If you don’t want to let her continue to reproduce and you don’t want to listen to her constant cries from time to time, then you will need to have an operation.

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If you still want offspring, then sterilization can be done after the cat gives birth. Veterinarians recommend surgery before your pet gives birth. According to experts, in this case, the pet’s hormonal levels may change, which will somehow affect its health.

But in practice, such problems are not observed so often if surgery is performed after childbirth. In addition, spayed females live much longer. They will be calmer after sterilization, and their risk of developing cancer is significantly reduced.

Sedatives

If you do not want to perform an operation, but also do not intend to listen to the animal’s cries often, then there is one more option - to give the animal a special sedative. A list of the most effective remedies is given below. But keep in mind that you can’t give them often either, only in exceptional cases.

Catnip to reduce sexual activity

1. Cat Baiyun. Sold both in solution and in tablets. It makes the estrus cycle easier for your pet, but this drug can also be used in cases of stress.
2. Cat mint. Sold in pharmacies and veterinary stores both in the form of bags and as a spray. There is no need to give mint to your animal. It will be enough to spray or scatter mint where the cat spends a lot of time and sleeps. This herb has a calming effect and is often used at shows, but it will also help during heat.
3. Fitex drops. An excellent remedy not only for calming an animal during stress, but also for estrus. These drops contain various herbs designed to calm your pet and relieve stress.
4. Stop-stress tablets or drops. This drug should be given to a cat when it screams very loudly. It is characterized by a powerful calming effect and a decrease in animal activity. According to experts, it is not addictive, so you can give it at any time.
5. "Sex barrier." It is the most popular drug in this area. However, one can argue about its quality. It is not effective in all cases; apparently, it all depends on some individual factors of the body.

Calming a cat in heat

What should the owner do if the cat asks for a cat, but he is not ready for the birth of kittens, and surgical intervention is not considered. The solution may be one of three methods, which we will consider below.

Calming tablets

There are a number of medications on the market that can calm a cat during heat. But they can have a short-term effect and also cause an allergic reaction in the animal’s body. To achieve the best result without harming your cat, you need to consult with a specialist who can tell you exactly which drug is best for your pet, how much it will be needed, and how effective the treatment will be.

The table below shows some of the sedatives and their characteristics.

There are also long-acting chemical contraceptives

Suprelorin is a contraceptive bioimplant that is effective from six months to a year. Infertility occurs after 6 weeks from the start of use. It is an implant placed in the withers area under the skin; over time it is absorbed into the tissues.

Dermatonin and Ferretonin are melatonin implants, administered subcutaneously, ensuring the absence of estrus for the duration of implant resorption for 1.5-4 months. Melatonin reduces libido by simulating a period of calm during decreasing daylight hours.

Covinan injection with prolygestone as an active substance

The listed drugs have many contraindications and side effects and should not be used without a doctor’s prescription.

Traditional calming methods

In addition to medications, you can try traditional methods of calming a cat during estrus. These non-trivial methods can resolve the question of what to give a cat during estrus so that she does not ask for a cat. First of all, folk recipes include catnip, lemon balm, motherwort and valerian, which can be purchased at a regular pharmacy or pet store. Their effectiveness has not been proven, the cat will not stop asking the cat for a long time, but they certainly will not harm the body.

Catnip will help combat manifestations of activity during estrus

Many owners agree that physical activity helps cats cope with the symptoms of heat more easily. It is also recommended to reduce the amount of food, feed more often and in small portions, then the cat will be able to shift the focus of attention to more basic needs for some time.

To exclude external irritants, it is better, if possible, to temporarily isolate the cat from other animals during estrus.

Pheromone therapy

Pheromone is a volatile chemical substance with a natural composition through which animals exchange information. These substances are released from the body into the environment and can cause a particular reaction in the behavior of the individual that received the signal. For example, with the help of pheromones, marking territory, males “protect” their territory or warn of danger.

Pheromones can both excite the nervous system and calm the animal, including during estrus. These drugs are sprayed into the air, which makes the procedure for taking such a “medicine” humane.

The disadvantage of this therapy is the lack of guarantees of its effectiveness.

It's almost impossible not to notice changes in your cat's behavior

Video “What to do with a cat when it wants to go for a walk?”

All the basic information about what to do with your pet when she asks for a male is presented in the video.

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What to do if a cat asks for a cat

A cat's active sexual behavior can cause stress and will force the owner to look for ways to calm the cat down when she wants a cat. There are several options to help your cat calm down. More affection and attention

It is important to provide your pet with additional attention and care during this difficult period. You can talk to her and caress her. Even just being close to the owner, the cat will feel calmer. It is important to ensure that household members are patient, despite the fact that the cat is very intrusive during this period.

How to calm a cat yourself - effective methods

There are proven ways to deal with estrus that will help you at home to help your pet get through a difficult period for her painlessly. Among them:

1. If you decide to breed offspring, then it is better to find a partner for your cat as soon as possible. Matings usually take place no more than once a year. Despite such infrequent mating, the cat's estrus periods will be greatly reduced. Also keep in mind that if a cat carries offspring too often, this will negatively affect her health.

2. During such a difficult period, give your pet a lot of your attention. Don't ignore her, try to distract her with a game. But you need to stroke the cat while avoiding the sacrum area. If your cat refuses to eat, offer her small portions of treats. A little diet won't hurt her.

3. Try to isolate the animal from other family members. If possible, give her a separate room, where you put a bed, a bowl of drink and food. If a cat and a female cat coexist in the same area, it is better to separate them into different rooms, otherwise the symptoms of estrus will intensify. But it’s also not worth letting the animal go freely.

4. There is an opinion that the presence of a heating pad or other warm object facilitates the occurrence of estrus. Warmth relaxes the animal and has a calming effect. To make your cat feel better, place a heating pad under her bed and cover her with a blanket on top.

5. If you don’t have a purebred animal living at home and you don’t want her to have kittens, then sterilization is the best solution. By removing the reproductive organs, you will eliminate further symptoms of estrus.

6. If your cat is acting too restless, try getting her wet. By licking herself, she will probably be distracted and calm down. However, if your cat's procreation instincts are too strong, this method probably won't work.

Please note that if you do not plan to breed offspring from your cat, it is better to sterilize the animal, as a long period of heat without mating can be harmful to her health. In the worst case, cancer may develop.