The first heat in cats - how to understand and calm down, how many days it lasts

The cat is a mystical creature. People have long believed that these unique animals are capable of not only giving their owner warmth and love, but also protecting them from any negativity. When purchasing a fluffy cat, you need to remember that, as she grows up, she will begin to go for walks. Always affectionate and calm, one fine day she will begin to behave very strangely: meow loudly, calling for the cat. But after some time, the “cat concert” will pass, and the pet’s behavior will again be normal. This article will tell you at what age a cat begins to ask a cat, how to understand it and what to do.

What is estrus in a cat?

Estrus, estrus, heat are the names of the state when the female’s body is ready for mating, bearing, and giving birth to offspring. The body undergoes natural endocrine changes caused by the maturation of follicles in the ovaries. The external manifestations, duration, and frequency of this condition are difficult to predict; they depend on various factors. But understanding your pet’s condition will bring undoubted benefits.

Signs and symptoms

Although the symptoms of this process manifest themselves differently in each Murka, you must definitely learn to identify them. The onset is determined by the following characteristic features:

enlargement of the genitals;
the appearance of special bloodless discharge;
increased frequency of urination;
an increase in the number of licks;
decreased appetite;
more affectionate or aggressive behavior;
frequent attempts to go for a walk;
characteristic unpleasant sounds.

Whether all symptoms appear simultaneously or only some depends on the individual characteristics of the animal. The pet can roll on the floor, wriggle, throw its tail to the side, howl deep in its throat, make screams, i.e. do everything possible to attract a male and begin reproducing offspring.

For her, this is completely natural behavior, which seems strange and illogical to the owner. There are other manifestations: screaming, constantly meowing, marking territory, walking past the toilet, ignoring the litter tray, eating poorly, not eating anything, sleeping a lot, losing weight, peeing on the bed.

How does the furry beauty feel?

Changes in the endocrine background cause changes in emotions. The condition of the reproductive organs changes. The brain receives signals that significantly change the pet’s behavior. The situation becomes unusual and stressful. The cat begins to worry and feels the need for affection. An increase in stress levels provokes instinctively aggressive behavior, furious meowing. When Murka's puberty proceeds normally, the baby is not in pain, but her anxiety increases noticeably, and she may lose weight due to nervousness.

How often does estrus occur?

Breeders note that the frequency of cycles depends on the breed, more often in temperamental ones, less often in calm ones. The first include the Siamese and Persians, the second - the British and Scots. There are other factors: time of year, childbirth, age, hormonal changes, health status. It is necessary to take into account the individual characteristics of each individual. In cats of the same breed and age, periods of arousal differ markedly.

How long does it last

The duration of estrus is individual for each individual. Usually it lasts only a few days, sometimes it lasts two weeks, twenty days. Felinologists recommend carefully monitoring the process, recording the duration of each rut, and marking the dates on the calendar. Sudden changes in timing indicate trouble. Prolonged sexual activity is a characteristic symptom of problems with the ovaries: cysts, tumors, inflammation. A reduction in the timing of the rut occurs with hormonal problems, expressed in thyroid pathologies, abnormal development of the ovaries.

Seasonality of the reproductive cycle

The time of year affects the frequency of heat in cats. In spring, summer, and autumn, the desire to mate increases, in winter it decreases. It is necessary to take into account the conditions of detention; permanent residence in a warm house blurs the lines between seasons; the female is ready to mate regardless of the season. This is an individual moment. One Murka expresses a desire to mate at the very beginning of spring, the other - closer to the beginning of summer. With age, the seasonality of the reproductive cycle changes. If Murka is healthy, there is no need to worry.

Frequency of estrus

How many times and exactly when the process starts depends on:

childbirth and feeding, after which half a year or less may pass until the next active phase;
death of kittens or early weaning after birth, which reduces the break until the next active phase;
age, the desire to mate becomes less as the female ages.

One heat cycle every three months, i.e. four per year is considered the average norm. There are cats that are ready to mate every month or more often; for some, one date with a male every six months is enough.

If there has been mating, the desired pregnancy has occurred, estrus will stop for the duration of gestation, i.e. for two months or a little more. The next active phase occurs 3-5 months after birth or earlier if the offspring was stillborn.

About the average age of cat maturation

For the first time, the physiological need for male attention arises at 6-9 months, but in many long-haired and large breeds, such as the Maine Coon, this process drags on for up to a year. And vice versa, short-haired and outbred animals born in the fall can begin to walk by spring; this is inherent in their nature.

Cats can carry, give birth and raise viable offspring without complications only at actual maturity. Therefore, you should not start mating with a cat before 1-1.5 years of age, as this can cause serious health problems.

Cat's first heat

This is a special time. The pet's body changes, sensations appear that she has not experienced before, Murka needs care and attention. It is difficult to accurately calculate the beginning of a special time. When your pet turns six months old, it is necessary to carefully “try on” changes in behavior for signs of maturation in order to identify the onset of natural maturation processes and recognize early symptoms of possible diseases.

When does the first heat start?

The time of onset of the first estrus in a cat varies widely: from six to sixteen months. There are “early” babies who mature by four months, although such early estrus indicates the presence of a developmental pathology, the onset of the disease. If a one-and-a-half-year-old beauty does not experience estrus, a veterinarian’s consultation is necessary. A long process of puberty is a sign of developing problems that cannot be ignored.

Features of the first rut

The optimal age for the first rut is approximately 10 months; mating at this time will allow the mustachioed beauty to have offspring by a year or a little later. The body is already mature enough to withstand the stress associated with childbirth. It is important to have a general idea: when the cat’s first sexual estrus began and how it proceeded. During early rutting, probable pathologies are identified and treatment is begun. The decision to sterilize is also made at this stage.

When does a cat start asking for a cat?

Many owners are interested in the question of what time cats start walking and how long this period lasts. Naturally, all animals are individual and each one experiences this moment at a different time. As a rule, the furry creature begins to ask the cat at about 6 months. But no later than 10 months.

There are a number of factors that influence what time a cat starts begging:

breed;
feeding characteristics and food quality;
conditions of detention.

Representatives of the cat family reach sexual maturity at 7-9 months. True, in some breeds this happens earlier. During puberty, the pet acquires the ability to produce mature eggs. But this does not mean that from the first heat the animal is ready to conceive. It is necessary for the animal to grow a little more and get stronger.

What is happening to Murka at this time?

Experts divide the rut into four main periods. It is difficult to see clear boundaries between them, but knowing how to understand when your pet is having sexual activity will be useful. The owners will better understand the feelings of the pet and will be able to choose the optimal time for mating. This will increase the cat's chances of starting pregnancy at the right time. The defining moment is the exact determination of the first day of the cycle.

Proestrus

The initial stage lasts from a day to four, often lasting two days. The pet eats less, there is slight discharge and swelling of the genitals. The cat becomes affectionate, reacts aggressively to the cat or remains indifferent. The process has just begun, the pet is not ready for mating. It is worth assessing what color the discharge is during the rut. They should be scanty, transparent, odorless.

Estrus

This is the active phase, suitable for mating, and lasts five to ten days. Now it becomes clear what this process looks like in a cat. Now characterized by increased hormonal levels and heavy discharge. The cat's behavior acquires a pronounced desire to mate. She arches, rolls on the floor, wriggles, throws her tail, and makes unusual body movements. The pet does not purr, but rather screams.

The inability to release sexual energy during mating can cause mustachioed beauties extremely unpleasant physical sensations, which is why they scream. Any disciplinary measures will increase stress; neither persuasion nor punishment will change the endocrine background of the pet. If estrus is asymptomatic, behavior remains calm, and there is a high probability of problems in the gynecological area.

Interestrus

It is called post-estrus or metestrus. Depending on whether there was mating, here are the options for the development of events:

fertilization has occurred, pregnancy has occurred, kittens will appear in ten weeks;
after mating, fertilization did not occur, a false pregnancy occurred, lasting thirty to forty days, then the next rutting period will begin;
there was no mating, arousal will gradually decrease over a period of two days to two weeks.

In this phase, the manifestation of aggression towards the male is considered natural. New hormonal changes associated with a return to normal or the development of pregnancy again affect the animal's behavior. The pet begins to calm down and does not let the cat near.

Anestrus

The resting phase from metestrus to the next estrus. In cats that are regularly bred after pregnancy or childbirth, this period may be longer than in a pet that has gone through an empty heat. Aneestrus lasts several weeks or months. Felinologists note that numerous rutting periods that do not end with fertilization do not bring benefit to the cat. The likelihood of developing a number of diseases increases. It is necessary to decide now how to stop or interrupt the next hunt.

The process of communicating with a cat

If the date took place on the second or third day of a Bengal, Scottish, or British cat’s heat, the acquaintance will be fruitful. Usually at this time the cat seeks contact and releases a scent that attracts the groom. The stress factor when moving can play a negative role and slow down the dating process. The cat's owner should stimulate the process by stroking the cat. If you run your hand along the pussy's back, the animal will relax, and then the reproductive instinct will do its job.

If the bride shows character: hisses and does not make contact, you should leave the animals alone for a short time so that the couple gets used to each other, and the cat gets comfortable in an unusual place. It happens that a cat doesn’t want a guest: it won’t work to excite him or force him to make love, it’s worth introducing him to another partner.

Settling the cat

Experienced breeders control all stages of the female’s fertilization process. The ritual of interaction in a couple is such that the British man holds the cat by the scruff of the neck during intercourse (rutting in cats). A young cat may grab the partner's fur above or below the optimal position. The partner may also lean to the side and avoid proper mounting. The cat owner must monitor signs of deviations and help the animal choose the right position. In this case, you need to maintain silence so as not to disturb the intimate atmosphere and not alienate the partners from each other.

How does a cat behave after mating? If the mating was productive, the female will fall to the side, purr and spin on her back. Before returning the cat to the owner, the cat's owner must make sure that at least three boardings have been carried out in accordance with all the rules.

Pain syndrome. Why do cats scream during sex with a cat? The cat's penis entering the partner's vagina causes pain because it is covered with many hard teeth with points. Such sensations are inextricably linked with ovulation, and therefore are an indispensable condition for a fruitful union.

Duration of mating

How long do British cats have intercourse, how many days do they copulate? Direct contact, the act of a male and a female, takes a matter of minutes. It takes five to ten seconds for a cat to ejaculate. During the day, the couple makes several such contacts, mating at intervals of 15-20 minutes.

The optimal duration of communication between a parent couple (how long to knit, bring together) is two or three days. A long period of intercourse can lead to the birth of kittens, the time of conception of which varies greatly, so that part of the litter will be born prematurely. A short period of communication will upset the female, who will continue to call for the male, even after being fertilized.

Mating problems

The difference is in the size of the partners. If the bride is larger than the groom, then the cat will not be able to hold her friend by the withers and at the same time get his penis into the vagina. The owner can hold the partner, provided that the kitty is sufficiently phlegmatic.
If the cat has not sufficiently mastered the function of grabbing a friend (poorly untied), the owner can help with choosing the right direction;
When the pussy falls to the side, the owner of the groom will have to immobilize and support the lady in an upright position;
In the case where the bride categorically does not accept the gentleman (does not let him in), the owners will have to look for a new partner. If there is an urgent need to breed a particular pair, you should leave the animals together for a certain period of time or invite a veterinarian for a medical solution to the problem.
The stressful state of the partner can lead to the stopping of the symptoms of sexual heat (does not want a cat). To correct the situation, you need to give the animals time to get used to each other.

How to determine whether mating was successful

It is impossible to assess the success of the event immediately after mating. A week after intercourse, the pet will show the following signs:

Feels sleepy;
Aggression towards cats;
Preference for liquid foods.

After three weeks after mating, the fertilized female's nipples will swell and turn pink and her belly will begin to grow.

Reasons for unsuccessful mating:

sexual failure of the male;
overweight or underweight;
hormonal disbalance;
stressful state;
viral infection;
avitaminosis;
mineral deficiency;
error when choosing the time for mating.

How to behave as an owner

Mating is a natural step for a current female, but it is not always possible. It's a bad idea to breed a female cat during her first heat. Simple methods and techniques will help ease the baby’s suffering:

distract with favorite or new toys;
pick up, stroke, massage, soothe with gentle words;
feed frequently in smaller portions;
reduce room lighting;
use sedatives recommended by your veterinarian;
invite an active neutered male for mating.

Some owners independently stimulate the cat to help the pet get through a difficult period if the cat does not want the cat or is unavailable. First you need to put a glove on your hand and prepare a clean cotton swab. You need to stroke the cat, which is in a state of rutting, on the back, and gently grab it by the withers.

The vulva is then gently stroked until the vagina begins to pulsate and the tail is pulled to the side. Now you can slowly insert a cotton swab or other suitable object inside. Stimulation is carried out until discharge occurs. The procedure is repeated several times.

If there are cats in the house, and mating is not planned, the current female must be isolated and harmless folk remedies used to calm her down. The bed should be placed next to a radiator or other heat source, and a warm heating pad should be placed. Frequent bathing helps relieve tension. You need to wash your pet carefully. If Murka does not like water, the irritation will not subside, but will intensify. Sometimes catnip or decoctions of soothing herbs: lemon balm, chamomile give results.

There are herbal soothing drops and tablets to stop Murka from screaming:

Stop Stress;
Cat Baiyun;
Anti-stress.

They have a mild effect and do not affect the hormonal state of the animal. There are relatively safe means in the first aid kit to calm Murka down. Suprastin is given at the rate of a quarter of a tablet per five kilograms of weight, once a day towards night, for three days.

Suprastin suppresses the psyche of fluffies; it cannot be considered as a replacement for hormonal therapy or sterilization. The medicine is prescribed as a temporary measure after childbirth to delay the onset of a new pregnancy.

On specialized forums there are reviews, photos, prices for medicines, recommendations on what else can be used for a pet during estrus. If she starts peeing anywhere, marking her territory, she needs to use special underpants.

Signs

You can confidently determine the time when estrus begins using the following signs:

Uterine loud disgusting meow, which can last the entire time of estrus. Moreover, it is possible that these sounds will be noticed not only by household members, but also by neighbors. However, it all starts quite harmlessly - with purring.
Your gait will change. While this state lasts in the animal, the feeling is always created that it is in search of someone.
The cat will begin to be near the owner more often, constantly demanding his attention. However, it is worth keeping in mind that a British pet will not suffer from constant mood. Therefore, one should not be surprised by either aggression and sullenness or affection from the pet during festivities.
It is also worth preparing for the fact that while the amorous period lasts, the animal will often begin to rub its head against everything. Often on the floor, rolling there from one side to the other.
The most unpleasant thing: as long as the heat lasts, the tendency to mark corners can last. Attracting a partner during this period is the most important thing for a pet, even if she was previously very well-mannered and litter-trained.

Deviations from the norm

The owner needs to carefully monitor the seasonality, duration, and nature of estrus in order to record anomalies. A long absence of the active phase, its frequent occurrence, pain, sluggish response to treatment, yellowish discharge with an unpleasant odor, bloody inclusions indicate endocrine disruption and more serious health problems. If the first rut does not occur for too long, when estrus lasts longer than two weeks, consultation with a veterinarian is required. Signs of ill health must be combated with means recommended by specialists.

Prolonged heat

In this state, the duration of the physiological phases of the process increases. The continuous rut lasts more than two weeks, causing discomfort to the pet. A characteristic feature is the continued appearance of mucous discharge, accompanied by manifestations of aggression towards the male. Mating does not occur, fertilization does not occur, the mustachioed beauty remains excited. Prolonged stress makes the situation worse.

Anaphrodisia

This is the name for the condition of a fluffy beauty who is of childbearing age, but does not show any signs of sexual desire. Anaphrodisia (acyclia) is a characteristic sign of delayed puberty. If the female is not intended for breeding purebred offspring, she may not need treatment. The veterinarian examines the animal to rule out hyperfunction of the thyroid gland or adenohypophysis. If pregnancy is necessary, combination therapy with follicle-stimulating hormones is carried out: choriogonadotropin, folliculin, estrone.

False pregnancy

Only a veterinarian can accurately diagnose this condition. It is characterized by the same symptoms as for normal pregnancy:

increased appetite;
increased thirst;
finding a secluded place;
increased attention to small soft objects;
swelling of the mammary glands;
increase in abdominal size.

The problem is considered psychological and is seen as the result of prolonged stress. The sad result is purulent mastitis and similar diseases. Sphynx cats have an innate tendency to show signs of false pregnancy.

Empty heat

Lack of fertilization is not considered a normal condition. If your pet does not become pregnant, the body experiences unwanted hormonal stress. The situation is complicated by the substances that caring owners give to calm the cat at this time. In the future, there is a high probability of developing dangerous diseases: mastitis, hyperplasia, cancer, ovarian cysts, polycystic disease, endometritis, purulent inflammation, etc. If you do not plan to get offspring from a cat, timely sterilization will be a choice in favor of her health.

Frequent heats

The average norm is two to four rutting periods per year, although much depends on temperament, breed, and genetic characteristics. It happens that the re-rut occurs too often, literally every week or two. This dangerous condition cannot be ignored. If mating is not planned, you need to show the animal to a veterinarian. Perhaps this is a manifestation of a serious gynecological disease, for example, polycystic disease. Treatment with hormones can be effective. If the problem is not resolved, castration is the next appropriate step.

Bloody issues

The appearance of blood in mucous secretions indicates the presence of a serious pathology. It is impossible to determine the cause “by eye”; a serious examination by an experienced veterinarian is necessary: standard tests, histology, cytology, ultrasound, studies, the decision of which is made by a specialist. Some diseases develop rapidly. If you have bloody discharge, the most sensible step is to visit the clinic immediately.

Manifestations of physical maturity

Once they reach puberty, cats begin to behave much more aggressively than male cats. This is expressed in loud screams at night, damage to furniture and wallpaper, and marks throughout the habitat of an animal that has reached a dangerous age. During the period of estrus, the urine of an animal acquires a very pungent and unpleasant odor , it is almost impossible to get rid of it - these are very clear signs of the cat’s puberty. In addition, the beast constantly updates its marks.

The behavior of an animal depends quite strongly on the presence of competitors near it. The more aggressors around, the more nervous the cat began to behave. He hisses and grumbles threateningly, his games resemble hunting.

A loud voice is one way to show rivals who is boss in the house, especially if two animals are in a one-on-one duel.

It should be noted that in addition to being a threat to competitors, cat cries may not be a very good sign. This behavior may be a consequence of the formation of kidney stones in the pet , and not because it has reached a certain age. The sharp edges painfully wound the animal from the inside, causing it to literally scream in pain. That is why any pet’s complaints should be treated carefully and not confuse estrus with a serious problem.

Reasons for lack of estrus

Among the reasons for a long-term lack of desire to mate are:

predisposition caused by genetic breed characteristics;
dysfunction of the thyroid gland;
endocrine shift;
pathological condition of the ovaries;
hermaphroditism, etc.

There are emotional factors that cause sexual dysfunction. Lack of hunting is observed in individuals that are kept indoors, do not have contact with other representatives of their species, and do not observe normal sexual behavior.

Purebred females over one and a half years old who are involved in breeding require treatment to restore the normal functioning of the reproductive organs. Pets kept for pleasure do not need such treatment. The veterinarian will examine the pet; if other pathologies do not appear, treatment is not necessary. Periodic preventive examinations will be required.

Preparing for mating

An experienced cat owner is looking for a mate through an organization of felinologists. If the bride is purebred, the lady’s owner should check the groom’s package of documents: titles, judge’s scores, medical reports on the absence of infections and genetic pathologies. The bride must have permission to breed and have a vaccination record (at least a month before the date of the meeting with the groom). If you vaccinate the pussy immediately before fertilization, this can lead to the birth of sick offspring. Preventative treatment against worms should be carried out and the tips of the claws should be trimmed to avoid injury. Bathing procedures should not be carried out.

Sexual desire in a sterilized cat

The surgical procedure used to prevent pregnancy is commonly called sterilization. In practice, the animal undergoes one of three operations:

tubal occlusion: tubal ligation;
oophorectomy - removal of the ovaries;
Ovariohysterectomy - simultaneous removal of the uterus and ovaries.

Tubal ligation does not stop the maturation of the follicles, creating an obstacle to the fertilized egg entering the uterus. The hormonal background does not undergo changes, the occurrence of heat in a pet that has been sterilized by tubal ligation is the norm. The cessation of sexual activity occurs as a result of oophorectomy or ovariohysterectomy. These two procedures protect the pet well from inflammation of the uterus, ovarian cancer, polycystic disease, and similar diseases.

Is it possible to sterilize a cat at this time?

Sterilization during the rutting period is strictly prohibited. A gross change in the development of hormonal processes will negatively affect the health of any animal. The procedure is recommended two weeks before or two weeks after the active phase.

Kittens predisposed to the development of mammary gland cancer are sterilized before the first heat, the permissible age is six months or a little more, weight is more than three kilograms. The rest are sterilized after the first heat. The signs are not always obvious; there is a danger of missing the deadline and performing the operation when the pet is in a state of activity, which is strictly contraindicated.

Negative consequences

The pussy cannot tell its owner about its problems. Therefore, the owner must be extremely attentive to symptoms that may indicate the onset or worsening of the disease.

Idle cats in heat are fraught with purulent inflammation of the uterus, leading to rapid death. If there is a hormonal imbalance, it is better to have the pussy castrated immediately, even at an early age.

The increased duration of the period of sexual heat (longer than a week) cannot be stopped by taking hormonal drugs. Menstruation in cats, unlike menstruation in women, is not painful. There are only two ways out of this situation: mating or castration.

Painful discharge or vomiting is a real reason to seek help from a doctor.

What to do if there is no heat

In order to breed a purebred cat, you need to ensure that the female is ready for fertilization. Measures that breeders recommend to prepare a cat for mating:

make a girlfriend. Pussies often show readiness to mate at the same time.
invite a cat to visit. The smell of a sexually mature cat awakens the reproductive instinct.
Use homeopathic remedies and vitamins. You can induce a healthy female to mate by including drugs in the diet: vitamin E, catozal, gamavit, ovariovit, ortilin.

Use of hormone-based medications

Mustachioed pets cope with this difficult time in different ways. Some need a little affection and attention to survive this period, while others suffer from unsatisfied desire, despite the efforts of their owners. If the usual methods of calming down are powerless, you will have to turn to special means, tablets, drops, options that help relieve tension. When mating is not planned, sterilization is the right option.

The principle of operation of drugs of this type

Only hormones, natural or synthesized, can effectively influence the onset of sexual heat. Progesterone enters the body during pregnancy. A dose of progestin preparations administered during the rest period suppresses the effect of follicle-stimulating hormone. Estrogen, which provokes sexual desire, does not enter the blood, and the period of sexual desire is blocked. If hormonal medications are used incorrectly, your pet may die.

Types of drugs

Hormonal preparations of this type are available in tablet form, as drops for internal use or application to the withers. An effective, high-quality product contains a complex of hormones. Veterinarians often prescribe the following:

“Stop-intim”, drops based on megestrol acetate, a synthetic analogue of progesterol, given orally with a treat, sugar or forcibly;
“Contrasex”, drops, tablets containing synthetic hormones acetomepregenol, ethinyl estradiol;
“Gestrenol” is a complex biohormonal preparation in the form of drops and tablets;
“Sex barrier” - mepregenol acetate plus ethinyl estradiol, liquid, tablets;
“Ovostop” is a complex of megestrol, proroxan, melatonin, drops on the withers.

Such drugs cannot be considered harmless drugs. Before starting use, you must carefully read the instructions.

Features of application

For health and safety reasons, it is best to consult your veterinarian first. Hormones are prescribed only to healthy animals; they are administered in strict accordance with the instructions. Progestins have many contraindications; a non-specialist cannot determine them by eye. You should not skip a dose or increase the dose to compensate for the missed dose of medication.

Non-extended-release medications must be taken for the entire prescribed period. Determining the dosage is the task of the veterinarian. Spontaneous use of hormonal contraceptives is unacceptable. It is forbidden to use progestin preparations during sexual heat, this is after the end of the active phase.

Hormones do not replace the sterilization procedure; their purpose is:

delay the onset of the active phase if pregnancy is contraindicated for your pet for some time, after recent childbirth, cesarean section, gynecological problems;
adjust the mating time, for example, until a suitable male is found;
prevent pregnancy if immediate sterilization is contraindicated.

Within 24 hours after an unwanted mating, progestins can prevent unplanned pregnancy.

How to determine the right day

Taking hormonal drugs in the active phase will be a disaster for the cat. The third day of the period is considered critical; the process enters the active phase. Many females experience a quiet, mild estrus, which begins almost asymptomatically.

An inexperienced owner may not pay attention to the signs: Murka becomes thoughtful and affectionate. An important point is the behavior when stroking the sacrum. The pet characteristically arches, throws back its tail, sexual activity is in full swing, progestins cannot be given. When there is no such reaction, the use of the medicine is acceptable.

Hormonal injections

The veterinarian sometimes recommends a hormone injection using a long-acting drug. Usually it is Covinan or Depo-Provera. The first is based on proligestone (synthetic progesterone), a steroid that inhibits the processes in the animal’s body that cause sexual desire, reducing the concentration of luteinizing hormone.

After discontinuation of the drug, fertility is restored. Injections are given according to a strict schedule to minimize side effects. If diarrhea, vomiting, or undesirable effects occur, the drug is discontinued.

Depo-Provera was originally developed as a female contraceptive, but has found use in veterinary medicine. The basis of the drug is medroxyprogesterone, a synthetic substance that can suppress ovulation. Available in the form of suspension and tablets. These medications should absolutely not be used during estrus. At the end of use, the ability to produce offspring is restored.

Recovery period between births

To prepare for the next pregnancy and bearing offspring, the animal’s body must recover after childbirth. A purebred cat can give birth no more often than once or twice in a year to a year and a half; at least 6 months must pass between litters. Yard cats breed every time they come into heat, and intercourse is very frequent. The first two months after giving birth, the mother cat devotes herself entirely to feeding her kittens. At the end of this period, the cat is again ready for mating. The following cases are exceptions:

previous births were complicated;
the pet’s body is exhausted;
pussy suffered a serious illness;
the last litter included stillborn babies.

In healthy cats, all biological processes occur regularly, so the owner can prepare in advance for the pregnancy of his furry pet. A potential father of the family must be found long before mating begins. During an empty heat, the cat should take sedatives and receive attention in the form of a massage or play. Females not intended for breeding should be neutered.

Download the cat mating agreement with the act of mutual settlement in Word

Sterilization is the right choice

This is the most humane choice for a furry beauty who is no longer involved in breeding. It is recommended to sterilize a Murka taken into a home for love before her first heat. Cats are not people. They do not have the choice “to give birth or not to give birth.” Cat reality: “give birth or suffer.”

Empty estrus and thoughtless use of hormonal drugs lead to painful diseases that require expensive treatment. If your pet survives after medical procedures, sterilization is still inevitable.

Modern sterilization is a gentle procedure performed using laparoscopic equipment. The cost is moderate. One or more small cuts will be required. After a short recovery period, the pet will continue to live a full life, bringing joy to the home.

Sterilization increases the life expectancy of a pet by five to ten years. Murka will be able to calmly walk everywhere, and the owners will no longer worry about unwanted kittens.

When to expect your first heat

The most common answer to this question is 7 months. This period is typical for many breeds; the British feline is no exception. Indeed, on average, within the specified period, a cat goes through puberty and begins to want to go for walks. However, not all so simple.

If a British pet was purchased, among other things, for the purpose of breeding, it is recommended to wait some more time. A cat can get pregnant after partying at 7 months, but the body is not fully adapted to bearing offspring at this time.

IMPORTANT: Therefore, the first heat, which can be considered the beginning of sexual activity, should be considered the one that begins at the age of one year.

It should also be noted that 7 months is an approximate date. Often this is when the animal feels the first urge to go for a walk. However, the cat's body is as individual as the human body. You can meet ladies who mature both a little earlier and a little later.

It happens that if a British or any other male lives nearby, the young lady matures earlier. There is also an observation that in individuals born in the spring, estrus may begin somewhat later than in those born in the summer-autumn. Different temperaments also sometimes take their toll: an active British pet can mature faster than a melancholic one.

Mistakes of owners in methods of calming down

The pet behaves unusually at this time, the owner needs to react correctly. You cannot respond to aggression with punishment or try to silence it with a shout. It is better to leave an irritated animal alone and give it time to recover.

Murka must have her own place, it is necessary to provide her with the opportunity to retire, especially if there is a dog or other pets in the house. You need to react in a similar way to any changes in behavior, for example, if she shits anywhere. Gradually, the body will return to normal, the correct habits will be restored.

Some people mistakenly consider valerian to be a sedative, but for fluffies it is a stimulant that increases sexual desire. Contact with valerian is undesirable during the rest period; during the active phase, the pathogen will cause harm; the drug must be removed out of reach.

You should not try to use Corvalol, Valocordin, glycine, motherwort, or “human” medications to calm the baby, without a veterinarian’s prescription; special feline homeopathy is preferable.

Catnip is used as a sedative, but it is a pathogen that acts much more mildly than valerian. Suitable for correcting the behavior of cats; use the product carefully during sexual activity. Sometimes there is a need to vaccinate, i.e. vaccinate or worm the cat during estrus. There are no significant contraindications for this, but permission from a veterinarian is required.

A terrible mistake would be uncontrolled, too long-term use of hormonal drugs. Using alternative sedatives is a temporary measure. Even if it is possible to relieve the symptoms, complications from empty heats are almost inevitable. The cat must be regularly mated with a male cat or sterilized.

How to relieve symptoms of estrus

No cat owner, even the most patient, can like the fact that both day and night his pet, who has entered the breeding age, howls, bites and is overly active and aggressive. At such moments, the question arises of what to do with a cat whose antics can no longer be tolerated.

The easiest way to resolve the issue is to arrange a “date” for the tailed brawler with a suitable cat.

It should be taken into account that you need to choose the most suitable time for mating. The peak of sexual activity in animals whose age allows them to reproduce occurs between February and March. It is at this time that it is more advisable to have offspring, guided by the simplest logic. In the coming summer months there will be no problems with obtaining food for the babies, the cubs do not need to be protected from the cold, and by the first serious frost they will already have reached adulthood.

This path is suitable for owners of purebred animals and those whose cats, having entered adulthood, walk on their own and live in the courtyard of a private house. In a city apartment, a low-bred wild animal can hardly become a prominent and sought-after gentleman . In this case, it is necessary to consider other ways to resolve the issue.

When is spaying or neutering necessary?

There are no completely safe contraceptives or sedatives for cats.

If the animal is not bred for exhibition or breeding, you need to think about surgical intervention. During sterilization, the cat's fallopian tubes are ligated, and the male's spermatic ducts are ligated. Their sexual desire remains, without the possibility of having offspring. Castration is the complete removal of the genitals. Therefore, the hormonal storm ends, and the cat gets a calmer life. The choice must be made by the owner when the pet reaches 7-8 months of age. This is the best time to perform the operation. The Scots require special attention. The animal can be operated on later. There are cases when Scottish males develop prostatitis and castration is even recommended.