Features, signs and symptoms of the first estrus in cats

Puberty and the cat cycle by stages

Puberty occurs the day cats go into their first heat. Most often this occurs between 7 and 12 months of age. The following factors influence the time of growing up:

1. Breed

   . In addition to the onset of sexual maturity, breed affiliation determines the characteristics of the course of estrus.

2. Cohabitation with animals of the opposite sex

   . Kittens from the same litter living together mature at 4-5 months.

3. Genetics

   . The approximate age of maturity can be determined by the mother of the kittens.

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It is impossible to calculate the exact day, since all animals are unique. The only cause for concern is a serious deviation from the average guidelines.

The cat's reproductive cycle consists of 4 stages:

1. Proestrus

   . The darling is not yet ready to mate, so she drives the cats away. She becomes more affectionate only towards her owner. The duration of this stage is 1-4 days.

2. Estrus

   . Noticeable discharge appears. Due to raging hormones, the pet screams at night, preventing its owners from sleeping. After stroking, she raises the back of her body, taking a characteristic mating position. This period lasts 5-7 days and is suitable for procreation.

3. Metestrus

   . After mating, pregnancy occurs at this stage, and sometimes, in its absence, pseudopregnancy. The aggressive attitude towards the opposite sex returns. The duration of the stage is 2-12 days.

4. Anestrus

   . By the final phase, the animal’s condition stabilizes. A cat's new heat occurs after 3 weeks or several months.

A peculiarity of cat physiology is the absence of ovulation when refusing mating. Without vaginal stimulation, the egg remains in its place.

At what age can it start?

The onset of the first heat depends on many factors:

Cat's first heat

The first estrus is exciting for both the owner and the animal. The time of its onset and characteristic symptoms largely depend on the breed.

At what age does it start

In addition to the breed, genetics and the fact of cohabitation with a cat, sexual maturity depends on several other factors. These include:

1. Location

   . Pets take longer to mature than street animals. Lighting at home is also important, stimulating the activity of sex hormones.

2. Time of birth

   . Pets born in the fall are inferior in speed to those born in the spring.

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3. Animal size

   . Those with small dimensions are ahead of larger representatives.

4. Body mass

   . Too much or too little weight prevents timely maturation.

5. Wool length

   . The shorter the coat, the earlier sexual maturity will occur. Orientals and Abyssinians mature at 5 months, British and Scottish females at 8-12 months, and fluffy Siberians, Ragdolls and Maine Coons at 9-15 months.

Please note that puberty is not the same as physiological maturity. It is strictly forbidden to breed your pet for the first heat.

Characteristic manifestations

Before menstruation is about to begin, the pet begins to roll on the floor and rub against the owner’s legs, trying to attract his attention. After stroking the back, she lifts the back of her body, moves her tail and fussily moves her paws.

To attract a cat, the kitty meows long and loudly or purrs intensely. She can start her songs at any time of the day, which really bothers the owners who are trying to get some sleep before work. Trying to find a mating partner, the pet may attempt to escape. During this period, you will have to keep the doors and windows closed.

In addition to behavioral changes, consider physiological characteristics. These include:

• decreased appetite;
• increase in vaginal size;
• prolonged licking of the perineum due to increased urination;
• the appearance of transparent discharge.

The first “critical days” are almost invisible. This is due to the fact that physiologically the animal continues to develop. More distinct signs appear the second time.

Features of the first estrus

Maine Coon sexual heat is accompanied by strong thirst and indifference to food. Their growth temporarily stops, so don't be alarmed by the lack of change.

British women often change their mood, alternating affection with aggression. But with the sphinxes everything is stable. Owners will have to put up with their loud screams, irritability and completely uncontrollable behavior.

Siamese are the quietest. Thanks to their calmness, “critical days” can be recognized only by physiological signs. Scottish women are no less calm - they do not shout loudly and do not stand in a characteristic pose. Only excessive affection gives them away.

These signs may not appear - after all, each cat’s body and temperament are individual. You may “get” a loud Siamese or a very quiet and affectionate sphinx lady.

Behavior and symptoms of rutting

A change in the pet's behavior is very typical. It is associated with the attraction of males, as well as with certain changes in the animal’s body.

Features of behavior:

• Vocalization is a method for attracting cats. Typically, cats make low sounds, “throat” meows, sounds that are quite sharp and loud.
• Anxiety – the cat begins to eat poorly and is constantly in an excited state.
• Excessive intrusiveness and love for the owner - rubs against the legs, trembles, rolls on the floor.
• The characteristic pose is with arched back, thrust of the pelvis up and protruding tail.
• Frequent licking of the external genital area.

In addition to changes in the psychological state, the cat undergoes a complex physiological process of preparation for the upcoming rut. The pituitary gland begins to secrete hormones that stimulate the maturation of follicles. The cervix opens, the inner lining of the uterus is prepared and secretions appear, which facilitate intercourse during mating.

Externally, the onset of estrus is marked by enlargement of the labia and their redness.

Periodicity of estrus

There is no clear answer to the question of how often cats go into heat. The frequency is individual and depends on the following factors:

1. Breed

   . Persians, Orientals and Siamese women flow more often than British and Scottish women. For the latter, the break can be up to 5-8 months.

2. Presence of pregnancy

   . Cat menstruation returns to its usual schedule only 1.5-3 months after birth. An earlier return is possible in case of death of the litter or separation from the kittens immediately after birth.

3. Age

   . The younger the animal, the more often it is ready to mate.

4. Season

   . The breaks shorten from early spring to mid-autumn and increase with the arrival of winter. This is due to the fact that in the warm season it is easier to carry and give birth to healthy offspring. The exception is pets who do not leave the apartment for a year. Thanks to comfortable living conditions, their schedule does not change.

5. Breeding frequency

   . Rare meetings with representatives of the opposite sex reduce the period of calm to 2 weeks. If mating is too frequent, the opposite is true - constant mating reduces the number of menstruation to 2 times a year.

On average, estrus occurs 4 times a year, that is, once a quarter. But for some, this process can occur every 3 weeks or once every six months. In the absence of pathologies of the reproductive system, this is completely normal.

Frequency of estrus

If there has been mating, fertilization and pregnancy occur, this stops the estrus. On average, the pet bears kittens for 2-2.5 months, and she does not give birth.

After childbirth, physiological processes are restored after about 3.5 months. The onset of estrus is observed earlier if the litter is stillborn.

If pregnancy does not occur, estrus continues as usual. The intervals between them range from 1 to 3 weeks.

It depends on individual characteristics:

• animal physiology;
• season;
• living conditions;
• breed.

British and Scottish Fold cats go into heat less frequently than Siamese and Persian cats. In the autumn-spring period, sexual activity increases significantly.

Duration of “critical days”

The average duration of “critical days” is 5-7 days, but sometimes it can last up to 14-20 days. Due to the variety of factors influencing this process, it is almost impossible to determine how long a cat's first heat will last. Most often it goes faster, but it is better to start from average indicators.

If sexual activity exceeds 3 weeks or lasts less than 5 days, take your pet to a veterinary clinic for diagnosis. In the first case, there is a possibility of developing tumors or inflammation in the ovaries, and in the second - pathologies of the thyroid gland or ovarian hypoplasia.

What is estrus

Estrus (the medical term is estrus) is the physiological and behavioral changes caused by hormonal changes by the age of 6-8 months. By this period, follicles have formed in the ovaries, and the female is ready for conception and gestation.

However, such an early pregnancy is usually difficult, the kittens are born weakened, and the cat takes a long time to recover after giving birth. Therefore, it is better to wait until 1.5 years of age before the first mating. By this time, the cat will get stronger and give birth to healthy offspring.

Some females may go into heat at 6 months, but puberty usually occurs between 8 and 10 months of age. You should worry about a cat’s absence of heat only after 18 months of life. In this case, the cat needs to be shown to a veterinarian, he will prescribe a vitamin complex, diet or complex treatment.

Reference! The first heat may occur without noticeable symptoms. Symptoms intensify by the 2nd year of life. Older cats go into heat without obvious symptoms.

Signs of estrus

To attract males, females use 2 tools: voice and smells. All sounds made become rougher and louder. Frequent but light urination occurs not only in the litter box - the pet leaves odorous marks on vertical and horizontal surfaces. Raising her tail and turning her back towards the target, she secretes a few drops of urine.

Another way to place marks is by rubbing them on objects. The glands on the cheeks of furry pets secrete a special secretion, allowing them to leave an individual scent.

The signs of the first menstruation are identical to subsequent ones. They are distinguished only by their weak expression in young animals.

Remember that discharge during “critical days” should be transparent. The appearance of blood or pink clots is a dangerous symptom that requires diagnosis.

How to relieve a cat's condition

There are several options to alleviate the psychological and physical condition of the female during estrus:

• Give your furry pet more attention, pet her, hug her. All this will help relieve stress and calm her down a little.
• Distract with a new toy . Active games will help relieve your cat's nervous condition.
• Bathe the animal . Just do this in warm water and in a draft-free room. After bathing, the pet will begin to lick itself and clean itself up. This will give you several hours of long-awaited silence.
• Mating with a cat . If the cat is mature and healthy, and you are ready for offspring to appear in the house.
• Sedatives reduce sexual activity and help reduce stress.
• Hormonal drugs . You should not get carried away with these drugs, as they can cause great harm to your cat’s health.
• Sterilization . A suitable option for those owners who do not need kittens. This will not harm your pet and will help solve many problems that may arise.

Remember that the cat needs your love, affection and care during this difficult period. Therefore, you should not scold her for marks left on the floor, for constant “concerts”, for obnoxious behavior. You cannot lock your mustachioed pet in a cold, dark room. Try to be more patient, show more affection and attention to your ward.

How to calm a cat

Having figured out how to understand that a cat has gone into heat, it remains to figure out what to do if the owner does not want to endure constant nightly arias. There are only two cardinal solutions: pregnancy and sterilization. The operation not only suppresses sexual desire, but also prevents the development of cancer.

When choosing regular matings, unwanted behavior goes away only temporarily, so to calm your pet you will have to resort to medications, changes in activity and diet.

Change of activity and food

Aggression and increased activity can be directed towards toys. Long games use up increased energy reserves and normalize night sleep. Try to distract your pet during the daytime sleep to exhaust him by nightfall. Also, do not forget about increased attention. Talk and pet your pet more often. Your love will help reduce your stress levels.

Another trick to ensure long sleep is abundant feeding later in the day. Temporarily limit constant access to the feeder and give out food strictly on a schedule. After a night of feasting, all energy will be spent on digestion, and not on concerts.

Remember that with an increase in the evening portion, the volume of the daily ration remains unchanged. Otherwise, there is a risk of obesity. Meals should be small and easily digestible so as not to overload the gastrointestinal tract.

Sedatives

Veterinarians recommend sedatives made from herbal preparations (Cat Bayun, Stop-Stress). They are not addictive and do not have severe side effects. Their only contraindication is the presence of an allergy to one of the components.

Hormonal drugs

Taking hormonal medications (Stop-Intim, Sex-Barrier) is possible only as prescribed and under the supervision of a veterinarian. These medications directly affect hormonal levels, which can trigger the development of pathologies of the ovaries and uterus, including cancer.

With the constant use of hormones, 70% of animals endure forced sterilization for medical reasons. It is much safer to deprive your pet of reproductive function soon after puberty.

What not to do

Please note that traditional methods of calming are not only cruel and senseless, but also dangerous. Avoid raising your voice or using physical punishment. Compliance with this rule is the key to a strong and respectful relationship with any pet. Don’t try to judge your pet for nighttime insomnia and leaving marks - all this happens not out of malice, but under the influence of hormones.

Do not cool your genitals with ice water. This will not only frighten the animal, but can also cause inflammation.

Don't try to lock your pet in a dark room. The sun's rays do stimulate hormones, but staying in a confined space for a long time will only lead to mental disorders.

Deviations from the norm

Prolonged heat

It happens that a pet is in heat for more than 2 weeks. This is called prolonged heat. This means an increase in the stages of estrus. There is a protracted proestrus, a protracted estrus and a protracted diestrus.

Symptoms of prolonged proestrus:

• The cat won't let the cat near.
• Discharge from the genitals continues for more than two weeks.

Symptoms of prolonged estrus:

• Estrus lasts more than 2-3 weeks, but fertilization does not occur.

Symptoms of prolonged diestrus:

• Mucous discharge from the female genitals does not stop for 21 days.

Anaphrodisia

Another deviation is the complete absence of estrus symptoms (anaphrodisia).

Symptoms:

• Lengthening of the intervals between estrus in a mature cat or its complete absence.
• Delayed puberty in a young individual.

If any of these deviations occur, be sure to show the cat to a specialist. He will prescribe competent treatment.

False pregnancy

It happens that fertilization does not occur. The female develops a so-called false pregnancy. This is a psychological condition during which the cat experiences all the signs of a non-existent pregnancy. The cause of the disease may lie in stressful situations, mating with an unproductive male, or a breed predisposition, for example, in sphinxes.

This condition lasts for 1-3 weeks. It is difficult to distinguish it from ordinary pregnancy.

Symptoms of false pregnancy:

• abdominal enlargement;
• swelling of the mammary glands;
• secretion of milk;
• increased appetite;
• constant thirst.

The pet's behavior also changes. She is looking for a secluded dark place, trying to arrange a bed for herself.

Also, your pet may begin to carry various soft toys in her teeth, mistaking them for her offspring.

This condition is dangerous because the cat can develop purulent mastitis.

Only a veterinarian can confirm whether it is a false pregnancy or a real one after examination. He will prescribe sedatives to stop lactation.

Empty heat

This is an estrus that did not result in the pet becoming pregnant. It can lead to many complications: ovarian cysts, inflammation and even cancer. Therefore, if you do not plan to mate your cat, it is best to have her spayed. You can read about all the nuances of this operation in our article on sterilization of cats.

Bloody issues

It is worth remembering that cats, unlike dogs, do not have bloody discharge. If you notice bloody discharge in a female, then this is a serious cause for concern and an urgent visit to the veterinary clinic.

How and when to mate

The first mating is carried out on the third menstruation, when the pet has reached physiological maturity. This reduces the risk of miscarriages, infertility and other complications.

Before meeting her partner, the “bride” is vaccinated and dewormed. Her nails are trimmed and a set of personal items is collected that she will need while away from home. Mating is carried out on the male's territory to reduce his excitement.

The animals are left alone for several days to repeat cages many times. This consolidates the result, increasing the chances of successful fertilization. Help from the owners is required only in cases of aggressive behavior, discrepancies in the size of the partners, and the cat falling on its side.

Empty estrus in a cat and constant use of hormonal drugs have a negative impact on health. If there is no labor, sign up for sterilization.

Signs of heat

The main signs of a cat in heat include:

• Rolling an animal on the floor;
• Loud meowing;
• Frequent demand for the owner’s attention, or vice versa, complete indifference;
• Discharge from the vulva.

In order to identify a cat’s heat in time and be prepared for it, you should pay attention in time to the “indicators” that precede estrus in its classical sense and are its initial stage.

Most owners don't think about their cat's menstruation until it starts, and then immediately start searching the Internet for information.

Sometimes this behavior leads to unpleasant surprises, unnecessary anxiety and discomfort for both the owner and the pet.

That is why a responsible owner must know all the necessary nuances in advance and be sufficiently “savvy” in this matter.

First of all, it is important to understand that such features of estrus, as its initial signs, depend on the breed of the animal.

For example, female Scottish fold cats become more playful, begin to purr in a special way, but remain calm, since they have a fairly balanced and flexible character.

Menstruation in a British cat begins less pronounced, and this breed also flows noticeably less frequently than most breeds.

Most individuals shed once or twice a year, although females who menstruate monthly are occasionally found.

In Don Sphynxes and Peterbalds , estrus begins more pronounced, the animals begin to lick themselves.

The most obvious sign of estrus is discharge from the vulva, which the female licks.

The first heat is usually more problematic than subsequent ones

Can a spayed cat go into heat?

It all depends on the type of operation chosen. Most often, females are not sterilized, but castrated. These operations are often confused, suggesting that the latter is performed only on males. In fact, sterilization is a tubal ligation that prevents fertilization. A neutered female cat will not be able to give birth to kittens, but will still want to mate due to the influence of hormones.

Changes in hormonal levels can only be achieved by castration. The operation is divided into 2 types:

• oophorectomy, which involves removing the ovaries and preserving the uterus;
• ovariohysterectomy, which involves the removal of all reproductive organs.

The first method reduces the risk of developing polycystic disease and breast tumors, but does not protect against uterine cancer. For this reason, the second method is more reliable.

For simplicity, veterinarians may use the same terms as owners. Before the operation, be sure to discuss the purpose and method of surgery to avoid misunderstandings.

How to understand that a cat is “walking”

The cat's behavior changes dramatically. The pet becomes annoyingly friendly, rubs against people and furniture, rolls around on the floor, and constantly demands attention.

Characteristic signs of estrus:

• A prolonged inviting meow, a cat can scream for days;
• Irregularities or complete lack of appetite;
• In response to stroking the back or rump, the cat invitingly arches its back, raises its butt, moves its tail to the side and tramples with its hind legs;
• Allows males to mate with her.

Cat in heat

Unpleasant manifestations of sexual heat include the desire to mark territory: the cat may begin to urinate in inappropriate places.

There is no point in examining a cat's genitals to determine estrus. The cat will not have any obvious changes to the vulva or any discharge.

Behavior during estrus is largely determined by the breed, and in the case of barn cats, by the temperament of the animal. There are cats that walk quietly and a little, meowing modestly and caressing. Others literally climb the wall, and their screams are heard by all the neighbors.

A Bengal in heat is desperately trying to get out of the house

Is it allowed to spay a cat in heat?

Surgery during this period can lead to multiple complications. Cat menstruation is accompanied by hormonal changes. All vessels dilate, increasing the likelihood of heavy blood loss during tissue excision. Patients with mustaches have a more difficult time recovering from anesthesia, so the postoperative period is delayed.

Veterinarians recommend sterilization 14 days before or after the “critical days”, when the animal’s condition stabilizes. Earlier intervention is possible for medical reasons when estrus worsens the quality of life and depletes the body.

Maintaining a special calendar that records periods of activity and quiet will help to avoid complications. If there is a sharp deviation from the schedule, make an appointment at the veterinary clinic to exclude the development of pathologies.

Remember that during sexual hunting the animal needs your support and understanding. If such frequent behavior changes make your life very difficult, get a cat or see a surgeon.

The article is for informational purposes only. Contact your veterinarian!

How to help a cat during heat?

During heat, pets are very emotional, try to pay more attention to them: talk, pet them, hold them in your arms. Distract your cat with your favorite toys; the animal needs somewhere to redirect its energy. Try to let the female sleep less during the day, otherwise you will have a sleepless night with mournful songs of dissatisfaction.

Do not overfeed the animal: it is better to give very little food during the day, but feed it generously at night. You cannot punish a cat, lock it in a closet or toilet, or generally limit its movements - this is a lot of stress for it. Hormonal drugs are also not a solution; you will sleep peacefully at night, but your pet, due to their regular use, can become seriously ill, even oncological. Non-hormonal drugs like “Cat Bayun”, “Ovariovit”, “Feliway”, “Suprastin” and so on are indicated.

And one more thing: normally, a cat needs to become pregnant and bear offspring; empty heats can negatively affect her health. If you do not want to bother with your pet during this period, it is more humane to sterilize it.

What is estrus

Puberty of a young cat is a natural process during which the animal acquires the ability to reproduce. At a certain age, your pet begins to go into heat (estrus). From this moment on, the body is capable of fertilization. Estrus in cats is a specific physiological and psycho-emotional state during the period of sexual heat. Estrus indicates that the animal's reproductive system has reached maturity. Follicles have formed in the ovaries, and hormonal changes have occurred. From this moment on, the body is ready for fertilization, bearing offspring, giving birth and feeding the young with milk.

Physiological factors lead to changes in the behavior and psyche of the pet during the period of sexual heat. The animal's behavioral reactions change. If you understand how estrus occurs in cats, you can avoid many unpleasant moments. Estrus is characterized by the following stages:

• Proestrus (preparatory phase). The period lasts 1 - 3 days and is characterized by restless behavior of the animal. During proestrus, the cat does not allow the male to approach her.

• Immediate heat (estrus). It lasts 5 - 7 days, sometimes it lasts up to 10. This period is characterized by a radical change in the behavior of the animal under the influence of sex hormones. Planned mating or spontaneous mating occurs precisely during this phase.

• Interestrus. If fertilization occurs, then pregnancy occurs. During this period, a false pregnancy often develops if conception does not occur.

• Anestrus (rest period). Lasts 2 - 3 months and most often occurs in the winter and summer months.

Hormonal drugs: benefits and harms

Veterinary pharmacies offer tablets and drops that relieve symptoms of estrus. They have a calming effect and will help you survive the period of estrus. But such means will help the person first of all - you will not be annoyed by incessant meowing and inappropriate affection. Calming drugs affect the cat’s hormonal levels, inhibiting them. There will be nothing useful from such a product for the cat’s health. They should be given with extreme caution! They are strictly prohibited for young animals under the age of five; in all other cases they are given only sporadically, as an exception. You cannot “comfort” a cat during every heat!

Hormonal drugs have the power to, among other things, delay or stop an estrus that has already begun. In some circumstances, this is convenient for the animal owner, but such treatment has a very negative effect on the cat’s health. And even more so, you can’t take them haphazardly!

Hormonal medications can only be taken as prescribed by a veterinarian, after tests show a hormonal imbalance. The background is leveled with homeopathic remedies that normalize female feline health. Homeopathic remedies include infusions and drops that calm the cat. They are used strictly according to the instructions and only after reaching a certain age.

Signs of puberty

The main sign that the pet is physiologically ripe for procreation is estrus. It is quite difficult to miss the moment when cats begin to walk due to the specific behavior of the animal. The pet, as a rule, becomes very affectionate, intrusive, requires constant attention, and rolls around on the floor. If, while stroking, you touch the pelvic area, the animal takes a specific pose: it falls on its front paws, and lifts its back part up, while moving its tail to the side. This is exactly the position the female takes during mating with a cat.

A characteristic feature during the period of sexual heat is that the cat constantly rubs against pieces of furniture, walls, and the legs of household members. In this way, the animal tries to attract males with its smell. Sexual arousal during estrus greatly changes the pet's disposition. Often the animal during this period becomes aggressive and does not make contact with humans.

How can you tell if a cat is in heat? This is not difficult to do, since the sexual behavior of a pet is hard to miss. The animal tends to run outside even if it has never left the apartment. An obedient and adequate pet under the influence of sex hormones becomes uncontrollable and uncontrollable. Owners often observe such an unpleasant phenomenon as leaving marks. The cat marks walls, furniture, shoes. This is due to the animal’s desire to spread its scent as far as possible and attract the cat.

Night concerts bring a lot of inconvenience and discomfort. During sexual arousal, the cat screams loudly, as if something hurts. Under the influence of hormones, the timbre of the voice changes. The screams of an animal can disturb not only household members, but also neighbors. Some owners wonder why cats scream during heat. The fact is that to attract a male, nature has endowed the female with two main mechanisms: smell and voice. Therefore, during the sexual hunt, the cat notifies the entire area with loud cries that it is ready to mate.

During estrus, urination becomes more frequent, and females visit the litter tray more often. The portion of urine decreases. Appetite also changes, up to complete refusal of food. You should never punish a cat for leaving marks, screaming at night, or inappropriate behavior. After all, this is due to the influence of sex hormones and is dictated by the ancient instinct of reproduction. During this period, the pet experiences strong psycho-emotional stress. It is impossible to say for sure what a cat feels during estrus. But it is clear that she is under a lot of stress. Therefore, during estrus, you should treat the animal with understanding and provide proper care and attention.

We recommend reading the article on how to understand that a cat is giving birth. From it you will learn about the signs of the onset of labor, how to prepare a mother cat for childbirth, what things you need to take in advance, and also about when you cannot do without the help of a doctor.

First heat

Each female is individual, so the first heat may occur differently for everyone. If there is a genetic predisposition, then maturation will occur very early and vice versa. It depends on the character how vividly and often the female’s sexual cycle will be repeated. If we take the average for all purebred and ordinary animals, then the first heat occurs from seven to ten months. Many kittens at this age are not yet fully formed, so it is impossible to breed a pet during the first heat.

The onset of the first estrus does not mean that the cat’s body is ready to bear full-fledged healthy offspring and not harm the pet itself.

This period begins after the animal reaches the age of thirteen weeks. There are exceptions, breeds for which this period does not occur even longer.

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For breeding breeds, it is very important when the moment of the first sexual heat occurs. If it is too early or, conversely, too late, then the cats are culled and removed from the breeding line. This happens because this uncharacteristic property of the onset of sexual heat can be passed on genetically to descendants.