First, let's understand the concepts and separate walks from festivities. Cats can walk all year round, because at this moment the animal hunts, basks in the sun, explores the territory and simply behaves naturally.
Cats from private homes or those accustomed to harnesses especially love this. The cat usually spends the day in such promenades, coming periodically to eat, bring in the caught mouse and sleep in the house in its usual place.
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.
Features of the mating season in cats
Jokes about March cats are common in folklore.
In fact, the desire to procreate can overtake representatives in any month. What is noteworthy is that the regularity of such hormonal surges is individual for each animal. The only thing the owner doesn’t have to worry about is that he won’t be able to miss the mating season. During
cats scream or meow pitifully, some animals can become aggressive, others, on the contrary, require attention and affection from the owner. Another unpleasant manifestation of the basic instinct is the desire to mark territory. Even the most obedient animals can begin to “leave their mark” throughout the apartment.
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 the cat begins to walk, use the drug "Gestrenol" correctly
As a rule, how long a cat spends walking is known very well by the owners of private houses, who do not absolutely need to castrate or sterilize their animals.
As a rule, several times a year the animals themselves leave home in search of a cat, and then return without any problems.
Residents of city apartments can also release an animal that is walking, but this is already accompanied by a number of difficulties. Due to the widespread use of intercoms, you will have to rely on the responsiveness of neighbors who will be able to recognize the cat and open the door for your pet.
Usually cats walk 2-3 times a year, in early spring and closer to winter. It is known that an animal that walks considers the place where it is fed to be its home, so it steadily returns to evening and morning feeding, and then again sets off on adventures.
For some, a couple of days may be enough, while others may disappear for a week or two or not return at all, even when the cat goes for a walk for the first time. Unfortunately, animals left without the supervision of their owners become easy prey for dogs or fall under the wheels of cars.
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It is necessary to clearly monitor the state of the body of a walking cat, since a hormonal storm is very stressful for the animal. In his bowl, even if he walks and does not come home for several days, you need to keep fresh water and food. Perhaps your animal will suffer in a fight with other competitors, so you will have to heal torn ears or damaged eyes.
Many nursery owners, breeders and cat owners trust the drug “Gestrenol” to solve the problem of regulating sexual heat. They choose this particular product due to the following advantages of the drug:
- Especially for cats. The choice of means for regulating sexual heat in each animal should be approached individually. "Gestrenol" is designed specifically for cats, which ensures its high efficiency and safety of use.
- Comfortable. The drug "Gestrenol" is available in the form of drops - this is the most convenient form for use in cats. "Gestrenol" contains catnip, which has an additional phytohormonal effect and also attracts cats with its smell and taste. This makes it easier to use the drug.
- High quality guarantee. The bottle of Gestrenol drops is packaged in a special blister, which provides reliable protection of the contents from environmental influences. In addition, blister packaging is a guarantee of purchasing the original drug.
An important role in the effective solution of all problems associated with sexual heat in cats with the help of the drug "Gestrenol" is played by its correct use.
Use to suppress sexual arousal
Use to prevent unwanted pregnancy
2-3 months after discontinuation of the drug, the reproductive function of the body was completely restored.
To make this process as calm and painless as possible for your pet, experienced breeders recommend:
- To prevent the cat from asking for a walk and quickly calm down its sexual fervor, find a suitable pair for mating. A cat of a similar breed is a worthy candidate for fertilization to produce purebred offspring. The animal will satisfy its sexual interest and stop bothering household members with its restless meowing and other unfavorable changes characteristic of this period.
- If the owner does not want to breed a cat and deal with its offspring, sterilization is recommended. This procedure will resolve the issue of estrus once and for all. It must be carried out in the sterile conditions of a veterinary clinic. Before carrying out the intervention, the specialist examines the animal and determines whether the procedure can be carried out safely. In the period after sterilization, the cat is given the recommended care. She quickly recovers and becomes exclusively domestic, not requiring walking.
- If the owner of a purebred cat plans to breed an animal with a worthy representative in the future, but for now wants to postpone this process, you can purchase special drugs or injections for festivities that regulate sexual desire. Medicines are given to animals strictly as prescribed by a competent veterinarian! You cannot self-medicate and give your cat folk remedies based on grandmothers’ recipes!
During heat, treat your pet with understanding and care. Do not show aggression or offend a cat that has gone on a spree, even if it is already seriously fed up with its meowing and restless desire to escape outside. Do everything possible to make this process easier, because your pet really needs your care!
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.
How to discourage a cat from going out
If you are not happy with your cat walking, then you will have to spend a little effort to eradicate this habit. To begin with, in the first days of the festivities, you can try giving the cat special sedatives in the form of herbal or hormonal preparations.
Herbal medicines are safer and gently calm an animal that is nervous about what is happening to it. Hormonal drugs deal a dramatic blow to the cat’s endocrine system, so that he ceases to experience sexual desire.
Such drugs are fraught with the occurrence of a number of diseases in the animal, so they should not be abused.
Otherwise, your pet may be fed and kept by other people. Also, you will not be left in the dark, even if your pet suffers a sad fate.
But the most acceptable option may be castration of the cat. In this case, the animal will calm down, become completely tame and domestic, will not experience stress and torment several times a year, and will never die on the street, where it cannot survive in a warm and safe human home.
The estrus of the average Scottish Fold cat is no different from the estrus of the average straight-eared Scottish Straight cat - neither in terms of onset nor in its course. By the way, everything is similar for British cats too. However, each individual may have individual manifestations. We will talk about what the norm is and what deviations there are, as well as how Scottish cats walk.
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.
Tablets for calming the pet and owner
Owners of purebred animals usually look forward to the moment when their pet is ready to continue the family. If you wish, you can even look for candidates for the cat’s bride in advance, if he has a good pedigree. You can try to offer your cat as a groom to one of the cat owners you know, if he doesn’t have a breed, but is also handsome.
And yet this is not a solution to the problem, but only a way to survive one of the pet’s mating periods. Some cat owners prefer to train their pet to “love” something inanimate. Try offering your tailed don Juan a soft toy or his bedding. However, this method of correcting sexual activity also has disadvantages.
Any pet store or veterinary pharmacy has an impressive range of special medications for “cat love”. Drugs of this type are divided into two categories: sedatives and hormonal. The first ones are safer. They do not affect hormonal levels, but at the same time stabilize the functioning of the central nervous system.
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.
How often and for how long do cats walk?
If we talk about how many days a cat wants a cat, then the time varies for all individuals. For the first time, the pet usually walks for 5 to 7 days. There are animals that go into heat twice a year, but more often there are more active ones, “walking” once every 3-4 weeks with a heat duration of up to 10 days or more.
The cat is walking on what day should I take it with the cat?
The girl should wear some kind of visible identification - a tattoo or tattoo is certainly useful, but if the cat falls into the hands of ignorant people, it is just as good as nothing.
Of course, it is impossible to exclude it, but compared to other dangers that are on the sidelines, this is a fairly minor risk. In addition, you can purchase a special collar with a safety lock, which, for example, the tree is ready to open. The collar clearly states that the kitten belongs to someone that can protect her from people who have all free moving animals that are considered unprofitable and rescue them by offering them to lovers or finding another place for them to live. What to do if the kitten does not return from its crocodiles has already been described elsewhere. Yes, unfortunately, the kitten has become something bad.
In addition, many owners are interested in how many days a cat walks in March, since it is during this month that the animals’ reproductive instinct becomes more acute, and they often disappear from home. Usually this period lasts from 3 to 5 days, but it can drag on.
Several factors influence when a cat matures:
- Breed;
- Finding a male nearby;
- Dimensions of the animal;
- Cat color;
- Season.
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On average, a cat begins to go into heat for the first time at 6-8 months. However, the process is quite individual and may not start for longer. The start of estrus before one year is considered the norm.
If your pet does not go into heat before the age of 1 year, this is a deviation and you should immediately seek the help of a veterinarian.
The phenomenon known as “erased estrus” is common. In this case, the process of sexual interest is almost not manifested. Most often occurs in unhealthy cats.
The duration of the period depends on:
- Age;
- Time spent without a cat;
- Living conditions;
- Environment, weather, time of year;
- Nutritional features;
- The physical condition of the cat;
- The nature of the pet's body.
In pets, estrus most often lasts from 5 to 10 days. The first estrus may be short-lived. With age, the duration increases, as the pet’s hormonal background forms and changes. In different breeds, a duration of up to 20 days can be observed.
Estrus requires constant monitoring by the breeder. You need to know how long your pet normally goes into heat.
If the cat has not given birth, estrus occurs quite often - once every two weeks or month. If the owner wants to reduce the frequency of festivities, you can allow the animal to reproduce, or contact a veterinarian to prescribe hormonal medications.
The duration of estrus directly depends on the breed of the pet.
British women are known for the rarest periods of festivities. The first heat occurs at the age of 7 months. Over time, the regularity of ovulation and its duration are disrupted;
Scottish women are famous for their early puberty - at 5 months. The duration of estrus is up to 6 days, the frequency is several times a year.
- If there is a pet in the neighborhood who is in heat, he needs to be housed. As a rule, cats leak at the same time.
- If there is a cat nearby, it is also advisable to bring the animals closer together. If there is a male, the maturation of the egg will occur faster.
- If the cat is healthy, you can give vitamins and homeopathic remedies.
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.
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.
How to calm an animal without drugs
The easiest way to calm your cat at home is to give her the opportunity to spend time with the cat. But this option has many disadvantages, since constant pregnancies wear out the animal’s body quite a lot. That is why even purebred animals must be given enough time to restore their health.
And for owners of “noblewomen” this will result in a constant headache with the search for kind hands for kittens, of which there are from 3 to 8 in a litter. In addition, an animal that roams freely can become pregnant more than twice a year. You can try to calm and redirect the attention of an animal that is showing signs that the cat has gone on a spree:
- Involve her in active play so that she splashes out the excess energy that forms when she walks;
- Draw her attention to something rattling or rustling, for example, a crumpled newspaper;
- Due to decreased appetite, your pet should be fed a little less than usual, providing constant access to fresh water;
- Strangely enough, the sound of classical music (Mozart, Glinka, Beethoven, and others will do) helps to calm down a pet that is walking;
- Watching a music video will help calm your cat (special channels already exist);
- A light massage of the head and front legs will bring relief, the main thing is not to touch the back and back;
- Artificial ovulation, which is achieved either by contact with a castrato or manually, using a stick with cotton wool, can also calm the animal. It needs to be injected 2.5 cm into the cat’s vulva every 20 minutes for an hour, and then repeat the procedure after 12 hours;
- An animal, when it is walking, needs isolation from people and other animals, so it is better to close it in a separate room, putting a tray and a bowl of water there.
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.
Signs of the onset of sexual heat
It is not difficult to understand that a cat has gone on a spree, since with all her behavior she shows that she needs a cat. The usual habits of your pet change dramatically. Each cat may manifest itself differently during this period, but characteristic symptoms are present in all:
- the cat becomes very affectionate, following on the heels of the owner;
- the pet’s mood can change dramatically - she has just been affectionate and suddenly shows aggression;
- the animal's appetite is significantly reduced due to stress;
- the female meows a lot, loudly (the usual meow turns into a howl) at any time of the day, calling for a partner;
- the cat rubs against all objects in the house, leaving its scent, and can even mark its territory by splashing drops of urine on vertical surfaces;
- frequent movements at this time: roll from side to side or fall on the front paws, raising the pelvis and moving the tail to the side;
- the cat often licks the genitals;
- loss of interest in favorite toys and outdoor games;
- the cat strives to get out of the house into the street in any way possible in order to go in search of a male.
Loud meowing
If the owner notices at least a few of the listed signs in his furry pet, then most likely the cat has really started to go into heat.
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.
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.
Medicines to calm your cat
Good results are shown by a variety of drugs that can calm a cat during heat at home. Among them, ordinary sedatives like “Kota Bayun”, “Stop Stress”, “Suprastin” or decoctions of chamomile and thyme stand out.
On the other side of the scale are hormonal drugs like “Stop Sex”, “Contrasex”, “Anti-Meow” and others. They drown out the natural hormonal levels of the pet, bringing her relief, but it should be remembered that such drugs are very dangerous if used constantly without the advice of specialists.
An animal left without satisfying the reproductive instinct and fed such a drug to calm a roaming cat at home has an increased risk of forming various abscesses, cysts and inflammation of the genital organs, and problems with the functioning of the adrenal glands.
In advanced cases, the uterus, which has grown due to the tumor, can be larger in size than the animal. Of course, in this case the pet has very little chance of survival. In addition, the hormonal balance takes a very long time and is difficult to restore, which is why a couple of days of estrus, when the animal is actively walking, may seem like a lesser evil.
During a period of hormonal rebellion, most cats extremely favorably accept the attention of their owners. Try playing with your cat more often, picking him up and petting him. The most important thing is not to scold the animal or show aggression. Remember that your pet has little to no control over himself. His behavior is an external manifestation of an excess of hormones in his blood.
Calming a cat at home is not at all easy if he is constantly yelling and marking the apartment. One of the folk tricks that helps distract the animal for a while is to spray it with water. If you use this method, the cat will actually become silent for a while as it begins to lick itself. Still, water is not an effective remedy against cat tantrums, since very soon the screaming will resume. This method is not suitable for animals that are afraid of splashing water. A few minutes of silence for the owner will result in additional stress for the cat.
