Cats are known to be very vocal animals. They love to communicate with each other through their meows.
If you want to stop your cat from meowing, then you should try these simple steps.
Cats are social creatures who often live together in groups. This means they rely on each other for protection and companionship. As such, cats are naturally curious and playful.
When a female cat goes into heat, she will start to purr loudly and rub against objects.
She also starts to act aggressively towards her male counterpart. The only way to stop your cat from going into heat is to spay or neuter them.
The best time to do this is when the kitten is around six months old. You can wait until it reaches sexual maturity at about one year of age.
Keep on reading to find out more!
Contents
- 1 What Is A Cat In Heat?
- 2 At What Age Will My Cat Go Into Heat?
- 3 Is It Normal For Cats To Meow When In Heat?
- 4 Can I Prevent My Cat From Going Into Heat?
- 5 What Are The Other Signs That My Cat Is In Heat?
- 6 Calming A Cat In Heat Down
- 7 How Do I Stop My Cat’s Heat?
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 8.1 Why Do Some Cats Stay In Heat Longer Than Others?
- 8.2 What Are The Signs Of Heat Stress?
- 8.3 How Can I Help My Cat During Her Heat?
- 8.4 What’s The Best Routine For Cats In Heat?
- 8.5 What Can I Do to Distract My Cat?
- 8.6 What Are The Benefits Of Catnip For Cats In Heat?
- 8.7 Do Cats Stop Yowling After Mating?
- 8.8 What Does Heat Look Like In Cats?
- 8.9 Can My Male Cat Meow Because Of Going Into Heat?
- 9 Final Thoughts
What Is A Cat In Heat?
When a female cat reaches a particular age, they go into what is known as ‘heat’. During this time period, they are at their most fertile and are ready to mate.
A cat in heat is a female cat that has not yet had any kittens. When a female cat enters heat, she will begin to purr loudly and scratch herself. This is because she wants to attract a potential mate.
She may also start rubbing against things as well as trying to climb up high places.
If you have noticed any of these behaviors in your cat, then you need to take action immediately.
At What Age Will My Cat Go Into Heat?
A cat’s first heat cycle usually occurs between two and three years of age. However, some females may go into heat earlier than this.
This depends on how much activity they get during their early life.
For example, if they spend too long indoors, then they may never develop enough muscle mass to produce hormones.
This could mean that they will go into heat later in life. On the other hand, if they play outside regularly, then they will probably go into heat sooner.
Is It Normal For Cats To Meow When In Heat?
It is normal for cats to meow when in heat. This is because they are communicating with each other and potential mates. They are using their meows as a form of geolocation.
They use their meows to tell the males where they are located. This helps him find them easier.
He will also use his meows to warn other members of his group that there is an intruder nearby. He does this by making loud noises to scare off predators and intruders.
Female cats that meow loudly and for long periods of time are probably going through their heat or estrus and are actively announcing that they are available to mates.
The meowing may sound more like yowling and have a higher volume indicating that they are ready for a mate-they are designed to be attention-grabbing, and although they sound annoying to us humans, it is a serenade to them.
Unfortunately, the cycle can last for up to a week and so you will hear their songs day-in, day-out.
The yowling is natural and so there is not much you can do to prevent it except by getting her spayed. When the cat is a few months old and in heat, it may be quite unnerving.
It is always a good idea to contact your vet when you notice these behavior changes so that they can check out the cat if there is any other problem worrying them.
Can I Prevent My Cat From Going Into Heat?
Although your female cat has a biological need to be mated with, yes, you can prevent your cat from going into heat.
The most effective way to do so is by using a birth control method called spaying or neutering.
You should do this before your cat reaches sexual maturity. This is usually around one year of age. Spaying or neutering your cat will help reduce the chances of her having litters.
If you have not had a chance to spay her, in the meantime, you should keep her away from male cats.
If there is an un-neutered male cat around in the neighborhood, he will be attracted to her and will seek her out at all costs. Therefore, they should be kept away from each other.
If they are in the same house, it is wise to isolate them in separate rooms to keep them away from each other.
Make the room as comfortable as possible, with food, water, comfy spots to sleep and lots of toys to keep them preoccupied.
Alternatively, if the threat is outside, just keep the female cat indoors at all times while she is in heat. That way, you can control the access male cats have to her.
This may prove difficult as the males will come from all corners of the earth to find her.
When you leave the house, it may be a good idea to isolate her in a room before opening up the front door because her urges will make her bolt outside.
What’s more, try to keep windows and doors locked. Cats are quite resourceful and will try to open up doors and windows to get out.
If you have a cat door, make sure that it is shut at all times. Even mosquito mesh may be clawed at to get through, so they are not completely cat proof.
As mentioned, however, the most effective way to avoid unwanted kittens is by spaying the cat. Female cats can be spayed at your veterinary clinic at any stage of their cycle.
What Are The Other Signs That My Cat Is In Heat?
Cats don’t always show signs of being in heat. Sometimes, they just seem like they want attention. They may even try to jump up onto people’s laps.
Other times, they may rub themselves against objects. Your cat may also start rubbing herself against things. This is because she wants to attract a mate. This is because they want to mark their territory.
They may also start scratching themselves more often. This is because they feel uncomfortable and want to relieve stress.
There are many different ways that you can tell if your cat is in heat. You may notice that she seems to be acting differently.
For instance, she may start spending more time grooming herself. She may also start marking her territory more frequently.
She may also start showing interest in mating. These are all signs that she is in heat.
When she does meow, it may sound deeper or of a higher pitch, depending.
They also can experience mood swings and will stop at nothing to get out of the house and out in the world looking for potential mates.
Additionally, female cats in heat can exhibit needy or demanding behavior. This is because their hormones are all over the place and will change the way they behave drastically.
They may seek you out for more attention, do what is called the “commando crawl” across the floor, which to the untrained eye looks like they are in pain.
They also tend to squirm and roll around and will also try to get your attention in any way possible-jumping on you, cuddling you-really getting into your space.
She may even show her rear end to you as much as possible as a way of flirting with you.
All these behaviors are completely normal for a cat in heat, even though you may feel exhausted.
Although not common, some female cats can spray urine to mark their territory during their heat cycles.
Their urine is filled with pheromones and markers used to attract potential mates. Unfortunately, this behavior will only stop when she is spayed.
While she is still not spayed, make sure that her litter box is accessible and clean at all times to encourage her using it.
If she does scent mark in your house, you can get rid of the smell by spraying vinegar on the area that is covered in urine.
Make a solution of equal parts water and vinegar and place in a spray bottle. The acid in the vinegar will neutralize the alkaline in the urine.
Alternatively, you can use enzyme-based cleaners to remove odors from fabrics, furniture, and carpets.
The enzymes will break down the odor compounds in the urine and take away the smell.
Importantly, you should not use products that contain ammonia to remove urine smells. That is because ammonia is a component of urine, which may even make the smell worse.
As soon as you notice that she has made a mark somewhere, deodorize it with a vinegar solution or enzymatic cleaner as soon as possible.
At a pinch, you can use biological detergent diluted in water to get rid of the smell.
Calming A Cat In Heat Down
During her heat, a female cat is quite uncomfortable and feels quite anxious during this period because they want to get out and exercise their biological needs.
Therefore, you need to make sure they remain calm as possible during this period.
You can do this by providing them with plenty of space to run around and play. Also, provide them with enough food and water.
It is important to give them some sort of stimulation, such as playing with them. However, ensure that you don’t overdo it. Otherwise, they might end up getting too excited and become stressed.
If they are already stressed, then you may need to take them to the vet. There are certain medications that can help them relax.
If you notice that they are becoming agitated, then you should probably put them in another room until they have cooled down.
This allows them to cool off without having to go outside where they could potentially hurt themselves.
In addition, you should try to keep other pets away from them. Otherwise, they might accidentally bite them.
Also, consider keeping them inside when you know there are going to be visitors coming into the house. This will prevent them from getting too excited and causing trouble.
If you have a cat who has been isolated from other cats, then you could play some music.
Playing music helps to relax cats and makes them less stressed. It also helps to distract them from their urge to hunt and chase.
Particular scents can also calm cats down. This can be achieved with a Feliway diffuser. This is a synthetic pheromone which will signal to the cat that they are safe and so will calm and soothe her completely.
Although it does not work instantaneously, over time the diffuser works quite nicely at reducing stress for your cat.
Making your cat comfortable is the main thing to do. Try not to deviate from routine too much, as this may make your cat feel disorientated or distressed during their heat cycle.
Keep food available at all times as her eating habits will change while she is going through this period.
How Do I Stop My Cat’s Heat?
To stop a cat from going into heat, there are only two options-allowing them to mate or by taking them to be spayed.
Unfortunately, there is no cure or fix for a cat on heat to alleviate their pain or to end their cycle.
If you do allow them to mate with a male cat, your cat will fall pregnant, and they will have kittens.
However, be sure that you actually want the kittens because there are too many kittens in shelters that are not adopted.
In regard to spaying, a cat should be spayed before it reaches puberty. However, as mentioned previously, a cat in heat can be spayed, even though it is better to do so when they are out of cycle.
This is because the uterus of the cat when she is in heat is inflamed and swollen, which may create complications in surgery and may endanger or damage the cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Do Some Cats Stay In Heat Longer Than Others?
Some cats stay in heat longer than others. This is due to genetics. If your cat is very active, then he may be more likely to remain in heat longer.
What Are The Signs Of Heat Stress?
They undergo mood swings, are determined to leave the house, and become extremely vocal.
How Can I Help My Cat During Her Heat?
You can distract your cat with play, fun activities, and affection. Make sure that you provide comfort to your cat, even though their meowing may irritate you.
Try to make her an area in the house that is super comfortable and has all of her favorite toys and treats around.
It is a difficult time for her to go through, and so you should try to be as supportive as possible for your cats.
What’s The Best Routine For Cats In Heat?
A reliable, dependable routine is pivotal for all cats, which goes double for a cat in heat. While your cat is in heat, you should feed and play with her at the expected times.
Unsanitary conditions are a key stressor in felines, so make sure her environment is clean.
What Can I Do to Distract My Cat?
Treat-based puzzles may redirect a cat’s mental focus away from its heat.
What Are The Benefits Of Catnip For Cats In Heat?
Catnip will provide a sense of bliss, offering short-term relief from a hormonal imbalance of estrus.
Do Cats Stop Yowling After Mating?
Yes, they should. This is because they will have attracted a mate and done the job.
Once they have been mated with, the female cats may even show aggression towards male cats that are around after the mating period is over.
What Does Heat Look Like In Cats?
In male cats, the presentation of mating season is quite obvious, in a physical sense. Female cats go through heat multiple times in a year and can go into heat at any age-from as early as four months.
During this time, your female cat will experience mood swings, behavior changes and also can become very needy for attention and affection.
Unfortunately, there are no real ways to alleviate a cat’s discomfort during their heat. To avoid going into heat, the cat will need to be spayed as soon as she can.
Can My Male Cat Meow Because Of Going Into Heat?
Male cats do not go in heat per se, they mature sexually and then go on the prowl.
A male cat that meows or yowls is usually linked to mark their territory or to show off their desire to procreate with a female. It can be a way to aggravate other male cats and ward them off.
Final Thoughts
In the end, there is no sure-shot way of stopping your cat in heat from meowing unless you mate or spay her. However, several methods can help you lower or eliminate the meowing for some time.
So, if you are not planning on getting your cat neutered some time soon, you might want to prepare for some sleepless nights.