When a cat goes into heat, it means she is ready to mate and become pregnant. This is known as estrus in females. A cat’s heat cycle begins around 6 months of age and repeats roughly every 2-3 weeks if she is not spayed.
There are several signs that a cat is in heat:
- Increased vocalization like loud meowing and yowling
- Rubbing, rolling, and restlessness
- Raising hindquarters when scratched near the base of the tail
- Spraying urine around the house
- Attempting to escape outdoors to find a mate
These behaviors result from hormonal changes in the cat and a biological drive to mate. While annoying for owners, it’s a natural part of a cat’s reproductive cycle.
Spaying
Spaying a cat involves surgically removing the ovaries and uterus, which permanently stops cats from going into heat cycles by removing the organs responsible for heat (1). The surgery is performed while the cat is under general anesthesia, and requires an incision in the abdomen. Most cats recover fully within 7-10 days.
Spaying is highly recommended by vets because it provides many benefits. Spaying before the first heat cycle reduces the risk of mammary cancer, uterine infections, and ovarian cancer (2). Spaying also eliminates heat cycles and behaviors associated with going into heat, like unrest, vocalizing, and attempting to escape outdoors. Overall, spaying improves cats’ health and behaviors.
Sources:
(1) https://www.smalldoorvet.com/learning-center/medical/spaying-cats-everything-you-need-to-know/
(2) https://bettervet.com/resources/pet-health-care/can-you-spay-a-cat-in-heat
Contraceptives
There are some medications that can temporarily prevent cats from going into heat by inhibiting ovulation. One medication commonly used for this purpose is megestrol acetate (MA). MA works by suppressing the hormonal signals in the brain that trigger ovulation and heat cycles in cats. It has been shown to be effective in halting estrus or heat in female cats when administered properly.
According to the Alley Cat Allies, megestrol acetate prevents pregnancy by inhibiting ovulation. Research has demonstrated its ability to stop estrus or heat in female cats. The typical dosage is 5-20 mg given orally every 24-48 hours. It’s important to follow veterinary guidance on the proper dosage and administration. MA can be an effective short-term contraceptive option, but it does not provide permanent sterilization.
Some key points about MA:
- Prevents female cats from going into heat and getting pregnant when given regularly
- Does not spay the cat or have lasting contraceptive effects after stopping medication
- Requires ongoing oral administration to remain effective
- Veterinary oversight is recommended
Other oral contraceptives may also be options but tend to be less commonly used in cats. Consult a veterinarian to discuss medication options for temporarily preventing estrus and pregnancy in female cats.
Progestins
Progestins such as megestrol acetate are synthetic hormones that can be used to suppress a cat’s heat cycle. Megestrol acetate prevents the normal surge of follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone that triggers ovulation, essentially halting the heat cycle (Source: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/megestrol-acetate). It is available in pill form that can be given orally on a daily basis.
Megestrol acetate does come with some side effects such as weight gain, diabetes, and uterine disease. It should only be used under the supervision of a veterinarian. Some key points about megestrol acetate (Source: https://www.maddiesfund.org/megestrol-acetate-faq.htm):
- It prevents ovulation and interrupts the feline heat cycle when given daily.
- It does not spay the cat or have permanent effects on fertility – the heat cycle returns when medication is stopped.
- It should not be given to pregnant cats as it can cause birth defects.
- A veterinarian should monitor the cat while on megestrol acetate.
Overall, progestins like megestrol acetate can be an option to temporarily suppress a cat’s heat cycles but monitoring by a vet is essential.
Suprelorin Implants
One option for preventing a female cat from going into heat is using Suprelorin implants. Suprelorin is a hormone implant that is injected under the skin and steadily releases deslorelin over 6-12 months (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26323800/). Deslorelin is a gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist that prevents the production of reproductive hormones FSH and LH, which results in suppressed ovulation and heat cycles (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1098612X15594990).
Studies have shown Suprelorin implants to be effective at preventing female cats from going into heat for around 12 months after administration when given at an appropriate dose (https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/3/379). The effects are reversible once the implant stops releasing hormones. Suprelorin provides an alternative to traditional spaying and allows cats to retain their reproductive capacity after discontinuation.
Side Effects
While megestrol acetate can be effective at preventing cats from going into heat, it does carry potential side effects. Some of the more common side effects include increased appetite, weight gain, lethargy, and behavior changes according to VCA Animal Hospitals. More serious potential side effects to be aware of include:
Pyometra (uterine infection): Megestrol acetate can increase the risk of life-threatening pyometra in cats by causing cystic endometrial hyperplasia. Pyometra must be treated quickly with emergency surgery and antibiotics.
Diabetes: Megestrol acetate may induce or worsen diabetes in cats, so blood sugar levels need to be monitored during treatment.
Bone issues: Long-term use of megestrol acetate can lead to bone marrow suppression and osteoporosis in cats.
Due to these potential risks, megestrol acetate requires close veterinary supervision and monitoring while being used. Safer alternatives may be preferable for some cat owners.
Non-medical Options
There are some non-medical options cat owners can try to help calm a cat in heat.
Pheromone sprays like Feliway contain synthetic pheromones that can help reduce anxiety and calm restless behavior in cats. Spraying it around the house, especially in your cat’s favorite spots, may help ease some of the symptoms of being in heat according to https://www.holistapet.com/blogs/cat-care/how-to-calm-a-feline-in-heat. However, results can vary from cat to cat.
Confinement during heat cycles can also be effective. Keeping your cat confined to one room with food, water, litter box, toys, and bedding can limit negative behaviors and make clean up easier. It also prevents roaming and potential mating with stray cats. Be sure to give your cat attention and playtime during confinement.
When to See a Vet
There are some situations when a cat in heat should be taken to the vet. If a cat’s heat cycles last longer than several weeks or occur too frequently, this can indicate an underlying health issue that requires medical attention (source). Persistent heat cycles can lead to behavioral problems from constant irritability. The vet can run tests to check for conditions like ovarian cysts or uterine infections causing prolonged heats.
Another sign to see the vet is if a cat in heat stops eating or experiences a loss of appetite. This could signal the heat cycle is taking a physical toll on the cat’s health. Lethargy, vomiting, or diarrhea during a heat cycle also warrants a vet visit to rule out illness. Additionally, a vet should examine any abnormal vaginal discharge like bleeding between cycles. With medical guidance, these issues related to heat can often be resolved or managed.
Making a Decision
When your cat goes into heat, you have a few options to help calm her down. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of each option to determine what is best for your individual cat and situation.
Spaying your cat is the only permanent solution to ending her heat cycles. While it requires minor surgery, spaying has significant health and behavioral benefits for your cat. According to the ASPCA, spaying can reduce the risk of some cancers as well as eliminate behaviors associated with heat cycles and pregnancy (www.aspca.org).
There are also temporary solutions like contraceptives and pheromone diffusers. Contraceptives like Suprelorin implants work for 6-12 months to prevent ovulation. They avoid surgery but require repeat veterinary visits (www.holistapet.com). Feliway pheromone diffusers can provide some calming effects during heat cycles but don’t address long-term issues.
Consider your cat’s age, health, personality and your own preferences. Discuss options with your veterinarian to determine the best solution to help your cat through her heat cycles.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while there are some medical options like progestins, Suprelorin implants, and herbal supplements that may temporarily delay or prevent a cat’s heat, spaying remains the best and most effective solution for most cat owners. Spaying completely stops the heat cycle and has additional health and behavioral benefits. For owners who want to breed their cat or are not ready to spay, the available medical options can provide temporary relief from heat symptoms. But these options have potential side effects and do not offer a permanent solution. At the end of the day, consulting with your veterinarian is the best way to decide if and when to spay your cat or explore other medical options to manage her heat cycles.
The decision depends on your individual cat and circumstances. But spaying offers the most definitive, safe and reliable way to prevent a female cat from going into heat. It improves long-term health and typically leads to a happier, better-behaved cat. While heat symptoms in an intact cat can be managed to some degree, spaying provides the best outcome for most cats and owners.