Many cat owners are interested in learning when and what to expect when their furry friends first indicate that they are in heat. Comprehending this phase of a cat’s existence aids owners in anticipating and handling their pet’s conduct during these periods.
A cat usually makes its first mate request between the ages of six and twelve months. This phase, which can differ based on the breed, is significant as it signifies the start of their reproductive cycle.
This stage, which occurs when your cat first walks or goes into heat, can extend from a few days to a week. It usually occurs several times a year, so owners will need to be mindful of it on a regular basis.
| First time a cat asks for a mate | Usually starts between 6 to 10 months old |
| How long it lasts | Typically 4 to 7 days |
| How often it happens | Every 2 to 3 weeks during mating season |
At what age does a cat ask for a cat for the first time?
The body of a cat starts to prepare for reproduction at a certain age, and females start to go into heat. The ovarian follicles reach maturity at this stage. The hormonal background of the animal varies. Large amounts of the hormone estrogen are secreted, which causes the blood supply to the genitalia to increase and the appearance of transparent vaginal discharge.
Puberty of a cat
The scientific term for estrous in cats is estrus. It usually starts when the child is 6 to 8 months old. The first heat in some females happens at 4 months, while the reproductive system matures closer to 12 months in others due to the individualized nature of this process and its dependence on numerous factors.
A one-year-old cat should be shown to a veterinarian if she hasn’t entered estrus yet. Occasionally, the pet exhibits nearly no behavioral changes that are typical of sexual hunting during estrus. We refer to this state as "erased estrus." In this situation, you should also speak with a specialist because these symptoms could point to health issues.
The female is not necessarily ready to bear children just because she starts to walk. The onset of the first estrus indicates that the cat is physiologically mature. Cats do not reach full sexual maturity until they are 18 months old.
What determines the timing of the first estrus?
The exact age at which a teenage cat starts to ask for a cat depends on their unique physical attributes as well as certain environmental factors. The factors that have the biggest effects on sexual maturation are as follows:
- Breed. It has been established that females of some breeds reach sexual maturity at an earlier age than most domestic cats. Early onset of estrus is observed in Thai, Siamese, Burmese and Oriental cats, St. Petersburg sphinxes. Late maturation is often observed in females of the Persian breed, Neva Masquerade, and Maine Coons.
- Features of the physique. More graceful and elegant females with thin bones mature faster than their stocky and large relatives.
- Time of year when the cat was born. In females born in winter or spring, estrus begins in spring or summer. In animals born in the summer or autumn months, maturation lasts longer.
- Living conditions. Pets living in an apartment mature more slowly than street cats.
- Features of temperament. Mobile active cats reach sexual maturity at an earlier age. In slow, sedentary, calm females, estrus begins later.
- Heredity. The ability to reproduce and the timing of maturation also depend on genetic predisposition.
See also: When does a cat enter estrus, how long does it last, how frequently does it occur, and how can I calm my cat during estrus?
How does estrus proceed??
There is a wide range of behavioral responses that indicate estrus. The female’s calling cry, which she uses to try to entice a male, is the most obvious sign that it is about to start. But estrus is not just seen in the outward sign of sexual hunting. There are multiple stages to this intricate process, which is hormone-regulated.
Periods of the estrous cycle
There are four phases to the estrous cycle in cats. Every one of them has a specific duration and unique characteristics:
- Proestrus. This is the first stage, which lasts up to 4 days. Proestrus is characterized by anxiety. The pet rubs against interior items, becomes more affectionate, obsessively demands that the owner stroke her, makes quiet sounds.
- Estrus. The duration of this stage is about 10 days. Estrus is manifested by louder meowing. The female actively searches for a male for mating, when stroked, she presses herself to the floor, bends her hind legs and stretches out her tail. If the female needs to become pregnant, she is brought together with a male cat at this time.
- Metestrus. During this period, the cat"s sexual desire decreases. If fertilization has occurred, she becomes indifferent to males, and sometimes even shows aggression towards them. Duration of metestrus is from 3 to 12 days.
- Anestrus. The last stage of estrus. Sexual hunting ends, the pet"s behavior becomes the same.
Signs of estrus
There are telltale indicators that indicate when the female is walking. The second stage of estrus is when they are most noticeable. However, a few modifications may also signal the start of the sexual hunting process:
- the pet often visits the litter box;
- a change in mood is observed, an affectionate cat can suddenly become aggressive;
- appetite decreases, and sometimes disappears completely;
- discharge from the vagina appears.
Elevated hormone levels have an impact on female behavior. During the active stage of estrus, the following manifestations are seen:
- Obsessive affection. The pet literally does not leave the owner, constantly rubs against his legs, demands attention.
- Mating positions. A cat, with any touch, takes a pose indicating her readiness for mating. She bends and raises the back of her body, stretching out her tail.
- Screams. Luring the cat, the female screams loudly. Screams during sexual hunting cannot be confused with anything.
- Desire to get out of the house. Following the sexual instinct, the animal seeks to go outside the apartment to find a partner.
See also: "The cat is untied" – what does this indicate, when can a cat mate for the first time with a male, and how does mating happen?
Duration of estrus in cats
Estrus’s active phase typically lasts five to ten days. The process’s length varies according to factors like age, breed, season, health, and living situation. First estrus can happen more quickly. Estrus lasts longer in adult cats due to changes in their hormonal background.
The owner can precisely count the number of days the estrus lasted if he pays close attention to his pet. The duration won’t change in the future. Those who raise purebred animals need to know this information.
A protracted estrus could indicate the development of a tumor, cyst, or ovarian disease. In a veterinary clinic, ultrasound can help identify the issue and clarify the diagnosis.
Frequency of estrus
Cats typically go into estrus two to four times a year on average. The presence of previous pregnancies, genetics, and physiological characteristics all affect how frequently an egg releases. Women who have given birth typically walk less frequently. Every three to four months, and occasionally every six months, they go through estrus. It takes around a month for sexual desire to return after giving birth. Every month, non-pregnant cats request a male cat. Estrous cycles become less frequent, happen more quickly, and have milder symptoms as people age.
Though this can vary, a cat usually goes into heat for the first time around six months of age. If the cat isn’t spayed or doesn’t mate, the cycle may happen every few weeks and typically lasts between seven and ten days. Your cat may become more talkative, cuddly, and restless during this period. This behavior, which varies yearly based on the season and the health of the cat, is an inherent aspect of the reproductive cycle in cats.
Cats usually experience their first heat between the ages of 6 and 10 months, though this can vary based on breed and individual development. This phase, which typically lasts between seven and ten days after the cat begins "walking," can be difficult for both the cat and her owners.
The cycle can repeat itself every two to three weeks if she doesn’t mate, especially during the spring and summer when cats are most active. It’s important to understand that while the frequency and severity can change, they typically persist until the cat is spayed or gets pregnant.
You can better meet your cat’s needs if you understand how she behaves during this period. Spaying is a highly recommended option to avoid the stress of repeated heat cycles if you do not intend to breed.
