How to Soothe Your Cat During the Heat Cycle

Unspayed female cats will enter the heat cycle, meaning they are ready to mate, which happens every 3-4 weeks. Typically, female cats will yowl, screech, writhe, and attempt to attract or escape from male cats. Soothing a female cat during this time is not an easy task, and more importantly, it's a temporary solution. This is a natural and normal behavior when a cat goes into heat, regardless of how much it may annoy the owner. If you're unable to manage it, consider seeking a long-term solution instead of relying on temporary measures.

Recognizing that your cat is in heat. You need to make sure the behavior your cat is showing signals they are in heat and not sick. Unspayed cats will make a lot of noise, become anxious, rub against people and objects, and roll on the floor. If you stroke their lower back, they will respond by lifting their pelvis and moving their tail to the side.

• The typical mating season for cats is from mid-spring to late summer. They will enter heat during this time of the year.
• Ensure that your cat is in heat and not sick. If your cat appears anxious but does not rub against objects or move their tail to the side, they might be unwell. You should take your cat to a veterinarian to find out what's wrong.

Keep the female cat separated from male cats. At this stage, the female cat becomes even more agitated in the presence of a male cat. Do not let her outside, and make sure all windows are closed and doors locked, including the pet door. To calm the female cat (and prevent pregnancy), keep her away from male cats. Isolation also ensures her safety as she might try to escape if she senses a male cat outside.

• If you have a male cat in the house, you should arrange for a friend or hire someone to care for the male cat for a few weeks. If the two cats are together, they will mate naturally.
• If the female cat can see the male through a window, you need to cover the window with curtains or cardboard.

Let the cat sit on a warm surface. While this method is not foolproof, some people believe that a female cat sitting on a heated pad or warm towel becomes calmer and quieter. A microwaveable heating pad is one of the easiest options as it can be quickly reheated when the cat starts to become agitated again. Alternatively, you can use an electric heating pad or blanket.

Only use catnip if it helps calm them down. Cats have different reactions to this plant. Some cats become relaxed and calm when given catnip, while others may become hyperactive and aggressive. If you're unsure how your cat will respond to catnip, it's best to avoid using it, as it might worsen the situation.

• Keep in mind that this is a temporary measure, but it could bring some peace for you for an hour or two.

Check if herbal remedies work. There are various herbal products on the market designed to calm cats. Some people have had success with these, but no single remedy works for all cats. Additionally, your cat may not respond to certain products. It's advisable to purchase a sample set and try different remedies. Once you find a product that works, you can buy it in bulk.

• Follow the instructions on the label. You can add the product to the cat's water, rub a few drops on its fur, or use it as a room air freshener.
• Do not use human products, as their dosage may be too high for cats.

Use Feliway in the house. Feliway is a synthetic feline pheromone that helps calm cats. However, it takes a few weeks of exposure to be effective, so it won't work immediately. If your cat is not spayed, you should consider using a Feliway diffuser at the start of the breeding season (spring). This way, the pheromone will already be in your cat's system whenever she enters the breeding cycle.

Clean the litter box. Cats often use urine to mark their scent and attract male cats during their mating season. By keeping the litter box clean, you can encourage your cat to use it correctly instead of marking in the house. If your cat continues to mark the area, you should clean and neutralize the scent immediately. Leaving the urine smell will only prompt your cat to continue marking.

• Avoid using cleaning products that contain bleach. The ammonia in these cleaners can mimic the smell of urine, encouraging the cat to mark the spot again.

Play with your cat. This method may provide a temporary distraction, but the cat will likely resume meowing as soon as playtime ends. Actions like petting, scratching, or stroking the lower back might be more effective if the cat is calm enough to allow such contact.

Spay your cat. This procedure removes the ovaries, preventing the cat from going into heat. It also prevents pregnancy and reduces the risk of cancers and other diseases.

• If you can't afford the surgery, look for low-cost spaying services. Many clinics offer this at reduced rates to help control the stray cat population.
• Search for low-cost spaying options in your area through the USDA's database.
• The ovarian tissue may remain, allowing the cat to reproduce even after surgery. If this happens, consult your veterinarian.

Wait until the heat cycle ends before spaying. The vet can perform the spaying procedure at any point during your cat's hormonal cycle, even during the sensitive period. However, there is an increased risk of blood loss if the procedure is done later in the cycle. While this option is feasible, it is advisable to consult an experienced veterinarian first.

Hormone therapy should only be considered as a last resort. Prostaglandin and estrogen hormones may be used to prevent a cat's estrous cycle. However, this method has serious side effects, including uterine infections and tumor formation. Due to these significant risks, it should only be used when spaying the cat is not feasible. Always consult with a veterinarian before using hormones, whether prescribed or bought from a pet store. Even if medical reasons prevent you from spaying your cat, the risks will not necessarily help calm the cat.