How to calm a cat during heat

Every cat's body reacts differently to the process during heat. However, a pet's behavior definitely changes during this time. Furthermore, owners are also concerned about their cat's well-being, often unsure how to calm them during heat. The most difficult time, when patience is essential, lasts on average a week. This period is a test not only for the cat but also for her owners, as the animal's nervousness, moodiness, and excitability are at their peak.

There are several ways to calm a cat, but it's best to get advice on which methods to use from your cat's veterinarian. It's also important to ensure before visiting the veterinarian that your pet's symptoms and signs are related to her period and not to other conditions or illnesses.

Signs of estrus

Cats' estrus cycles are different from menstruation in humans. Some owners are surprised to learn that there is no bloody discharge during this period in this species. First, it's important to know that the first estrus cycle can occur as early as 6-7 months of age, though in rare cases, the first estrus cycle occurs after 12-16 months.

You should pay attention to the condition of your genitals: during menstruation they become swollen and puffy.

There are several more indirect signs:

• frequent urination and changes in urine volume;
• the presence of mucous discharge from the genitals;
• a desire to lick more frequently, especially the rear part of the body;
• a sharp change in appetite, which can be expressed either as excessive appetite or as a refusal to eat;
• a wide range of different sounds that are not typical at other times (screams, howls, loud or plaintive meowing, prolonged purring, etc.);
• changes in behavior, expressed in the desire to rub against people, arching and raising the back of the body, the desire to roll on the floor;
• a sharp change in mood from affection to aggression.

Ways to calm an animal

There are several options for relieving a cat's condition during heat. Veterinarians divide them into two main groups: non-medicinal and medication-based. Aside from more radical measures to calm a cat during heat, such as spaying or mating, none of these can guarantee success.

Non-drug

Among them, the following stand out:

• knitting;
• insulation;
• increased attention and care from the owner;
• physical activity;
• special diet.

Each of them should be considered separately.

• KnittingThis is one of the most effective ways to calm an animal. However, it's important to remember that pregnancy should be avoided at an early age (before 1 year), as there's a high risk of non-viable offspring and the risk of not only damaging the health but also losing the pet from complications during birth.

An alternative option is to use a sterilized male cat, which will prevent pregnancy even if mating occurs during heat. In many cases, this is the optimal solution, as the cat's condition quickly returns to normal after intercourse. However, it's important to remember that a male cat may not always be interested in a mate, so in some cases, several attempts may be necessary to find a suitable partner.

• Insulation. There are times when being around people only exacerbates the problems that arise during a heat cycle. In these cases, it's advisable to temporarily isolate your pet in a separate room where she can be left to her own devices. This is also recommended if the cat's anxiety peaks at night, which can be nerve-wracking and irritating to the owners, leading to tension in the home. The best solution is to limit contact with the cat until she calms down.
• Increased attentionOften, it is the owner's care that helps the pet maintain a relatively calm state.

Affection and care can work wonders, but it is important to remember that you should not stroke the tail, as this can provoke tension in the muscles near the genitals, which will further aggravate the situation.

But hugs and gentle strokes behind the ear will help relieve tension and calm the manifestations of instincts.

• Physical activityYou can increase your cat's activity level through active play. This method will be appreciated by your cat, as all pets love playing with their owners. After increased physical activity and fatigue, a natural rest period will begin. This will calm your pet down and allow her to rest comfortably during her heat cycle.
• DietAll veterinarians recommend following a special feeding schedule during heat, with the main meal scheduled in the evening. A slight reduction in calorie intake, combined with increased fluid intake, will help calm the cat.

Medicinal

These methods are considered more effective, but at the same time they can cause side effects, so they should be used with caution.

The most common ones are:

• pheromones;
• homeopathic remedies;
• sedatives;
• hormonal agents;
• sterilization.

A veterinarian may prescribe sedatives or hormonal medications to reduce the symptoms of estrus. However, using these without consultation is dangerous—many medications have side effects with long-term use.

Among the drugs, the following are distinguished:

• mild sedatives based on herbs and amino acids;

• hormonal agents that temporarily block the cycle;

• vitamins and supplements that support the nervous system.

It is important to remember that hormonal drugs should not be used too frequently, as they can lead to the development of cysts and other problems with the reproductive system.

PheromonesPheromone-based products often help calm a distressed cat. The most well-known product is Feliway, which is available as a fumigator, collar, and spray. It should be used cautiously when first starting out to ensure the cat is not allergic to any of the ingredients.

In recent years, special products have become available—pheromone diffusers, sprays, and collars. They help create a sense of security and reduce anxiety in cats.

Types of pheromone products:

The use of pheromones is especially important in apartments, where it is difficult to ensure silence and complete isolation of the animal.

HomeopathyVeterinarians prescribe such remedies, advising which homeopathic pharmacies they can be purchased from. Sometimes decoctions based on lemon balm, caraway, mint, or chamomile are effective in providing relief.

It is important to remember that the effect of such decoctions will last only a few hours, but even this time sometimes allows the animal to recover and rest from the stress of estrus.

Sedatives. Such medications will help make your pet less aggressive. The synthesis of sex hormones is not disrupted, but nervous system activity is slightly suppressed. Don't be alarmed if your cat becomes slightly drowsier than usual—this is normal when using sedatives.

Hormonal agentsSuch medications have many side effects, so they should be used with extreme caution. From the vast selection of similar medications, it's important to select one that is appropriate in terms of action and dosage for the animal's breed. Ideally, this selection should be made by a veterinarian.

SterilizationThis is the most effective method, which not only solves problems with periodic heat cycles but also reduces the risk of reproductive diseases. However, when deciding on spaying, it's important to remember that this method is irreversible, permanently depriving the animal of the chance to reproduce.

The operation can be performed from 6-8 months, but the final decision is made in consultation with a veterinarian.

Comparison of methods

To clearly show the differences, we provide a table:

What should the owner choose?

There's no one-size-fits-all method: for some families, pheromones and play are sufficient, while others resort to medication or sterilization. The main rule is to avoid experimenting with strong remedies and always consult a veterinarian.

If your cat is going through heat for the first time, you can try gentle methods: privacy, attention from your owner, and pheromones. If the behavior is too severe, consider more radical solutions.

How long does a cat's heat last? video

Read also:

• Discharge in a cat during pregnancy
• Stop-stress for cats
• How to calm a cat at home