How many days does a cat walk?

When deciding to bring a cat into the home, you need to be prepared for the fact that sooner or later that moment "X" will arrive, when insomnia will knock on your door and your nervous system will be put to a severe test. Simply put, your cat will go into heat.

When does a cat start walking?

Phase puberty In cats, the estrus cycle ranges from 6 to 9 months, and in some individuals, it can be several months later. In any case, the first heat should begin before the age of 1 year; any later is considered unhealthy. It's not difficult to recognize that a cat has started to "want" to estrus. Her behavior changes dramatically, causing a lot of inconvenience to the household. And the saddest thing about this situation is that it's impossible to calm your pet's raging emotions through traditional discipline.

The onset of estrus is characterized by the following signs:

• A loud purring, turning into guttural calling cries.
• Frequent urination, reluctance to use the litter box, marking territory.
• Adopting characteristic poses with squatting on the front paws and sticking the tail up.
• Excessive affection: following the owners around, rubbing around their legs, excessive affection.
• Swelling of the genitals, accompanied by clear discharge. As a result, the cat begins to lick itself more frequently.
• Decreased appetite up to its complete loss.
• Desire to run away from home, interest in open doors and windows.

The listed symptoms can manifest themselves either partially or in a complex manner, making the lives of those around you simply unbearable.

Read also about how long it takes for a cat to can get pregnant after giving birth.

Important: There's a term for "absent heat," which refers to when an animal exhibits no visible symptoms typical of the heat stage. In such cases, a consultation with a veterinarian is recommended to determine whether this indicates a medical issue or is simply a result of a weak temperament.

How often does a cat go for walks?

The duration of a cat's estrus cycle varies and depends on many factors: breed, age, living conditions, diet, individual physiological characteristics, etc. Due to the cat's immature hormonal balance, the first estrus cycle is usually short-lived. Subsequent cycles are longer, lasting on average 5-7 days.

You can determine how often your cat will go outside by closely observing her behavior. For this purpose, it's recommended to keep a special diary in which to record all the data. In females who haven't given birth, heat cycles can occur quite frequently—once a month, sometimes even every two weeks. This is especially true for purebred cats that live exclusively indoors and don't go outside. Stray cats, as well as older "retired" cats, usually have a cycle tied to the seasons of spring and fall. The first heat cycle after giving birth can begin as early as 1-1.5 months.

What to do if your cat isn't in heat

A lack of heat doesn't necessarily indicate any health issues. In such cases, the female needs to be provided with appropriate conditions to awaken her body. For example:

• Introduce another cat in the home territory who is in a "wanting" state. Seeing this, the cat will try to imitate the behavior, which will trigger ovulation.
• Arrange a meeting with a cat, which will most likely trigger the necessary hormonal changes and, as a result, the onset of heat.

• Taking vitamin supplements and medications to help normalize hormonal levels is recommended. However, it's important to remember that the selection of such medications should be made by a veterinarian, based on the animal's physical condition, age, breed, and other factors.

Solution to the problem

There are two ways to calm the raging hormonal cycle:

• Spaying is a surgical procedure to remove the uterus and ovaries, the results of which are irreversible—the cat will never be able to reproduce. The benefits and harms of this surgery are weighed against each other. On the one hand, it guarantees that the cat will become calm and will no longer ask for a male cat. On the other hand, hormonal imbalances can lead to various health problems, including obesity, organ dysfunction, and so on. Furthermore, a fatal outcome is possible, as the surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and not everyone can withstand such stress.

Important: sterilization must be carried out before the first heat, otherwise even after the procedure the animal may continue to walk.

• Taking special medications to correct the state of sexual desire. These medications are available in tablet or drop form. The latter form is the most convenient to use, as it allows you to discreetly "trick" the cat by adding it to food or placing drops in the nose. The following medications have proven effective in practice: Gestrenol, Sex Barrier, KovinanThe dosage and administration schedule are determined according to the instructions or as prescribed by a veterinarian.

The owner decides which option to choose at their own risk. Scolding and disciplining a cat during heat is utterly pointless. Moreover, it can further traumatize her already fragile psyche. It's far better to be patient or take drastic measures.

Read also:

• At what age do cats start walking?
• How many days does a cat's pregnancy last?
• How long do Scottish and British cats remain pregnant?