Estrous Cycles in Cats

By Malcolm Weir, DVM, MSc, MPH; Ryan Llera, BSc, DVM; Cheryl Yuill, DVM, MSc, CVH

When does a female cat have her first

estrus cycle?
Cats have their first estrous (reproductive) cycle when they reach puberty. On average,
puberty, or sexual maturity, first occurs in cats at about six months of age, but this can vary
slightly by the time of year (length of daylight hours).

The estrous cycle is better known as a cat's heat cycle. Each cycle consists of several stages;
the stage called estrus refers to when the female is sexually receptive, or in heat.

How often does a female cat come into

heat?
Cats are seasonally polyestrous, which means that they have multiple cycles during the
breeding season. The breeding season will vary according to geography and environmental factors such as temperature and the number of daylight hour
the Northern Hemisphere, cats usually cycle from January until the late fall. Cats that live in more tropical regions or mainly indoors, however, may cycle a
year round because of the increased number of daylight hours.

How long does estrus last?

Each heat generally lasts several days with the average length being seven days, although it can range from 1 to 21 days. If the queen (an intact female c
is not mated during estrus, she will go out of heat for a short period of time, usually about seven days, but it can range from 2 to 19 days. Therefore, the
complete estrous cycle of a cat can range from anywhere between one to six weeks, with the average cycle length being about three weeks.

What are the signs of estrus?

The most notable signs of estrus in cats are behavioral. Most cats become very affectionate, even demanding; they persistently rub against their owners
objects such as furniture), constantly wanting attention. They roll on the floor more often. When stroked along the back or spine, they raise their rear quar
into the air and tread with the back legs. They also become very vocal. These behavior changes often become annoying to owners, and sometimes owne
think their cat has some unusual illness.
 y g
There are no valid reasons for letting a cat have an estrous cycle or have a litter of kittens before being spayed. Cats can become pregnant on their very
estrous cycle, increasing the chance of accidental breeding. Cats are indiscriminate, so a brother cat may breed with its sister, a father may breed with his
daughter, and a son may breed with his mother.

A common myth is that female cats will become more friendly and sociable if they are allowed to have a litter of kittens. This is not true and only serves to
contribute further to the serious problem of the overpopulation of cats.