When a female cat (queen) goes into heat (also called “in season” or estrus), she can behave differently — vocalising, rubbing, rolling, or trying to escape to find a mate. These signs are normal but often stressful for both cat and owner. Below is a practical, vet-aligned guide to help you manage your cat’s comfort and safety while she’s in heat.
Quick signs a cat is in heat
- Loud, persistent calling or yowling (especially at dawn/dusk).
- Increased affection: rubbing, rolling on the floor, exposing the belly.
- Frequent urination or spraying to mark territory.
- Restlessness, pacing, attempts to escape outdoors.
- Raised hindquarters, tail-to-the-side posture when stroked.
- Reduced appetite or changes in sleep pattern.
Immediate practical steps to keep your cat safe and comfortable
- Keep her indoors — the single most important action. Queens actively try to escape when in season, which risks fights, injury, or pregnancy. Make sure windows and cat-flaps are secure.
- Block escape routes and reduce access to outdoors — double-check doors/windows, close cat-flaps or fit temporary barriers.
- Give extra attention and gentle play — short interactive play sessions with toys that simulate hunting can redirect energy and help reduce vocalising and restlessness. Laser toys, feather wands, and food puzzle toys are useful.
- Provide a quiet, comfy retreat — a warm bed, a hiding box, or a window perch (if safe) can help reduce stress.
- Use pheromone products — veterinarian-sold products (e.g., synthetic feline facial pheromone diffusers/sprays) can help calm some cats. They’re not a cure but may reduce anxiety.
- Avoid punishment or harsh responses — these increase stress and may worsen behaviours. Use positive redirection instead.
- Consider environmental enrichment — extra scratching posts, perches, and interactive toys help mental stimulation and tire her out.
- Monitor appetite and litterbox habits — if she stops eating, has diarrhoea, blood, or unusual discharge, contact your vet.
Should I let her mate or try to “tire her out”?
No. Allowing mating risks unwanted pregnancy and disease. “Tiring out” with physical exercise helps redirect energy but won’t stop the hormonal cycle.
Medical options and spaying
- Spaying (ovariohysterectomy) is the recommended long-term solution. It eliminates heat cycles, prevents unwanted litters, reduces certain health risks (e.g., pyometra — a serious uterine infection — and decreases mammary tumor risk if done before first heat).
- Timing: Many vets recommend spaying before the cat’s first heat or between heat cycles; discuss with your local practice for the best timing for your cat’s age and health.
- Hormonal suppressants: Some hormonal drugs can suppress heat but are usually not recommended as first-line long-term options due to side effects. Only use under veterinary supervision.
When to call the vet — red flags
Contact your vet promptly if you notice:
- Vaginal bleeding or unusual discharge (heavy or foul-smelling).
- Signs of infection (fever, lethargy, refusing food).
- Excessive or violent behaviour putting the cat or people at risk.
- Persistent heat signs lasting unusually long (several weeks without break).
- Any trauma from fights or escapes.
Preventing future heat cycles / unwanted litters
- Spay your cat if you are not planning to breed her. This is the most responsible step for pet welfare and population control.
- If cost is a concern, look for local clinics or charities (in Ireland many rescue groups and vet clinics run low-cost spay programmes) — ask local rescues or your vet for options.
Quick do / don’t checklist
Do: keep her indoors; provide play, enrichment and a comfy hiding spot; use pheromone diffusers if helpful; contact your vet if worried; consider spaying.
Don’t: let her roam to mate; punish her for heat behaviours; use drugs without veterinary advice.
