Updated September 22, 2026. Fact-checked against veterinary sources; review by a licensed veterinarian is in progress. See our editorial policy.
Quick answer: A female cat in heat typically becomes very vocal and affectionate, rolls on the floor, raises her hindquarters when petted, and tries to get outside. Each heat usually lasts about a week and can come back every few weeks during breeding season if she isn’t bred. Heat isn’t painful, but it’s stressful. You can help by keeping her indoors, playing with her, and giving her warm, quiet spots. The only lasting solution is spaying, which also prevents serious health problems.
Signs your cat is in heat
- Loud yowling or calling, often at night
- Extra affection, rubbing on people and furniture
- Rolling on the floor
- Raising her rear end with her tail to the side when petted
- Restlessness and trying to escape outdoors
- Sometimes urine marking
- Reduced appetite
Cats usually don’t bleed noticeably during heat. If you see bleeding from the vulva, contact your vet.
When and how often
Many cats have their first heat around 4 to 6 months of age, sometimes earlier. Cats cycle repeatedly during breeding season, which for indoor cats with artificial light can be most of the year. A heat often lasts around a week, and if she doesn’t mate, another can follow within a few weeks.
Safe ways to help her through it
- Keep her indoors and secure doors, windows, and screens. Cats in heat are determined escape artists.
- Keep her away from intact males, since cats can become pregnant during their first heat.
- Play and enrichment, such as wand toys, puzzle feeders, and short play sessions, can help burn off restless energy.
- Warmth and comfort: a warm (not hot) pet-safe heating pad or a sunny, quiet spot.
- Pheromone diffusers may help some cats feel calmer.
- Keep the litter box extra clean to discourage marking.
Myths and risky tricks to avoid
- The “cotton swab trick”: stimulating a cat to end her heat is unsafe, can cause injury or infection, and may not end the cycle. Don’t do it.
- Human sedatives, calming supplements, or essential oils: many are unsafe for cats. Ask your vet before giving anything.
- “Let her have one litter first”: there’s no health benefit, and each heat raises the risk of mammary cancer.
Why spaying matters
Spaying ends heat cycles and prevents unplanned litters. Spaying at a young age greatly lowers the risk of mammary cancer and eliminates the risk of pyometra, a dangerous uterine infection. Talk with your vet about timing. Many vets can spay a cat even while she’s in heat, though some prefer to wait until the cycle ends.
When to see a vet
Call your vet if your cat has bleeding or discharge from the vulva, seems sick, stops eating, or is lethargic, especially if she’s intact and not currently in heat. These can be signs of pyometra, which is an emergency.
Sources
- Merck Veterinary Manual: reproductive cycle in cats
- American Veterinary Medical Association: spaying and neutering
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for care from your own veterinarian. Learn about The Pet Vet and our editorial policy.