How to Calm a Cat in Heat

How to Calm a Cat in Heat. A female cat will come into heat (called "estrus") at least three times a year for roughly two weeks. During each cycle, the cat will exhibit restless and agitated behavior. Dealing with a cat in heat can be challenging. This article will help you recognize if your cat is in heat and offer suggestions for soothing the symptoms.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat toys
  • Extra time and attention to devote to your cat
  • Funds to cover veterinarian fees (optional)
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Instructions

    • 1

      Identify if your cat is in heat. It is easy to recognize if a cat is in heat. Although cats do not experience vaginal discharge or swelling, they hold their tail to the side and raise their hind end. Cats also display agitated behavior, including hind-leg "treading" movements, floundering on the floor, calling out with a piercing voice and bestowing extra affection.

    • 2

      Calm your cat. The simplest way to calm a cat in heat is to devote extra physical attention to her. Petting, brushing and cuddling your cat will help satisfy her craving for sensory stimulation.

    • 3

      Help keep the cat busy. Cats in heat appear to have extra energy that can be assuaged with playful distractions. Provide your cat with new toys, preferably ones that will inspire her to jump toward or run after them.

    • 4

      Seek assistance from a veterinarian. Your cat's veterinarian can inject her with hormones or other medication that will prevent her from having a cycle. This choice may be preferable for owners of pedigreed breeders or those who want to stop the cycles temporarily.

    • 5

      Consider spaying your cat. In addition to preventing heat cycles, spaying can help protect cats against uterine infections and cancers, including breast cancer.