Cats are very gentle, affectionate, and sweet animals, loved by everyone—from small children to elderly grandparents. But when adopting a female kitten, it's important to be aware of a significant drawback. Specifically, during heat, cats become true domestic tyrants. Their loud, pitiful meowing and various antics are difficult for everyone to tolerate, and their neighbors won't appreciate them either. Therefore, it's important to know several affordable methods and remedies that can be safely used at home to calm cats in heat.
How can you tell if your cat is in heat?
A small kitten becomes sexually mature quite quickly, and this happens much earlier than their physical growth. Basically, a cat is already at 5–6 months A cat may go into heat, but this period also depends on several external factors, such as diet, climate, habitat, and others. Therefore, some females may not go into heat for the first time until they are 14 or 15 months old. A cat's heat cycle itself can last from three to seven days, and can occur several times a year. However, if the cat doesn't become pregnant, she may begin asking for a male cat again after about two weeks.
Since these animals don't have any bloody discharge during estrus, its onset can only be determined by changes in the pet's behavior. Before the start of the "mating season," cats begin meowing piteously and rubbing against numerous objects and their owners (they especially prefer to pester males). They may also experience an increased appetite, their genitals may swell slightly, and they may sometimes swing on their backs and do other things. trying to attract attention to themselvesBut right now, she won't let the cat near her. But in a few days, she'll start meowing loudly and constantly, marking the apartment, calling the cat to her. And, of course, she'll try with all her might to escape.
How can you calm a cat during heat?
If you go to a veterinary clinic, they'll, of course, recommend the simplest way to calm your pet—spaying her. After this procedure, she'll become much more affectionate, calm, and obedient, and there won't be any singing during the "mating season." She'll also relieve herself only in her designated area and stop marking her territory and belongings. But this is a serious decision, and it needs to be approached with the utmost responsibility, because There are also contraindications for sterilization.If the above method doesn't work, you can try other ways to calm cats.
Feline contraceptives
Today, veterinary pharmacies offer a wide range of products a wide range of different drugs For cats and cats that go outside. Let's look at their types:
Contraceptive drops. A fairly simple and common method for calming your pet. Simply place a couple of drops under the cat's tongue or on her food, but make sure she finishes eating. After 3-4 hours, you can safely take the cat to the male cat to relieve herself, without worrying about the consequences of such "interaction." However, it's important to note that these drops are hormonal, so consult a veterinarian before using them. They are also not suitable for continuous use.- Hormonal medications. These are very strong and prevent heat. They should only be given to your cat strictly according to the instructions and no more than twice a year. Examples include "Stop-Sex," "Ex-5," "Sex-Barrier," "Gestrenol," "ContrSex," "Stop Intim," and others. However, it's important to remember that these medications are very harmful to the animal's body, causing severe hormonal imbalances. Therefore, a good veterinarian will recommend using this method of calming your pet as sparingly as possible.
Contraceptive drops. A fairly simple and common method for calming your pet. Simply place a couple of drops under the cat's tongue or on her food, but make sure she finishes eating. After 3-4 hours, you can safely take the cat to the male cat to relieve herself, without worrying about the consequences of such "interaction." However, it's important to note that these drops are hormonal, so consult a veterinarian before using them. They are also not suitable for continuous use.Just as in humans, in animals the use of various types of hormonal drugs can cause diseases such as uterine and breast cancer (cats that have gone for a walk at least once are especially at risk), pyometra and other ailments.
Home remedies to calm a cat on the move
There are still a few and safe methods for your pet's health, which will help your cat be happy on "days like these" and your owners sleep soundly. You can try these simple techniques:
- Playing with your cat is a great way to distract them from their annoying meowing while still giving them your attention. On these days, they have extra energy and need to spend it on something. You can buy your cat some new toys (balls, stuffed animals, sticks).
- Avoid overfeeding. Their appetite increases during this period, so be careful not to overfeed. Feed regularly, but reduce the portion size.
- Play classical music. This type of music has a calming effect on both humans and cats. Therefore, you can play your pet calming pieces by Bach, Mozart, Glinka, or Chopin.
- Pheromones. This could be Feliway, for example. But unfortunately, they don't work on all cats.
- Calming medications. These can be common infusions of chamomile, thyme, or valerian, or special medications for cats, such as "Kot-Bayun" or "Anti-Stress." They are completely harmless and gentle, but they should be administered according to the instructions.
- A special massage. Grasp the cat by the scruff with your left hand and press it to the floor, while with your right hand (palm) apply pressure to the area where the tail begins; there may be a small depression there. Apply firm pressure, without fear of the cat growling. This massage should be performed several times a day. A couple of days should be enough to calm the cat.
- Induce ovulation. To do this, start by stroking the cat's back (from behind), then gently rub her vulva, and only then insert a cotton swab into her vagina (approximately 2–2.5 cm). If done correctly, the cat will cuddle and meow. These manipulations should be repeated every 20 minutes for an hour, and then only after a 12-hour break. This is a completely safe and effective procedure.
Playing with your cat is a great way to distract them from their annoying meowing while still giving them your attention. On these days, they have extra energy and need to spend it on something. You can buy your cat some new toys (balls, stuffed animals, sticks).Get rid of annoying screams for a while plain water will helpJust wet your cat with it a little, and she'll be busy licking herself thoroughly. However, this method doesn't work for all pets.
You can't leave your cat unattended; you should help them cope with this problem. Each owner must choose the appropriate method for calming a stray cat, as not all methods are safe for their pet's health. If none of the methods are suitable or effective, simply let your cat go outside without further distress.
