Cats in heat...How long does it last?

Lily is in heat I'm assuming. She howls loudly during the night.....it's quite annoying & odd lol. First time dealing with this, how long does it last? Planning to have her fixed once it's in the budget. She's 100% indoors only, but spaying will help with this in the future correct?

It will last about a week, then she'll go out of heat for a couple of weeks, then back into heat. They cycle in and out just about constantly during the mating season. . .but indoor cats can have their cycles messed up by artificial lighting so they can be in heat any time.

Yes, spaying will stop all heat cycles, if done properly (there are occasional cases where the vet misses a bit of ovary and she keeps cycling :/). Try to have it done soon, before you all go crazy! :lol3:

I'm having the same annoying problem at the moment with one if my cats. She has an appointment on the 5th to be spayed. Her heat cycle is completely messed up. One week in heat, four days out of heat and then back in hear again. She also yowls and tries to climb out of the top window via the drapes.... she's an indoor only cat like yours so my advice is the same as Willowy's get her spayed and if the vet does it correctly the behaviour will stop.

Good luck!

While it can happen, it's pretty rare that a vet will leave anything behind.

I'm with everyone else.. she's going to drive you batty if you don't get her fixed soon.  You have to keep her inside and so there's no saying how long it will go on for or whether you'll get much of a break in between.  I feel so sorry for cats on heat..  so driven by their hormones.

many areas in the u.s. have free or low cost spay and neuter clinics.  maybe you can find a free one or someone here can help you find one.

OreoLily said:

Lily is in heat I'm assuming. She howls loudly during the night.....it's quite annoying & odd lol. First time dealing with this, how long does it last? Planning to have her fixed once it's in the budget. She's 100% indoors only, but spaying will help with this in the future correct?

Click to expand...

Awww... poor Lily.  Hopefully you will be able to get her spayed soon.

Until she is spayed, be especially watchful when you open doors or windows, as I have read many threads on this board where 100% indoor only cats escaped and came home pregnant.

They cycle in and out almost constantly, unlike dogs. It will drive you insane unless you have her spayed, believe me. I always feel so sorry for them, because even if they do get pregnant they can come into heat within DAYS of giving birth, that is why there are so many unwanted kittens, and is so tragic. The yowling and unwanted behavior WILL stop once she is spayed. 

Alot of humane societys and shelters have low cost options. My local shelter does female cats for $65 and males for $5 including rabies vaccine. Female cats are very annoying while in heat. I have one cycling now but have to wait a few more weeks for her milk to dry up before spaying. I dont know how cat breeders take the constant yowling! Good luck with your kitty!

Thanks guys! She has one kitten still nursing, almost 11 weeks old. So I guess I have to wait until she's done.

At 11 weeks the kitten isnt getting much if any milk. Its more of a comfort thing now, kinda like a pacifier for a baby. You can get her spayed at anytime after around 10 weeks after birth.

6 months is a 'normal' or average, time to come into heat. 4-9 months is the normal span, so it is not unusual at all for a 4-5 month old kitten to come into heat.  Can she handle those big toms and pregnancy? They do because they have no choice, but it is very hard on them. She still may come home, I've had cats disappear for two weeks, so don't give up hope.Drive around slowly and watch for cats, any cats. Toms always gather when there is a female in heat. Try further out too.  Make sure you check all closed buildings and sheds around your area, she may have got locked up accidently. Check with the closest shelters too, someone may have brought her in. Get on the radio and plead for help on one of those 'buy and sale' free spots, I have used those with a lot of success because so many listen. I'll pray for her to be brought home, she knows where she is loved, all the luck! Please keep us posted!