I have a busy surgery day booked today…a dentistry and also five cat spays. Most of the cats are in heat!
While cats can go in and out of heat regularly (unlike dogs who usually go into heat every 6 months) we seem to see a real increase in cats in heat when spring is a couple of months away.
It is best to spay an animal when they are not in heat. However, it is often difficult with cats because their heat cycles are so unpredictable. When an animal is in heat the blood vessels are larger and the uterus is more “friable” which means that it can rip very easily.
How do you know your cat is in heat? You may see the following symptoms:
- Increased vocalization
- Wanting to be around you all the time
- Raising her bum in the air
- Rolling on the floor
A cat’s heat can last a few days or a few weeks. When a cat is in heat she will have a very strong desire to be bred, so be sure that she doesn’t get outside!
Ideally it is best to spay a cat before their first heat. We recommend spaying them between 5 and 6 months of age for this reason. Studies have proven that spaying a cat before her first heat cycle greatly reduces the risk of mammary (breast) cancer later on in life.
Well, I am off to do surgery now….many uteri to remove!
Dr. Marie
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