Part of being a responsible pet owner is having your female cat spayed by a veterinarian. Cats can go into heat, also known as the estrus cycle, as early as four months old. It’s recommended that the procedure is performed soon after their first heat cycle. Heat cycles are also accompanied by perplexing kitty behavior. Here are some signs your furry friend may be in heat.

How to Tell If Your Cat Is in Heat

1. Excessive Bouts of Grooming

While cats are normally meticulous groomers, this behavior goes into overdrive during estrus, and much of this grooming will be focused on the genital area. This behavior can be disconcerting for cat moms and dads, especially because excessive genital grooming often occurs in conjunction with certain health issues, like urinary tract infections. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you’re concerned.

2. Spraying

Female cats mark their territory with urine to attract male cats for mating. This act is known as spraying, and cats will often spray multiple areas of the home.

Spraying posture looks quite different when compared to a cat eliminating urine into a litter box. A cat that is about to spray will back up against a wall or piece of furniture with their tails raised, and their tails often quiver or twitch as they’re spraying.

3. Increased Affection

Cats have scent glands on multiple areas of their body, including faces, paw pads, and tails. They rub these areas on surfaces—and their favorite people—to spread their scent around. During a heat cycle, a cat will become ultra-affectionate to spread their scent to as many places as possible.

4. Increased Vocalizations

Some cats are chattier than others, but cats in heat can take their noisiness to a whole new level. The sound they make is known as caterwauling and is a loud, plaintive vocalization that can be hard to ignore.

If you notice an increased amount of cats milling around outside, it’s because caterwauling is intended to call any male cats in the area to your home. Having your pet spayed is the only solution to prevent this symptom of estrus.

If your pet needs a spay or neuter surgery, trust the team of veterinarians at Florence Veterinary Hospital. These professionals are located in Florence, KY, and boast more than three decades of experience. Pet owners can rely on them for wellness exams, microchipping, dental care, allergy treatment, and diagnostic testing. They also offer mobile veterinary services if you’re unable to bring your pet to the clinic. Call (859) 371-6501 to make an appointment, or see the full list of available services online.