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Can I bathe my cat while she's in heat? Are cats in heat in pain?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Female | 8 months and 10 days old

I give my Siamese cats a bath once a month but I noticed they were acting a bit strange, walking funny and holding their rump up.. after researching I figured out they were in heat.. my question is, it’s bath time is it safe for me to give them their bath or do I need to wait until this period is over.. they look so uncomfortable and they ate consistently meowing are they in pain..

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 27th, 2018

No they are not in pain. However since cats are induced ovulators, they will basically stay in heat until they find a tom to mate with. They will be in heat for three weeks, then stop, then go into heat again continuously until pregnant.
So if you do not intend to have kittens, I suggest you have them spayed asap. You can give them a bath while they are in heat, however it is not really necessary to bathe cats once a month.
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