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Why does my cat in heat show mating behaviors to people and pets?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 1 year and 8 months old | 10 lbs

When Serenity is in heat, she assumes mating positions in front of my female puppy and treads her feet. My puppy assumes that Serenity wants to play, so she nips and plays with her. Serenity assumes her mating catterwauls. Doesn't Serenity realize that my female puppy isn't a suitable mate, in both gender and species? She also meows incessantly and treads her feet with her but raised and tail cocked to the side when my husband and I pet her. Why does she display these behaviors indiscriminately?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on April 1st, 2018

As you have seen, Serenity is showing these behaviors with you as well as the puppy. It's a normal part of being in heat. Clearly you and the puppy aren't suitable mates, but when a cat is in heat, they will display this behavior to anyone due to their hormones. She simply has such a strong drive to mate that it compels her to act out in this manner. Cats in heat can be very annoying, so if you don't want to deal with this behavior anymore, I'd recommend having her spayed. I hope this helps!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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