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My cat is in heat. How can I help her and can she be spayed now?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year old | 6.6 lbs

Hi, I think teddy is in heat as she’s showing signs of cats in heat such as constant rubbing against things, sitting in positions with her butt in the air, and licking her genital area a lot. Is there something I can give her to help her stop or make this experience more manageable as it’s her first time in heat and would I be able to neuter her in this period of time?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

David Darvishian

Answered By David Darvishian

Veterinarian

Published on November 22nd, 2017

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Teddy. Yes, definitely sounds like she is in heat. There really isn't much you can do at home unless you want to try what cat breeders do. Cats are induced ovulators meaning that they usually only ovulate when they are bred. So cat breeders control the heat cycles of cats by artificially breeding them. They do this by taking a sterile cotton-tipped applicator with lubrication and stimulate the tom cat breeding them by placing the applicator into the vagina and mimicking breeding. I'm pretty sure you don't want to this but I thought I would at least put it out there. One problem with this is sterility. Infection/contamination can always be introduced so this procedure is not without potential problems. I would just advise that you get her spayed as soon as possible. Yes, cats and dogs in heat can be spayed very safely. There is a higher risk of bleeding especially in dogs but you should be able to find a vet that will spay her while in heat. Good luck
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on August 19th, 2017

    Hi! Cat heat cycles can last from 1-3 weeks, so she may not be done yet. You can try stimulating ovulation by rubbing her vagina with a q-tip, but if this is done, she will likely come back into heat in a few weeks. If ovulation is not stimulated, she may wait 4-6 months before coming back into heat.

    There is no safe or effect cat birth control options like there are for human females. Spaying her is the only guarantee that she will no longer go into heat or get pregnant. I strongly urge you to consider getting her spayed for both her health and to prevent further pet overpopulation. As cats get older, their chances of getting a life-threatening infection in their uterus increases every year (called pyometra). Spaying Fifi is 100% effective at preventing pyometra, and I promise that she will be much healthier being spayed now than requiring emergency spay surgery with an infected uterus many years in the future.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My cat is in heat and restless. How can I comfort her until spayed?
Unfortunately there is nothing specific to do to comfort her - she will show behavior changes until she is out of heat, and cats will cycle in and out of heat until they are bred. You could try something like a Feliway diffuser or other pheromone spray that might help her relax. Otherwise you should go ahead and try to schedule the spay surgery - ask your vet when they would feel most comfortable proceeding with surgery since she is currently in heat. Keep in mind that since hormones can persist for a period of time after surgery she may still show symptoms of a heat cycle for awhile.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My cat is in heat. Can she get spayed right away, is it safe?
Yes, pets can be spayed while in heat. I recommend to discuss with your veterinarian about your concerns to make sure you are both on the same page. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My unspayed cat is in heat. How long does it last and how often?
They usually go into heat every few weeks if they aren't mated so this is definitely possible. If you don't want her to have another heat cycle, you could talk to your vet about inducing ovulation to help her go out of heat but this isn't always recommend depending on the patient, or you could have her spayed if you don't plan to breed her. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My 4-month kitten is in heat. When to spay, how long, and how to help?
4 months of age is very young for a cat to be in heat but she certainly could be, especially since she is a Siamese. If you have any concern that there could be another reason for her behavior than have your vet take a look at her. If she is in heat than it will last on average about 7 days and she may go back into heat 1-3 weeks later. She is old enough to be spayed so talk to your vet about the best time to have her spayed. There really isn't much you can do to help her, just make sure she doesn't get outside or around any male cats.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My cat is in heat, but vet said pregnant. Can she be both? Is spaying safe?
Ok, the question got confusing at the end so I'm sorry if I don't fully answer you. The answer is no, she cannot be pregnant and in heat at the same time. It is impossible. I suggest you have her spayed. It is a bit more risky of a surgery to spay them while pregnant or in-heat but I have done it thousands of times with no issues. If you are planning on spaying her, then I suggest you do so now.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Training & Behavior
My cat is in heat, howling, and rolling. How can I calm her down?
Yes you are correct that these symptoms indicate she is in heat. There aren’t too many things to do here besides getting her spayed to remove the hormones. Hormones are strong and can’t be subdued in most situations. You can try having your vet place her on an anti-anxiety medication but the results will vary since these are not labeled for this particular issue. It’s best to spay her if you don’t want kittens. This helps keep her healthy in the long run. Best of luck with your pet kitty. Take care.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My unspayed cat is acting strange. Is she in heat? What to do?
It does sound and look like Eevee is in heat. Increased vocalization, ‘presenting’ her genitalia /arching her back, and often increased affection are typical signs of estrus/heat in cats which typically first starts after 6 months of age. Each heat cycle lasts around 5-6 days and unspayed cats typically come back into heat every 2-3 weeks. The ASPCA and many shelters offer low cost spay options such as mobile spay/neuter clinics that may be an option. If not, there is nothing that you need to do other than keep her away from intact male cats unless you want kittens in about 2 months’ time! Good luck!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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