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My unspayed cat is raising her rear. Is she in heat? Should I spay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 1 year and 2 months old

Is this normal? this the first time it happend. And what are the circumstances of not spaying Luna?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Keay, DVM

Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 5th, 2019

If Luna is performing this behavior of raising her bottom into the air for short periods of time, this can occur when a cat is in heat/estrus. If she is always walking with this position, it is not normal and could be a sign of a musculoskeletal or neurological problems and she should be examined by a veterinarian. Most veterinarians highly recommend spaying cats that aren't being used for a planned breeding program. Spaying decreases the chance of a dangerous uterine infection called pyometra which requires emergency surgery to remedy, as well as removes possibliity of uterine or ovarian cancer, and can improve behavior issues such as urinary marking/accidents outside the litterbox.
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