My unspayed 5-month-old cat is vocal and affectionate. Is she in heat?

It could be that Ochan is in heat, and her behavior of being super affectionate when you pet her makes me suspect this is the case. Cats do not always have constant behavior each time they go into heat, and they can act aggressive. If you do not want to have to deal with this constant cycle of behavior (and it can get worse with constant vocalization), I would recommend having her spayed as soon as possible.

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!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Starting her heat cycle in a unspayed female cat is the most common reason for increased vocalization. Other possible causes are: she sees other cats outside (territorial), anxiety (cats outside, starting heat, changes to house hold), attention seeking, or medical issue. I would close the blinds temporarily, provide environmental enrichment (cat trees, interactive cat toys, lazer pointer, play with her) and consider spaying her. You can also consider a Vet exam to be sure it isn't a medical condition. If she is otherwise fine, I hope that is improves with time and some of the above. Have a great day!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Salem. Has she been spayed yet? If not, there is a chance she could be coming into heat. This will make a cat more vocal. They will also posture with the hindquarters raised in the air and the tail off to one sign. If she is eating, drinking and acting normally, you can monitor her. However, if her symptoms persist or she begins acting sick, then she should see her veterinarian. I hope this information helps!

It is quite likely she is in heat, especially if she is also calling or shouting loudly. If you do not want kittens, be sure to keep her indoors and isolated from any unneutered male cats until you can have her spayed

It sounds like LaLa could be in heat! Cats in heat vocalize a lot and are more affectionate than usual. Their behavior can be extremely annoying while in heat, so I'd have her spayed if you don't want to deal with this anymore. Best of luck.

Hello! That behavior does sound like classic in heat, or estrus, behavior for cats. If Bean bean is acting otherwise normally but overly affectionate and vocal, it is likely only due to her heat cycle. I do caution that keeping cats intact without breeding them can cause a serious uterine infection called pyometra. If Bean bean becomes lethargic, reclusive, uninterested in food, or showing any general signs of illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea, I would recommend taking her into a vet to be seen. She is at a high risk for developing the infection until she is spayed. I hope this is helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! :)