My kitten is hiding in dark corners. What does "in heat" mean?

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!

Hello. This is common behavior for a female cat that is in heat. Although 5-6 months is young, she is old enough to be starting her first heat cycle. You can have your veterinarian examine her to make sure and discuss spaying her if that is your wish.

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! :)

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Finney. Sounds like she is in heat. These are typical in heat behaviors and cats respond to the increased daylight that starts in late December and January. Female cats will go into heat and cycle out of heat a lot during this time unless they are spayed. Each heat generally lasts several days - it can be as short as 1 day or as long as 7 days. If the cat is not mated during estrus, she will "go out of heat" for a short period of time, usually 1-2 weeks. Thus, the average complete estrus cycle of a cat is 1-3 weeks. Cats are induced ovulators meaning that they don't ovulate an egg from their ovary unless they are bred. This is why Finney will continue to cycle in and out of heat as described above. I would advise getting her spayed as soon as you can unless you plan on breeding her someday. Good luck with Finney.

Sounds like she is in heat. I suggest you have her spayed as soon as possible to prevent unwanted pregnancy. A cat will basically stay in heat until they are bred by a male; she will get pregnant. Here are some articles for you to refer to. ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/faqs-on-reproduction-heats-pregnancy-in-cats/ ) ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/female-cats-may-seem-to-always-be-in-heat/ ) ( https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-cats/ )

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 could just be that Astro is happy. It could also be that Astro is getting ready to go into heat. Most cats who are in heat will exhibit a specific body posture called lordosis. Do not let Astro outside and call your vet to discuss getting her spayed. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.