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My cat was spayed in heat. Why is she still acting like she's in heat?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Hello, I have a female cat 6 months old, she started her heat cycle 5 days before her spay appointment. She was spayed while she was in heat, after her surgery she seems very good, but at the night after the surgery she started to cry, rolling and rising her hips as she still in heat. she had some clear discharge from her vagina, which is more than before the surgery. It lasted for about 10 mins then she calmed down. The vet in France generally only remove the ovaries. Is this normal ? Thanks

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on February 24th, 2017

The hormones would still be present in the blood stream for some time after surgery so it would be usual for the behaviors to continue for up to 3-5days after surgery. If it has continued longer than this you should contact your vet for a post-surgery recheck to ensure verything is healing well and there is no discomfort causing her behavior

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on July 8th, 2019
No you can't live like this forever. What I'm going to mention happens rarely, but there is a chance this is why Rue Rue keeps acting like she is in heat. Sometimes, again rarely, ovarian tissue can be left behind accidentally, causing the cat to act like they are going into heat. I'd have her seen by another vet for a second opinion. Best of luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 2nd, 2018
Hi. Poor patches. If she truly is in heat, this could mean that there is still some ovarian tissue present. Your veterinarian may need to do some hormone testing, ultrasound, or even explore the area if he/she feels she is in heat.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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