My unspayed cat is meowing, trembling, and in heat. Should I worry?

Unfortunately, it's hard to know if this is pathological or if she is in heat? I recommend to look up information on heat cycles and watch videos. Also record the behavior on video. If this is not a heat cycle or if you are unsure if it is, I recommend to have her examined and have the doctor watch the video. The vet will palpate her spine and may check her urine for infection to look for a medical cause. I also recommend to discuss having her spayed as there are many health and behavioral benefits: https://www.petcoach.co/article/spaying-ovariohysterectomy-the-benefits-in-cats/ I hope this helps.

Oh no, poor Shadow! She could be having a pyometra (infected uterus) event or another internal illness. None of these symptoms are normal for a cat in heat or just coming out or heat. And any cat that doesn't eat for more than a day should be examined by a vet because cats are masters at hiding diseaseand illness until they are really really sick. I would recommend taking Shadow in to be seen, examined and blood analysis ran to hopefully determine the underlying issue so that we know how best to treat her. Hopefully it is something your vet can deal with quickly so that we can get her feeling well again soon!

One thing I noted is that Bella is sleeping more upright than on her side and meows constantly. I'm wondering if she is in pain, and that's also why she is hiding. I'd have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning for a health check.

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!

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! :)

Hello, sorry to hear about Suzy. It may be that her heat is causing the signs you are seeing. Cats in heat will vocalize more often and frequently and this is to be expected. However, the vomiting may or may not be associated with her heat cycle. If she continues to vomit, then you should have Suzy evaluated to make sure she does not have any evidence of dietary indiscretion, ingestion of foreign material or an infection in her uterus. If you want to prevent future heat cycles and the behavioral changes associated with this, then considering spaying her would be an option. Contact your veterinarian to have Suzy evaluated if she continues to vomit. Hope this helps and best of luck.