How to understand what your cat wants to tell you?

Every owner is familiar with the situation when a cat asks for a cat. We answered questions about how long estrus lasts and at what age it begins, and whether sterilization is harmful. In the article you will also find a list of sedatives: herbal and hormonal. Find out what pheromonetherapy is.

With the onset of the first warm days of March, cat screams can be heard from the street, from which earplugs or a tightly closed window will save you. But these methods are completely ineffective when your cat asks for a cat in close proximity to you. You can wait until she gets bored, but there are better ways to take control of the situation.

Finding a partner is a natural need for cats.

Natural needs and sexual activity of cats

It is no coincidence that during the bright, warm spring and summer months we see an increase in the number of pregnant cats. As daylight hours increase in cats, the level of the hormone melatonin, produced in the dark, decreases. Which in turn affects the area of ​​the brain responsible for the reproductive instinct. A reproductive hormone is produced, which ultimately leads to the cat immediately starting to look for a potential partner.

In veterinary medicine there is a special term - estrus - a period of sexual desire that lasts 5-7 days, rarely it reaches 14 days.

During this period, the cat uses vocals and secretions to attract a male.

One way to attract a male

In domestic cats, which may not leave their apartment all their lives, breeding cycles may not depend on the time of year and external factors, so estrus can make itself felt regardless of the season.

Signs that a cat is wandering

Often the signs are pronounced, reserved individuals are found, and it is possible to find out about puberty only after pregnancy.

So, during estrus characteristic behavior appears:

• rubbing against objects more often and longer than usual;
• frequent urination, especially when the cat approaches;
• clear vaginal discharge, left not only in the tray;
• the desire to get outside;
• loud screams with uncharacteristic howls;
• refusal to eat;
• unusually persistent affection towards the owner;
• unusual rolling on the floor, moving the tail to the side, tucking the paws.

Learning to understand a cat by its tail

The main expression of a cat's desires and moods is the tail . When a cat greets you with its tail raised up and meowing softly, it means that it is happy to see you and wants to be petted. If the cat's tail is shaking at this time, she is telling you that she misses you very much.

When a cat, waving its raised tail, looks intently into your eyes, this is a signal that it is unhappy and angry with you. Then leave her alone.

Do you see how the cat, turning away from you, hits the floor with its tail? This is how she shows her character and says that she is offended by you. In addition, she can demonstratively sit between you and the computer or between you and your guests.

When another cat encroaches on your pet’s territory or food, she growls and hisses, arching her back and raising her loose tail. This means readiness for defense or offense.

How often does heat occur?

Theoretically, by their nature, cats can bear up to six litters per year, and estrus can occur much more frequently.

Cats may look for a mate every three weeks for a week. If mating does not occur, her body will continue to repeat the estrous cycle until pregnancy or sterilization. By the way, after giving birth in many animals, estrus begins after a month and a half.

During heat, cats may try to escape from the house.

The female cycle is directly related to the length of daylight hours. For cats living outdoors, the frequency of estrus increases from late spring to fall, and decreases as daylight hours decrease.

Domestic cats live year-round under artificial light and may experience almost constant hormonal activity.

What period of time is it?

The estrus cycle consists of four stages:

• proestrus. Lasts 1-2 days, the cat shows anxiety, but does not allow the cat to come near it;
• estrus – estrus itself, expressed by frequent urination and loss of appetite, lasts 5-7 days;
• metestrus, extinction of the reproductive instinct, lasts up to 8 days;
• anestrus - a period of rest that occurs if mating does not occur, lasts until the beginning of the next cycle

Thus, the average duration of estrus reaches two weeks. At the same time, the “hunting” time increases with age.

One way to solve the problem of a restless cat who wants to procreate is to mate with a male cat. Despite its apparent simplicity, this process requires serious preparation.

The first mating can be carried out no earlier than the cat reaches the age of one and a half years, when the body is fully formed and the animal has received all the necessary vaccinations. Early pregnancy in cats often ends in failure, creating a risk to the health of the animal.

Mating a cat and a cat requires a thorough approach from the owners

The cat meets its partner on the 3rd-5th day of estrus, although in some breeds favorable days begin only in the second week. An animal that finds itself in a foreign territory for mating must be provided with comfortable living conditions; you can take with you a sleeping place, a tray, a bowl, or a favorite toy. This will ensure a reduction in stress levels.

The cat's readiness can be guessed by its characteristic flirting with the cat. Mating does not always occur on the first try; in case the animal becomes agitated, the owner needs to be nearby in order to be able to calm it down.

Unfortunately, mating is not always successful; the reason may be both psychological and physical incompatibility of partners. In this case, you can contact a specialist breeder or find another partner for the cat.

The practice of mating is also known not for the purpose of giving birth to kittens, but to satisfy the cat’s sexual instinct. In this case, a castrated cat is used, fertilization cannot occur, and the cat may not experience sexual desire for up to two months.

There are pills that can calm a cat that is calling.

What do cat poses tell you?

A terrifying pose: the cat, with its tail bent and its back arched, stretched its paws forward and stood on tiptoes. The fur stood on end, the ears pressed to the back of the head, the nose wrinkled, the fangs were exposed. This pose is accompanied by rumbling and snorting. If the cat is frightened, the nodules on its cheeks move and the fur bristles.

The pose of peace and bliss is expressed as follows: in a relaxed state, the animal lies on its back, opening its belly. In this case, the eyes are half-closed, the paws are spread out to the sides, the claws are hidden, and the pads are compressed and unclenched. This is how the cat speaks of complete trust in you, because its stomach is the most unprotected place. If, playfully, she suddenly hides her head in a secluded place, then she says: “look for me, I’m hiding.”

If, when stroking the lumbosacral region of the back, the cat falls on its front paws, lifts the back of its body and moves its tail to the side, this means that it wants intimacy with the cat.

You can find out more detailed information about how to determine the behavior of cats by their tail and what different poses mean in this article.

Calming a cat in heat

What should the owner do if the cat asks for a cat, but he is not ready for the birth of kittens, and surgical intervention is not considered. The solution may be one of three methods, which we will consider below.

Calming tablets

There are a number of medications on the market that can calm a cat during heat. But they can have a short-term effect and also cause an allergic reaction in the animal’s body. To achieve the best result without harming your cat, you need to consult with a specialist who can tell you exactly which drug is best for your pet, how much it will be needed, and how effective the treatment will be.

The table below shows some of the sedatives and their characteristics.

There are also long-acting chemical contraceptives

Suprelorin is a contraceptive bioimplant that is effective from six months to a year. Infertility occurs after 6 weeks from the start of use. It is an implant placed in the withers area under the skin; over time it is absorbed into the tissues.

Dermatonin and Ferretonin are melatonin implants, administered subcutaneously, ensuring the absence of estrus for the duration of implant resorption for 1.5-4 months. Melatonin reduces libido by simulating a period of calm during decreasing daylight hours.

Covinan injection with prolygestone as an active substance

The listed drugs have many contraindications and side effects and should not be used without a doctor’s prescription.

Traditional calming methods

In addition to medications, you can try traditional methods of calming a cat during estrus. These non-trivial methods can resolve the question of what to give a cat during estrus so that she does not ask for a cat. First of all, folk recipes include catnip, lemon balm, motherwort and valerian, which can be purchased at a regular pharmacy or pet store. Their effectiveness has not been proven, the cat will not stop asking the cat for a long time, but they certainly will not harm the body.

Catnip will help combat manifestations of activity during estrus

Many owners agree that physical activity helps cats cope with the symptoms of heat more easily. It is also recommended to reduce the amount of food, feed more often and in small portions, then the cat will be able to shift the focus of attention to more basic needs for some time.

To exclude external irritants, it is better, if possible, to temporarily isolate the cat from other animals during estrus.

Pheromone therapy

Pheromone is a volatile chemical substance with a natural composition through which animals exchange information. These substances are released from the body into the environment and can cause a particular reaction in the behavior of the individual that received the signal. For example, with the help of pheromones, marking territory, males “protect” their territory or warn of danger.

Pheromones can both excite the nervous system and calm the animal, including during estrus. These drugs are sprayed into the air, which makes the procedure for taking such a “medicine” humane.

The disadvantage of this therapy is the lack of guarantees of its effectiveness.

It's almost impossible not to notice changes in your cat's behavior

When does a cat start begging for the first time and how to understand it?

The cat is a mystical creature. People have long believed that these unique animals are capable of not only giving their owner warmth and love, but also protecting them from any negativity. When purchasing a fluffy cat, you need to remember that, as she grows up, she will begin to go for walks.

Always affectionate and calm, one fine day she will begin to behave very strangely: meow loudly, calling for the cat. But after some time, the “cat concert” will pass, and the pet’s behavior will again be normal.

This article will tell you at what age a cat begins to ask a cat, how to understand it and what to do.

When does a cat start asking for a cat?

Many owners are interested in the question of what time cats start walking and how long this period lasts. Naturally, all animals are individual and each one experiences this moment at a different time. As a rule, the furry creature begins to ask the cat at about 6 months. But no later than 10 months.

There are a number of factors that influence what time a cat starts begging:

• breed;
• feeding characteristics and food quality;
• conditions of detention.

Representatives of the cat family reach sexual maturity at 7-9 months. True, in some breeds this happens earlier. During puberty, the pet acquires the ability to produce mature eggs. But this does not mean that from the first heat the animal is ready to conceive. It is necessary for the animal to grow a little more and get stronger.

How to recognize that your pet is asking for a cat?

It is clear at what age cats begin to walk. But how to recognize this period? It's actually very simple. The owner will not be able to confuse this with anything else.

The greatest sexual activity of cats is observed in the first months of the year: from February to April. But in October-November, the cat shows less pronounced readiness to mate.

You can understand that a cat is asking for a cat based on certain signs.

How a cat behaves when it wants a cat is described below:

1. Often, representatives of the cat family have a decrease in appetite during this period. And some individuals completely lose interest in food. Of course, this may also indicate that the pet is sick. Therefore, this sign should not be considered separately as an indicator that the animal is walking. Estrus is necessarily accompanied by other symptoms.
2. The pet begins to scream and meow loudly. At first it may look very unusual. Therefore, when a cat starts asking for a cat for the first time, it may seem strange to the owner. But this is all natural - the cat's instinct kicks in. Thus, the pet attracts a potential cat to mate.
3. The animal begins to leave marks throughout the house. Therefore, the answer to the question of whether cats mark territory like cats is a resounding “yes.” During the period of estrus, the pet begins to have special discharge. Some people believe that a cat leaves marks on the floor involuntarily. Others are convinced that in this way she attracts a male. But there is also an opinion that a cat during estrus marks the boundaries in this way, fearing that the cats will lay claim to her territory. Regardless of the actual cause, discharge in a cat during heat is normal.
4. The pet becomes overly affectionate: it purrs loudly and rubs against the owner’s legs. True, in some cases aggression may be observed in her behavior.
5. The pet begins to go to the toilet often in small ways. But why did the cat start peeing anywhere during her heat? This is due to physiological changes in the body.
6. The animal begins to take characteristic positions for mating: it lowers itself on its front legs, and raises the back of its body, moving its tail to the side. Thus, the cat makes it clear to the male that she is ready for mating.

All these signs indicate that the pet has begun to walk. This is why a cat meows for no reason, rubs its legs and eats poorly. But soon this period will end, and the pet will become calm again.

You can simply determine the duration of estrus by observing your cat. But, as a rule, this process lasts about 10 days.

Of course, some factors can also influence this period, reducing or increasing the time of estrus.

It should be noted that if you do not breed the cat or do not take measures to calm her down, after 2 weeks the estrus may happen again. Read the article “How many days does a cat ask for a cat and how to calm her down?”

When to breed?

When cats start asking for a cat for the first time, everything is clear. But when are they ready for pregnancy? Physiologically, the pet will be ready to bear, give birth and feed offspring only by 16-20 months. This is explained by the fact that puberty is completed at approximately 1-1.5 years.

It is important that the cat gets stronger and the pelvic bones are formed. Otherwise, there is a high probability of miscarriage or the birth of ugly and undeveloped kittens. The load on a fragile spine can lead to disability for the pet itself. But it’s also not a good idea to have a cat-to-cat accident too late.

After all, late pregnancy can be harmful to health.

Let's look at when cats start wanting a cat for the first time. Their sexual maturity is complete at about 10 months. But, of course, everything is individual: in some individuals it may be earlier, at 6 months. The following signs indicate that the pet has started asking for a cat: enlarged genitals, frequent urination, the presence of colorless discharge.

The age at which a cat can impregnate a cat directly depends on his puberty. It is advisable to adopt a cat after he is one year old. A cat must mate at least 9 times a year. Otherwise, the hormonal system will malfunction and the animal will begin to mark its territory. Unlike cats, male cats are ready to mate all year round.

Mating cats

It is important to know how to properly match a cat with a cat so that the whole process is successful. First you need to find a partner. It is advisable to do this in advance, and it is better to introduce the animals in advance.

You can find a suitable cat in a cat club, by visiting an exhibition or by advertising in a newspaper or on the Internet. To prevent mating from causing harm, it should be carried out after reaching a certain age, and both animals should be checked for the presence of fungal, viral, infectious and other diseases.

Also, before mating - 2 weeks - experts advise deworming.

Before introducing a cat to a cat for the first time, it is recommended to trim its claws. This is necessary so that she does not cause injury during the mating process. You should not bathe the animal before mating. Because this can wash away the natural scent of the bride, which is so attractive to the cat. It is better to pair your pet with a male on the 3-5th day of estrus.

It is advisable to carry out the mating on the cat’s territory, because if the environment is unfamiliar to her, the pet may become frightened and behave aggressively.

It happens that a cat does not allow the male to approach her. And this is not surprising, because these creatures are very capricious and capricious. If the situation or the male is not to your liking, problems with mating are guaranteed. There are also individuals that never allow males to approach them.

Most likely the reason for this behavior lies in an incorrectly formed sexual instinct. But this may also be due to problems with the uterus or ovaries. If your pet likes the cat, it is better not to change it. After all, representatives of the cat family are monogamous.

It is recommended that a cat give birth no more than 3 times every 2 years.

Many expert felinologists, if the cat does not let the cat near during mating, advise:

• Pour the mint solution into a bowl. Or scatter mint herb around the room.
• If mating is planned on the cat's territory, leave the cat in a carrier or cage for a couple of days. This is necessary for the pet to get used to the cat and begin to communicate with him. In this case, it is advisable to sometimes take the groom out of the room.
• Aggressive cats should look for cats with similar personalities.
• Give your cat a drug that induces ovulation.

What can I do to stop my cat from wandering?

Some owners do not plan to breed their pet and, so that it does not disturb the calm atmosphere in the house, use special preparations. Today, there are various pills for cats against walking that regulate the processes of sexual arousal, prevent unwanted pregnancy, calm the animal and make behavior normal.

But opinions differ regarding the safety of using such drugs. Some people believe that it is necessary to use anti-festival pills if mating is not planned.

Others are confident that hormonal pills or drops for cats during estrus are harmful to the health of the pet.

If, nevertheless, the owner is going to give drugs for estrus, only an experienced veterinarian should prescribe the drug.

Properly selected, suitable drops or tablets will gently normalize hormonal levels and will not harm the animal.

Manufacturers offer many drugs to solve problems with increased sexual activity in cats. For example, Gestrenol tablets are quite effective and gentle on the body. The product contains analogues of natural hormones. In addition, with o, the reproductive function is restored after a couple of months.

Among the effective contraceptives one can also name “Anti-sex”, “Contra-sex” and “Sex barrier”. But these drugs are hormonal. To quickly calm a cat, Covinan injections are used.

The reasonable price of Covinan for cats makes this drug quite popular among owners of representatives of the cat family. But it is worth remembering that this drug, like any other hormonal drug, has contraindications.

For example, it is not recommended for young individuals and those over 5 years of age to use Covinan injections.

Sterilization: pros and cons

Owners have different opinions on the issue of sterilization. Some consider this operation to be the only right step towards the pet’s health; for others, it does not seem humane to deprive a cat of the opportunity to give birth to offspring.

It is worth noting that timely sterilization greatly reduces the risk of cancer.

The best time to perform the operation is considered to be the period before the onset of the first estrus or immediately after its end. Also, the possibility of developing breast cancer is reduced to almost zero. It is possible to sterilize at an older age, but then you need to consult a doctor to see if the animal will tolerate anesthesia.

As for deprivation of the right to give birth, such doubts are inherent only to humans. Animals live by instinct and do not dream of a large cat family since childhood.

The veterinary community has come to the conclusion that sterilization is absolutely safe for cats; the only contraindication can be the patient’s advanced age. But the operation once and for all relieves the cat from suffering, minimizes the risk of disease, and also guarantees peace of mind for the owner.

The disadvantages of sterilization include the recovery period. Since the operation is performed under full anesthesia, she needs careful care and attention over the next few days. In addition, changing dressings requires courage from the owner, although it is not difficult.

Kitty in a post-operative bandage

Also, sterilization requires financial investment, and for some owners it seems more convenient to buy medications that stop or reduce the cat’s sexual desire. But you need to understand that often this kind of drug intervention puts the pet’s health at risk.

It is also worth noting that there are often cases when, due to hormonal changes after sterilization, a cat may become less physically active, thus increasing the likelihood of gaining excess weight. But in this case, it is possible to take control of nutrition and independently provoke physical exercise in the cat, which at the same time will add joyful emotions to the animal and its owner.