A Guide to What to Do When Your Cat Is in Heat

• Loud vocalisation – Your cat may yowl, meow or call much more than usual to attract a mate.  

• Restlessness – She may pace, seem unable to settle or become more active than normal.  

• An arched back and raised hindquarters – Many cats adopt a mating posture, often moving their tail to one side when stroked.  

• Rolling or low crawling – Some cats spend more time rolling on the floor or creeping close to the ground.  

• Increased affection – Your cat may rub against furniture, people or other objects and seek more attention than usual.  

• Excessive grooming – Some cats groom themselves, particularly around their back end, more frequently during their heat cycle. 

Does a cat in heat bleed? 
No, unlike with a dog’s heat cycle, cats in heat don’t bleed. If you do notice blood around your cat’s genitals or in their urine, it could be a sign of urinary tract infection or another medical condition, so you should call your vet straight away.  

Does a cat in heat feel pain? 
Though cats may seem uncomfortable and irritated while they’re in heat, it isn’t usually painful; if you think your cat is in pain, it’s a good idea to have them checked out by your vet. 

How long are cats in heat? 
A cat's heat cycle usually lasts around six to seven days, although it can last anywhere from a few days to around 10 days. If your cat doesn't become pregnant, she'll usually come back into heat every two to three weeks during the breeding season. 

Cats are seasonally polyoestrous, which means they have multiple heat cycles during the breeding season. In the UK, this typically runs from early spring through to autumn, as increasing daylight stimulates their reproductive cycle. However, indoor cats exposed to artificial lighting or those living in warmer climates may come into heat throughout the year. 

If your cat mates during her heat cycle, she may become pregnant, ending the cycle.  

Most cats cope well with being in heat. While you can’t stop the heat cycle once it has started, there are a few things you can do to help keep your cat comfortable and prevent an unwanted pregnancy. 

• Keep your cat indoors and away from unneutered male cats

• Provide a comfortable, quiet place where she can rest

• Offer toys or gentle play if it helps distract her

• Give her attention if she seeks it but allow her space if she prefers to be left alone

• Check that doors, windows and cat flaps are secure, as cats in heat are more likely to try to escape

When should I contact a vet? 
Although being in heat is a normal part of a female cat's reproductive cycle, there are times when veterinary advice is important. Contact your vet if your cat: 

• appears to be in pain or is unusually distressed  

• has blood or a foul-smelling discharge from her vulva

• becomes lethargic or unusually quiet

• stops eating or drinking

• seems unwell during or after her heat cycle

• has repeated or prolonged heat cycles that you're concerned about

• may have mated and become pregnant and you want advice about planning her care

If you're unsure whether your cat's behaviour is normal, it's always best to speak to your veterinary practice for advice.

Cats are at their most fertile during their heat cycle, so your feline friend will likely be on the lookout for a mate during this time. Equally, male cats will come looking for her, attracted by her scent, so it’s important to make sure any cat flaps are kept closed, and doors aren’t left ajar where possible.  

Unless you plan to breed your cat, neutering is the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies and future heat cycles. Read our Cat Neutering Guide to find out when cats can be neutered, what happens during the procedure and what to expect during recovery. 

It’s usually recommended that cats are spayed or neutered around 4-6 months old once they’ve completed their primary vaccination course. However, it’s perfectly fine to spay older cats, and some vets may recommend waiting a few months longer before completing the procedure. Of course, if you’re sure you don’t want your cat to have kittens, it’s important to have her spayed as soon as possible to avoid unwanted pregnancies.  

Neutering also prevents womb infections (pyometra) and significantly reduces the risk of mammary (breast) tumours, particularly when carried out at a young age. If you're considering neutering your cat, speak to your vet or find out what to expect when your cat is neutered.

Written by Gillian Burkhill, Veterinary Surgeon, Animal Trust Vets CIC | Published October 2025 | Review date October 2028 | This advice is for UK pets only and is not a replacement for seeing a vet