Cats in Season: How to Tell When Your Cat is in Heat

Female cats can come into season, also known as being "in heat," from as early as four months old. This is the time when they are fertile and able to become pregnant. Unless spayed, cats will continue to cycle every year, most commonly from February through to October, although in some cases, they may remain fertile outside these months.

A cat’s season typically lasts around 2–3 weeks, and they can have multiple cycles during this time. In the Northern Hemisphere, cats usually breed from spring through late autumn, as longer daylight hours stimulate their reproductive hormones. However, indoor cats or those living in warmer climates may come into heat all year round due to consistent exposure to artificial light or warm conditions.

Behaviours of a Cat in Season

When your cat is in heat, you may notice distinct changes in her behaviour. She may:

Become unusually affectionate
Call or meow loudly, often at night
Appear more playful and restless
Raise or swish her tail more frequently
Seek out male cats in an attempt to mate

Unlike dogs, cats do not bleed when in season, and while they may appear unsettled, they are not in pain.

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Signs Your Cat May Be in Heat

Increased affection
Loud vocalisation, particularly calling to males
Restlessness or agitation
Decreased appetite
Frequent urination, sometimes outside the litter box

Managing Cats in Season

If you do not want your cat to become pregnant, the best short-term option (other than spaying) is to keep her indoors throughout her cycle. During this time, she may also benefit from extra play and enrichment to help distract her and relieve restlessness. Puzzle feeders, toys, and interactive games can be particularly useful.

Preventing Heat Cycles: The Benefits of Spaying

The only permanent way to prevent heat cycles is to have your cat spayed. Spaying involves the surgical removal of the ovaries (and sometimes the womb), which stops the reproductive cycle and prevents pregnancy.

Beyond preventing unwanted litters, spaying has significant health benefits, including reducing the risk of mammary cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine infections, and false pregnancies. Unless your cat is part of a responsible breeding programme, we recommend spaying (for females) or neutering (for males) as a routine and beneficial procedure.

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Cats in Season FAQs

How Long Are Cats in Heat?

If a female cat isn’t spayed, she will usually come into heat several times a year, most often between February and October. Each cycle lasts around 2–3 weeks, and cats can experience multiple cycles within a single breeding season.

When Do Cats Come Into Season?

Female cats, also known as queens, can begin their first season as early as four months old, though it’s more common from around six months of age. The timing can vary depending on several factors, including their breed, weight, and the time of year. Longer daylight hours, for example, can trigger their cycles.

How Many Days is a Cat in Heat?

A cat’s heat cycle typically lasts between 3–14 days, with the average being around a week. If a cat does not become pregnant, she is likely to return into heat again after a short break.

Can You Spay a Cat in Heat?

Yes – cats can be spayed at any stage of their cycle. Spaying is the only permanent way to prevent heat cycles, and it also brings important health benefits, such as reducing the risk of mammary cancer and preventing ovarian and uterine disease.

Do Male Cats Go Into Heat?

No, male cats do not experience heat cycles like females. However, they are able to mate at any time once they reach sexual maturity.