Female cats who are not spayed will come into heat eventually. Kittens as young as 4 months of age can experience this, although purebred varieties don't tend to come into heat until they are 6 months old or more. Heat is technically known as estrus. Unless your cat is a qualified breeder, it is best to spay her, rather than care for a cat in heat each time it happens. This will stop the uncomfortable heat cycles and prevent other medical issues. Unsprayed cats have a higher risk of cancer in their reproductive system. If spaying is not possible right away, your veterinarian might be able to give your cat hormones to stop the estrus.

Some behavioral symptoms of a cat in estrus include the following:

* Excessive time spent by your cat licking her genitals. Genital licking can also be a sign of a urinary tract infection.

* Loud vocalizing for a few days or until she finds a mate. The estrus howl is unlike other sounds she makes.

* Rolling around on her back.

* Trying hard to get outdoors (even if she is an indoor cat).

* Excessive affection shown by rubbing her hind quarters against you, stuffed toys, furniture and other cats.

A cat ready to mate will assume a mating position, which is forelegs bent, head down, rear quarters raised and her tail up and held aside. Her rear legs pad rhythmically on the floor, especially when you stroke her back.

How Often are Cats in Heat?

Cats are in heat for about a week in every 3 weeks between late winter and early spring. This continues for 9 months or more, until she mates. If she does not mate, she will be in heat more frequently until it is nearly constant. Once she mates or is spayed, these signs will cease. Mating triggers ovulation and cats mate several times to guarantee fertilization. If she is allowed to, she will mate with a variety of male cats over a period of several days.

To care for a cat in heat, you should ensure she remains indoors (unless you want her to become pregnant). Estrus is very tiring and stressful for cats. She might lose weight so make sure you feed her enough. Her temperament will be different. She might be irritable or lethargic. If she is irritable, give her space. If she is lethargic, make sure she has somewhere cool and comfortable to sleep. The only real way to help a cat in heat is to get her spayed.

Female cats can reenter estrus a few days after giving birth. If your cat has had kittens and you don't want more, you will need to schedule a prompt spaying operation for her with your veterinarian. Knowing how to care for a cat in heat is important and some basic care is possible. It is however a stressful time for her and also for you (with all the yowling and wailing!) so spaying is the best option unless you want kittens and, if you do, you should strongly consider spaying her immediately afterwards.