Estrus in cats: as often happens, ways to correct "amorous mood. What are the signs of the first estrus in a cat

Puberty in cats occurs at the age of 7-10 months. A sign that animals are ready to mate and bear offspring is estrus. During this natural process, pets bleeding are not observed. Estrus in cats is accompanied by a change in behavior.

The estrous cycle: what is it?

This term is used by veterinarians to refer to the physiological changes that occur during the reproductive cycle in animals. The estrous cycle is usually divided into several stages:

• proestrus (forerunner);
• estrus;
• metestrus;
• anestrus.

Proestrus is the first period of estrus in a cat. Its duration is from 1 to 4 days. At this time, the behavior changes slightly. The pet becomes more affectionate, comes to the owners to be stroked, or rolls on the floor. The first discharge appears, but despite this, she does not allow cats to approach her.

Estrus is the second stage of the estrous cycle. It is impossible to say exactly how long this period lasts, because for each cat its duration is individual (from 1 to 1.5 weeks). You can determine the onset of estrus by the behavior of the animal.

A cat during estrus becomes inadequate. The sounds she makes can be described as a howl. Another sign of the onset of estrus is the posture that the animal takes at the moment when it is stroked. The cat presses the front half of the body to the floor, lifts the back, and takes the tail to the side. She has clear discharge.

When the cat's sexual arousal begins to subside, metestrus (post-estrus) occurs. The duration of the period is from 2 to 19 days. As a rule, cats become pregnant during metestrus. The pet begins to show aggression towards cats. In some cases, metestrus ends with the development false pregnancy.

The final period of the estrous cycle is called anestrus (between oestrus). The cat's behavior is back to normal. She calms down, begins to eat normally, returns to the usual rhythm of life. In the absence of pregnancy, estrus resumes after a certain period of time.

How to find out about the beginning of estrus?

It is not difficult to determine the beginning of this period in an animal. You just need to pay attention to his behavior. Some cats during this period behave aggressively and restlessly. They rush around the corners, do not find a place for themselves. Someone shits in housing, marks objects.

The following symptoms of estrus are the main ones:

• the animal makes lingering and plaintive sounds;
• rubs against various objects;
• stops eating;
• often licks the genitals due to the fact that discharge appears;
• trying to escape from housing;
• bends posture, lying on the floor.

During this period, it is recommended to keep the cat in indoors. It is necessary to ensure that she does not get out into the street through the doors and windows of an apartment or house. The animal can get lost or injured when jumping out of a window and falling from a height.

Frequency of estrus

As a rule, estrus in an animal ends with the onset of pregnancy. The period of bearing offspring lasts about 2-2.5 months. At this time, the animal has no estrus. They begin after the birth of kittens in 3-3.5 months. If the offspring is born dead, then estrus begins earlier.

If pregnancy does not occur in a cat, then the intervals between estrus range from 1 to 3 weeks. In some animals they begin earlier, in others later. When cats go into heat and how long it lasts depends on a number of factors:

• physiological features;
• season (sexual activity in cats increases with the onset of spring);
• features of living conditions;
• breeds (in Siamese and Persian individuals it happens more often than in Scottish pets or representatives of the British breed).

What can be done to stop leaks?

It is possible to prevent estrus in animals if sterilization is done. This procedure involves removing reproductive organs. Sterilization not only eliminates the problems associated with this process, but also prevents the development of dangerous diseases (pyometra, cancer of the mammary glands, ovaries and uterus). Many are interested in whether it is possible to sterilize a cat during estrus. Veterinarians answer that this is not a contraindication.

Sterilization is not the only way. Another option is mating with a cat. Mating will lead to pregnancy. As a result, the signs of estrus will disappear. However, they will reappear, but after childbirth. Mating with a cat is a temporary measure.

You can also eliminate the signs thanks to hormonal drugs (for example, contrasex, pillkan). They can be bought at veterinary pharmacies. Experts do not recommend giving hormones to pets often. Preparations should be used no more than 1-2 times a year.

How to calm a cat during heat actual question for pet owners. In order to alleviate the condition of the animal, you can buy the following tools:

1. Cat Baiyun. This drug, designed to correct the behavior of pets, is available in the form of tablets. Drops can also be found on sale. The drug is absolutely safe for animals. The funds include natural ingredients(oregano, valerian, sweet clover, thyme, St. John's wort, lemon balm, peony roots).
2. Phospasim. You can give injections or give drops. The medicine can alleviate the psychological and emotional condition cats. The substances that make up fospasim do not accumulate in the body. Thus, the drug does not have a negative effect.
3. Bach drops. This product contains no artificial additives. The drug calms the animal without oppressing nervous system. The drops have no hypnotic effect.

Any remedy and injection from the above drugs calms the cat, but does not help stop estrus.

What should cat owners beware of?

If the animal has signs of estrus, then you should not stuff it with hormonal drugs. These funds are effective. However, they cannot be ignored negative impact. Due to the use of drugs, the hormonal background is often disturbed, and this, in turn, leads to the formation of tumors of the uterus and ovaries at any age.

The first estrus in cats can begin at 7 months. In some animals, this process occurs much later. In any case, do not introduce the cat to the cat too early. At a young age, the pet's body is not yet fully formed. It happens that early pregnancy leads to complications.

The disgusting behavior of a cat during this period can annoy any person. But it is impossible to beat a pet and yell at him because he meows loudly or marks housing. He cannot control himself during this period, but he still feels guilty. If the owner constantly screams, the animal will receive irreparable psychological trauma.

Estrus violations

In some animals, estrus symptoms are not observed. Veterinarians refer to this condition as "anaphrodisia". The disease is treated with hormones (folliculin, estrone and hCG). The injection is administered intramuscularly. Approximately 1-2 weeks after the first injection, the pets are in heat.

Protracted estrus is another disorder that can be detected in a cat at any age. It is characterized by an increase in the duration of estrus (over 21 days). To determine the cause, specialists conduct diagnostics in order to exclude ovarian pathology. Treatment to alleviate the condition of the pet is that an injection is given, and gestagens and estrogens are injected subcutaneously.

Any cat at some point in its life becomes ready for procreation. Puberty in females of this species occurs regardless of the desire of the owner. Therefore, you need to know what is estrus in cats, and what kind of animal care is needed during this period.

estrus domestic cat represents the female reproductive cycle. At this time, the animal is ready for mating and bearing offspring. Last given period maybe different amount days. But on average, the duration of estrus is 5-7 days (the usual period is one week). Estrus can go 6-20 days. During this time, the cat will show signs of estrus (the female begins to walk).

Estrus - physiological and natural process. It does not require human intervention. Violation of the cycle (frequency, duration, symptoms) indicates the presence of a serious disease (for example, tumors, problems in thyroid gland, cysts, etc.). In this case, a consultation with a veterinarian is necessary, since cycle disorders often accompany bloody issues. However, this is an infrequent case.

The first time estrus begins at the age of 5-12 months. When this period starts depends on the following factors:

• age;
• breed;
• genetic predisposition (determines the duration - a short or protracted estrus);
• individual characteristics, etc.

How long the heat will last also depends on these same factors. Usually it will happen once every 3-5 months. If during this period the animal became pregnant and successfully gave birth, then next cycle will start in 4-6 months. If the kittens died or the owner took them away, the female's readiness for mating will be restored after about 21 days.

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How to recognize the beginning

To notice the beginning of estrus, the owner must carefully monitor the cat. Correctly define this reproductive period everyone can. You can recognize the beginning by the following signs that appear every estrus:

• enlargement of the genitals. You can recognize by the vagina, which will become larger;
• clear discharge from the vagina. If the discharge is different, you need to consult a veterinarian. In this case, the female may experience serious discomfort. In this way, various diseases can manifest;
• the cat licks itself for a long time and often;
• the frequency of visiting the tray increases;
• loss of appetite (in rare cases). The symptom may pass quickly;
• the female becomes more affectionate. The cat begins to want extra attention. She may even ask to be stroked. The animal often tries to run away into the street and go on a spree. As the cycle ends, the signs will subside;
• pet begins to scream loudly. Despite the fact that there is the concept of "March cat", females can also yell heart-rendingly. An animal can stop screaming only for short span time. Sometimes there is no urine to endure such a heart-rending cry. Excellent remedy against him - sprinkle the cat with water;
• the female often lies on the animal. She begins to raise the back of the body along with the tail and stomp her paws in place.

Outwardly, the cat will look as usual during this period.

As you can see, the behavior of a domestic cat during estrus changes greatly. it best time when the female can become pregnant.

Stages of estrus

Veterinarians call heat estrus. This period consists of four stages. Let's consider them in more detail.

Proestrus

The first stage is proestrus. Its duration is 4 days. At this time, the behavior of the animal will begin to change. The cat becomes affectionate and begins to roll on the floor. Discharges appear. However, the female does not allow the cat to approach her, as she is not ready to conceive.

estrus

The second stage is estrus. Duration depends on individual features and breeds. The average flow time is 1–1.5 weeks. The female begins to scream and take the appropriate posture. Well-marked transparent discharges are observed.

Metestrus

The third stage is post-estrus, or metestrus. At this time, the symptoms begin to stop due to the extinction of sexual readiness. Metaestrus lasts 2–15 days. If mating occurs, then pregnancy occurs during this period. The female begins to show aggression towards cats.

Anestrus

The last stage is anestrus. The animal returns to its normal state. If pregnancy does not occur, it lasts up to 2-3 weeks.

What care does a pet need?

It should be understood that during the period of estrus, the cat becomes vulnerable to both relatives and external factors environment. Therefore, the owner should help his pet as easily and easily as possible to transfer this period.

During estrus, you need to pay more attention to the cat and take it in your arms more often to stroke it. You also need to talk to her and brush her hair regularly. Such actions will not remove the symptoms, but they will greatly alleviate them. it folk way help the cat.

You should not scold your pet if she screams day and night. The cat can't do anything with its instincts. Spraying with water from a spray bottle and active games with new toys will help to calm the pet. Such actions will distract the female from her physiological urges.

Can be given to an excited animal special means to help him get through this period. They will reduce the signs of estrus and make the female calmer.

In this period Special attention need to be fed. The female should receive a balanced quality diet. But you can not overfeed your pet so that she does not start obesity and other health problems. The owner of the animal must do everything so that the cat does not need anything.

If there is no need for offspring, veterinarians advise spaying the animal. It is not recommended that a cat give birth frequently. This can adversely affect her health. Before making a decision about pregnancy and sterilization, it is better to consult with a specialist.

As you can see, estrus in a domestic cat is a special period. In order for the animal to survive it without problems, the owner must create for his pet optimal conditions otherwise the cat may become pregnant unplanned.

Consists of three periods that are difficult to recognize inexperienced owner. The first stage is preparatory and includes the appearance clear secretions, loss of appetite, small mucous membranes of the genital organs and increased excitability. The cat begins to caress people, often meow, purr and scratch furniture, but when trying to mate, she categorically rejects the cat.

In a healthy cat, discharge should be clear and uniform, while foul-smelling or colored discharge is a cause for concern.

At the second stage, the level of cat hormones reaches a peak and they begin to actively demand mating, meowing heart-rendingly, rolling on the floor and wriggling. When stroking the animal on the back, it sticks out the back and raises. If not held, suffers from psychological and physical torment, because the instinct was not realized.

The third stage is ovulation and mating, after which the cat loses interest in the cat and ignores chasing him. If mating has not occurred, after some time, estrus will begin again. With the onset of ovulation and the absence of fertilization, the cat may fall into the so-called state. If the cat becomes pregnant, the resting phase begins, which usually occurs in the winter.

Rules for the first heat

If the owner does not plan to breed kittens or there are certain medical indications, it is desirable to sterilize a cat so as not to torment the animal.

Usually the cycle of the first estrus lasts from 2 to 3 weeks, and the break between them can vary from a few days to six months. Long, rare or absent estrus can indicate the likelihood of a disease. Cats that give birth once every year and a half experience estrus less often than cats that have mated or given birth at least once.

Potential owners before the appearance of a cat in the house should think about the period of her puberty - about estrus. This is a natural process characteristic of healthy cats. Instincts take their toll, and the behavior of the pet changes, which causes discomfort to both the animal and the owner. Therefore, it is important to know in advance how long estrus lasts in cats and how to alleviate this period.

Estrus is an individual hormonal process that differs in each animal. Often the behavior, duration, tendency to false pregnancy or aggression depend on the breed and temperament of the cat. However, there are general "rules" for estrus pets. Any deviation from the norm is a reason to go to the clinic.

How long does a cat's heat last?

The first estrus in a cat occurs at about six months from birth. Sometimes maturation is delayed up to eight to ten months. The onset of late estrus in a year and a half, as well as early estrus up to six months, indicates a hormonal disorder and is a deviation from the norm.

Some kittens can leak as early as four months and even become pregnant. In this case, the cats are culled and sterilized - such a feature of the body can be inherited. long delay- a reason to consult a doctor. Perhaps the cat is developing incorrectly and has significant deviations in physiology.

The duration of estrus is on average a week and depends on the age of the cat. The older the cat becomes, the longer the "spring". By old age, the duration and frequency are significantly reduced, and estrus passes without ovulation.

Unleashed cats flow on average once every three months, chaste pets ask for a cat more often, about once a month. If the cat is constantly mating, estrus occurs every six months. There are cases when the newly-minted mother begins to flow already one and a half months after lambing. In some breeds, for example, the Scottish Straight, Scottish Fold, British Shorthair, the period between estrus stretches for six to eight months, and the "female" cycle can be five days.

The first estrus, duration, frequency depend on the temperament, diet, daily routine of the cat, the presence of cats in the neighborhood. As a rule, active pets begin to flow before their phlegmatic "sisters". Being around a cat can spontaneously trigger the onset of a cycle.

Stages

Heat - complex physiological process consisting of four stages.

1. Proestrus. Preparatory stage lasting up to four days. The cat may show excessive tenderness to the owner, but maintain the usual way of life. The vulva - the external genital organ - swells. Discharge begins, but the pet is not yet ready to accept the cat.
2. Estrus. Actually, a leak. Lasts seven to ten days. At this stage, even an inexperienced owner notices how estrus appears in a beloved cat. The pet begins to meow lingeringly, crawling on the floor, caressing people and objects. Ovulation occurs around the third or fifth day of oestrus. These days the cat can be tied.
3. Metestrus. Over the next three to ten days, the cat's libido decreases, the pet calms down. After mating at this stage, the cat shows aggression towards cats, this is a sure sign of pregnancy. If fertilization does not occur, the cat may develop a false pregnancy in the third stage of estrus. This condition is dangerous for the physical and mental health pets associated with hormonal failure and genetic predisposition. The cat should be watched. If she starts to carry things (socks, mittens), arrange a "nest", "feed" Stuffed Toys it is best to contact your veterinarian immediately.
4. Anestrus. The final stage cycle. Pet completely calms down and returns to normal life.

The time of year does not affect the onset of estrus. If the pet was born in June, puberty should be expected in December. However, in winter there is a “calm”, the cycle passes relatively imperceptibly and calmly. The hormonal surge begins from February-March and can last until the onset of cold weather, depending on the duration. daylight hours.

signs

There are physiological and behavioral signs estrus in cats. Not always the pet loudly reports its condition. Therefore, in anticipation of the onset of the cycle, pay attention to physiological changes in the cat's body.

Physiology

Symptoms of estrus in a cat can be seen already on the first or second day.

• Allocations. The pet often licks itself, sometimes leaving wet marks. Discharge from the vulva during estrus in a cat is transparent and not abundant. Some owners recommend wearing special underpants for your pet. However, a cat is a clean animal that takes care of hygiene on its own.
• Frequent urination. The cat goes to the toilet more often with the usual diet. Some begin to mark territory and shit in inappropriate places- on shoes, bed, walls. Most often this happens with hormonal surges or the presence of a cat nearby.
• Lack of appetite. The cat is malnourished, refuses the usual food.

Not always these symptoms signal the onset of estrus. Perhaps they are related to disruption internal organs. If the cat, according to all calculations, should not flow, but often goes to the toilet, refuses food and “follows”, this is a reason to take the pet to the veterinarian.

"Concerts"

A cat behaves during estrus in accordance with temperament. The behavior may differ from loop to loop. If the first heat passed quite calmly, then the second cat can arrange a concert not only for the owners, but also for the neighbors. There are usually four behavioral habits of a cat in estrus.

1. Meow. The pet makes the most incredible sounds so that the cat can hear it. The cat yells during estrus lingeringly, plaintively, loudly. Some cats purr or croak. "Concert" can last all night.
2. Affection. Even the most unsociable pets during this period become gentle, affectionate and sociable. Rubbing against the owner's legs, furniture, walls, playfully roll on the floor. Some individuals show aggression.
3. tail abduction. During oestrus, the cat crawls on its stomach, raising the back of the body and retracting the tail. Willingly bends when stroking the back and sacrum. When walking, it keeps its tail on a break.
4. Finding an exit. The pet tries to run away at any opportunity in search of a cat. During this period, it is necessary to carefully monitor behind closed doors and vents. If the cat ran away, offspring can be expected in two months.

To scold, and even more so to beat a cat for the manifestation of its nature, is stupid and irrational. The cat herself is not enthusiastic about her behavior, but she cannot cope with her instincts on her own. Should be sympathetic to physiological features animal.

How can I help you

The instinct brings inconvenience not only to the owner, but also to the pet itself. That's why loving host First of all, he thinks how to ease the estrus in a cat. There are several ways - from short-term sedation to sterilization.

Preparations

Pregnancy of a kitten is highly undesirable. The body is not yet fully formed, it requires a lot of resources for its own construction, so the cat may die while carrying offspring. At the same time, constant empty estrus until adulthood (the possibility of becoming pregnant) leads to serious illnesses uterus and ovaries, up to death.

If the cat is pedigree, healthy and is preparing to become a mother in the future, then the first estrus before one year old you need to endure, facilitating the condition of the cat. The table shows safe sedatives.

Table - What can be given during estrus

Liquid products, especially cat-friendly, give at the tip of your finger or add to food. It is recommended to drip into the mouth with a pipette. Dilute solid preparations in water or place on the root of the tongue. Give to drink water or milk from a syringe.

Many experienced owners categorically against the use of hormonal drugs to interrupt and postpone estrus. At frequent use drugs in cats increases the risk oncological diseases and early death due to violation hormonal balance. In addition, the drugs have a short-term effect, they may not work in the next heat.

An experienced veterinarian will help guide the course hormonal injections at the withers. However, it is not recommended to get involved in injections, and even more so to carry them out without consulting a doctor. It is important to remember that the course should begin before the onset of estrus. In the midst of the cycle, you can not prick a cat.

Suppression of instincts by affecting hormones will adversely affect the health of the pet. Therefore, with the help of drugs, a loving owner can only calm an excited animal.

5 more ways to calm the animal

You can calm a cat during estrus not only with herbs and infusions. The cat wants to communicate, be the center of attention and throw out the accumulated energy. Therefore, it is recommended to distract and tire the animal in five ways.

1. Games . mobile game will distract the animal from the idea of ​​mating and help get rid of excess energy. Make the cat run and jump so that she gets tired faster.
2. Massage . Cat massage is the most effective. Lay the pet on the floor, pressing down with the palm of your hand in the area of ​​​​the shoulder blades. With the other hand, hold it with your thumb and index finger tail base. Squeeze hard enough. If the cat meows and growls, then everything is done correctly. Continue until the animal starts to break free. After the massage, the cat wriggles on its back. After a while, she can approach the owner on her own to repeat the procedure.
3. Weasel. Pet, talk to the pet in a calm voice, take it in your arms.
4. Bathing. Bathe the cat or wet the tail. The animal will begin to lick itself, get distracted and get tired quickly.
5. Night sleep . Don't let your cat sleep during the day. A tired pet will sleep at night and forget about "concerts".

Physical impact on a cat does not always work. Therefore, you can combine, for example, the adoption of "Stop Stress" with a massage. Most importantly, do not punish or ignore the cat during a difficult period.

Sterilization or castration

In order not to expect another estrus with horror, which can occur every month, it is recommended to castrate a fluffy pet. It is castrated, not sterilized.

Sterilization involves dressing fallopian tubes and castration is the removal of the ovaries. Do neutered cats go into heat? Yes, since the organs are preserved, but reproductive function is lost. The cat will ask for a cat, but will not be able to get pregnant. This option is preferable for owners of a "yard" cat.

If the pet constantly lives at home, then for general peace of mind it is better to castrate it. The operation is performed at the age of six to seven months, most often before or after the first estrus. It is not advisable to operate during the cycle.

Castration helps to get rid of not only regular "chants", but also possible diseases and pathologies. The nature, activity and good manners of the cat after the operation are preserved.

Possible problems

Unlike women, a cat during menstruation does not feel pain in the area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe uterus. However, you should be attentive to the health of the pet and, in case of any deviations from the norm, show the animal to a specialist. In what cases it is necessary to contact the veterinary clinic:

• uncharacteristic discharge- contain blood or pus;
• frequent vomiting - can happen from an overdose of the drug;
• protracted estrus - more than 15 days.

Any vaccinations are given after the completion of the cycle. You can't vaccinate a leaky cat.

Knowing how often estrus happens in cats, you can prepare your pet for a planned pregnancy. Start looking for the right candidate well in advance of the start of the cycle. Bred exclusively tribal purebred cats. In an empty estrus, give only sedatives, play with the animal, give a massage. If the pet has no breeding value, then it is better to castrate the animal. This will save both the owner and the cat from unnecessary trouble.

When cats have a time for love, loud songs and appropriate behavior, they give their owners a lot of trouble. Why is this happening? What can be done to prevent or reduce estrus? Such questions, as a rule, every owner asks himself during this hectic period. In this article, you will learn about the reasons for the sexual behavior of a cat and about the possibilities to influence it.

Cats are polycyclic animals, estrus and the possibility of pregnancy in them is observed two or more times a year. During the period of long daylight hours (spring-summer), the onset of estrus is possible every 2-3 weeks. In cats home content, which constantly live in conditions of artificial lighting, regular estrus is possible in winter. Frequent estrus has a bad effect on the body of a cat, the development of concomitant diseases is possible.

Cats are fertile animals. The female can mate and become pregnant in her first estrus, at the age of 6–7 months. There can be from one to 12 or more kittens in one litter. Cats may mate again while nursing previous offspring. However, it is not recommended to knit a cat more than 3 times in 2 years, so as not to harm her health.

Stages and duration of the cat's sexual cycle

Most often puberty occurs at the age of 6–9 months, sometimes earlier.

Proestrus (forerunner). Duration - 1-3 days.

Behavioral changes.

During this period, there is anxiety, meowing, the cat actively shows affection for the owner or, conversely, becomes unreasonably aggressive. The genitals may be slightly enlarged. But the cat does not allow mating with a cat during this period.

Internal changes.

In proestrus, hormones begin to be actively synthesized, preparing the body for mating and pregnancy. special role plays FSH, a follicle-stimulating hormone that is produced in the pituitary gland. It acts on the ovaries, where follicles with eggs begin to mature.

Estrus (estrus). Depending on the individual characteristics of the organism, its duration can vary from 1 to 21 days. Average term estrus is 5-7 days.

Behavioral changes.

The height of sexual hunting. The cat rubs against objects, people and other animals, makes calls, takes a characteristic pose, squatting on hind legs and bending in the lower back, sorting through the paws. At this point, she can go in search of adventure, slipping into open door or jumping out of a window.

Internal changes.

The follicles are ripe and ready to release eggs - potential embryos. But in cats, ovulation (the release of eggs) does not occur on its own. It requires induction - sexual intercourse. Although sometimes ovulation can be stimulated by the usual tactile impact, such as stroking at the withers. Luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced during intercourse, is responsible for the release of eggs. Mature follicles synthesize estrogen hormones, which affect the behavior of the cat and cause changes in her body. If mating does not occur, then the follicles gradually dissolve in the subsequent phases of the cycle.

The next phase is postestrus (post-estrus), and it has several features of the flow.

Behavioral changes.

The cat calms down for a while. During this period, it is decided what will happen next - pregnancy, false pregnancy, interestrus, anestrus, or the next estrus will immediately come.

Internal changes.

If ovulation (postcoital or spontaneous) does not occur, the phase does not occur corpus luteum. The amount of estrogens decreases for a while (interestrus stage), and then the growth of follicles resumes. In the case when the concentration of estrogens does not decrease, there is a constant formation of follicles, and the cycles follow one after the other without a visible break.

During the period of shortening of daylight hours, postestrus usually turns into anestrus.

If ovulation has occurred, but fertilization has not occurred, a corpus luteum forms in place of the follicle. It produces corpus luteum hormones, progestogens responsible for pregnancy, for 25-40 days. In cats, a false pregnancy is possible, but it is not accompanied by bright behavioral changes like, for example, in dogs.

If fertilization occurs, pregnancy occurs.

Anestrus

The period between estrus, which is characterized by sexual rest. Lasts 3-4, in winter up to 6 months. The body functions normally, sex hormones are produced in minimum quantities. There is a restoration and preparation of the reproductive system for the next cycle.

What are some ways to calm a cat during heat?

In no case should you punish a cat, lock it in a carrier, put it in cold water or use other "folk" methods of influence! First, it's cruel. Second, it won't help. Thirdly, the “treatment” may turn out to be worse than the “disease” and cause difficult-to-remove psycho-emotional problems up to prolonged depression with apathy and anorexia.

To the number possible solutions relate:

1. Sterilization (castration). Surgery called an ovariohysterectomy. The best option, which not only stops the manifestations of estrus, but also excludes diseases of the internal reproductive organs.
2. knitting. The classic way out. In this case, after 63–66 days (sometimes 58–69), prepare for the appearance of kittens. The problem is that after the offspring are fed (and sometimes during the feeding process), estrus will be repeated. Cats are very prolific, and if you are not a professional breeder, consider option #1.
3. Use of drugs to delay and interrupt estrus. Taking these drugs reduces the level of hormones and contributes to the suppression of sexual desire without surgical intervention. The problem is the same as with option #2 - hormonal preparations cannot be taken continuously, and estrus will resume as soon as the effect of the drug wears off. There are contraindications! Before use, you should consult your doctor.
4. Use of sedative drugs. They affect the nervous system without affecting the synthesis of sex hormones. As a rule, they are ineffective in estrus, as they require a long course of administration. There are contraindications! Before use, you should consult your doctor.
5. Just wait out the heat. If possible, triggers such as the presence of a cat, the smell of other cats, and bright lights should be eliminated.

Contraceptives. Megestrol and drugs based on it

This is a synthetic hormone, progestogen, which is an analogue of the natural hormone of the corpus luteum. It is responsible for reducing the secretion of gonadotropic hormones - FSH and LH. A change in the level of these gonadotropic hormones leads to a decrease in the level of estrogen, and hence to a decrease in the manifestations of sexual desire. In fact, all products based on megestrol transfer the animal from the stage of proestrus to anestrus, bypassing the stages of estrus and post-estrus.

Among the drugs created on the basis of megestrol acetate are the following.

"EX-5", "EX-5T", "EX-7.5". The EX-5T agent is presented in tablets, and the other two preparations are in the form of a suspension for oral administration. The result of taking in cats is the interruption or delay in estrus (shift of its onset).

For estrus shift in the period between estrus, the cat is given 1 tablet every 2 weeks (or 0.5 tablets every week). The order of application of the suspension: 4 drops every week (or 8 drops every two weeks) for "EX-5"; 2-3 drops every week (or 5 drops - once every two weeks) for EX-7.5.

Important! Do not skip taking the drug. It is not recommended to use "EX" for more than 18 months. Start using "EX" to delay estrus should be strictly in the period of anestrus.

To interrupt estrus the animal is given 1 tablet for 5-7 days until signs of estrus disappear. The daily dose of the suspension is 8 ("EX-5") or 5 ("EX-7.5") drops.

Important! The use of drugs is possible no later than 3 days from the beginning of sexual hunting, i.e. during the proestrus period. It is optimal to start giving the drug on the first day. Only then the suppression of FSH synthesis leads to desired results. If the estrus phase has begun, the use of the drug is undesirable. You can not use drugs based on megestrol more than 2 times a year.

"Four with a tail." For shifting estrus, use 1 tablet every 2 weeks or 0.5 tablets every 7 days. To interrupt estrus, a cat is given 1 tablet for 8 days, the course begins no later than on the 3rd day of estrus. Recommendations for use are the same as for EX.

Contraindications for use

Veterinary drugs based on megestrol are not used in the following cases:

• if more than 3 days have passed since the start of sexual hunting;
• the cat has not reached puberty;
• in the first heat;
• during pregnancy and lactation;
• for violations hormonal background, pathologies endocrine system, neoplasms and diseases of the reproductive system;
• diabetes, diseases genitourinary system, CRF;
• in the treatment of corticosteroids;
• in the presence of hypersensitivity to the components of the product, since an allergic reaction may develop.

Important: Violations of the drug regimen specified in the instructions may lead to a decrease in its therapeutic efficacy.

Complex preparations

Such funds include several active substances. The drug for contraception and regulation of sexual behavior "Ovostop" gives a prolonged effect (up to 6 months, depending on the length of daylight hours).

• Megestrol acetate. Promotes the transition of proestrus immediately to the stage of sexual rest without estrus and the stage after it.
• Proroxan. Due to the effect on the receptors responsible for the behavioral manifestations of estrus, it blocks the unpleasant manifestations of estrus: excessive vocalization, the search for a sexual partner, aggressive behavior, the development of stress. Does not directly affect the reproductive system.
• Melatonin. The adaptogen hormone is responsible for the seasonal and daily rhythm of the body. The use of melatonin is especially recommended in cats that are constantly in conditions of artificial lighting, because of which the timing of estrus and seasonal molting is lost. Helps to improve the quality of wool, normalize shedding. Also this active substance helps to slow down the aging process of the body and has a sedative effect.

The advantage of the drug "Ovostop" is a comfortable form of spot-on - drops at the withers. The three-component composition made it possible to reduce the dose of the progestogen component (megestrol).

Strict adherence to the instructions will help to avoid unpleasant signs of sexual hunting in a cat. To select the best tool, contact a specialist.

Contraindications

• The drug is not used in immature, pregnant and lactating animals.
• Contraindicated in animals with diseases of the reproductive system, tumors of the mammary glands, hormonal disorders, diabetes mellitus, lymphoma, autoimmune diseases, lymphogranulomatosis, leukemia, myeloma, epilepsy, chronic renal failure.
• Individual sensitivity is possible.

Attention!

If a hormonal contraceptive prescribed by a doctor according to a special regimen, for example, for the treatment of hormone-dependent pathological condition You should follow the regimen recommended by your doctor.

• Contraceptives should not be used if the cat shows signs of diseases that are contraindications to taking the drug, or physiological state which are a contraindication.
• You should not break the regimen, increase or decrease the dose.
• It is not recommended to apply in the first estrus.
• If you have any doubts about your cat's health, contact veterinarian before using contraceptives.