CATS:
- When we spey a cat, the ovaries, oviducts and uterus are removed
- Female cats are induced ovulators, which means that ovulation does not take place without mating or manual stimulation. If the female cat does not mate during heat, hormonal levels will eventually drop off, and the heat cycle will cease, until it repeats itself in another two to three weeks.
WHEN DO THEY COME INTO HEAT?
- Varies from cat to cat and breed
- Siamese can come into season as early as 4 or 5 months, whereas other breeds may not until 10 months or older
- Cats can go into heat and produce a litter at any time, however there is a typical ‘mating season’ which begins in spring time when the days start to become longer
- Usually lasts 7-10 days (if the cat doesn’t become pregnant then it will repeat every 2-3 weeks until she does become pregnant)
SIGNS OF A CAT ON HEAT
- May become extra affectionate
- More persistently vocal – often louder than usual
- Licking on the genital region
- Loss of appetite
- However, it is possible that the cat will display none of the above symptoms
DOGS:
WHEN DO THEY COME INTO HEAT?
- Female dogs usually go into heat around 6 months (smaller breeds can go into heat earlier and older dogs can be up to 2 years old before this happens)
- Dogs go into heat, on average, about twice a year, however some dogs take nearly 2 years to develop a regular cycle. Small breed tend to cycle more regularly than larger breeds. 3 and occasionally 4 heat cycles per year can be normal in some females. Very large breeds may only have one heat cycle every year.
- A heat cycle on average lasts 2-3 weeks for most dogs
- Its important to note, when a dog is in heat you should avoid swimming /baths as it can increase their risk of contracting a UTI.
SIGNS OF A DOG ON HEAT
- The most notable sign is vaginal bleeding – this may not become apparent until a few days after the female has actually come into heat
- Vulvar swelling and licking in that area
- Passing small quantities of urine more frequently
- Mood changes
- Sudden interest from males
- Tail flagging