Introduction: Sometimes it really needs your help
f your cat is in heat for the first time, you’re probably overwhelmed by the yowling, sudden clinginess, and escape attempts. Don’t worry—you’re not doing anything wrong, and your cat isn’t misbehaving on purpose.
She’s responding to a powerful natural cycle, and with a bit of understanding and preparation, you can make things easier for both of you.
At SnuggleSouls, we believe in solving real-life pet parenting problems—not just offering textbook advice. That’s why we’re diving into how to care for a cat during heat, with tips that are actually doable in a home environment.
Looking for a Complete Guide?
For a full breakdown of the heat cycle timeline, signs, and prevention, check out our complete guide:
👉How Long Are Cats in Heat: Timeline, Signs, and What You Should Do
It explains what’s happening biologically, what to expect at each stage, and how often the cycle repeats.
What To Do When Your Cat Is in Heat
Dealing with a kitty in heat can test anyone’s patience. The constant noise, the escape attempts, the clinginess – it’s a lot!
While you can’t turn off her hormones (short of spaying her, which we’ll discuss soon), there are definitely ways to manage her heat cycle safely and make her more comfortable.
Here are some practical tips I’ve gathered over the years – both from veterinary advice and my own trial-and-error as a cat mom – to survive a heat episode:
Keep her indoors and away from males
This is rule number one. Do NOT let your female cat outside while she’s in heat, no matter how much she tries. An in-heat cat can attract tomcats from far and wide – and it only takes a minute of unsupervised time for mating to occur.
To prevent an unwanted pregnancy, secure all doors and windows. You might have to be extra vigilant with family members or roommates so nobody accidentally lets her slip out.
If you have intact male cats in the same household, physically separate them immediately. Put your queen in a comfortable room by herself with food, water, and litter, and make sure the male cannot get in.
It only takes a few seconds of contact for mating to happen if you turn your back – cats are surprisingly fast when the opportunity arises.
Provide a safe, cozy space
Create a comforting environment for your cat. Some cats in heat prefer a quiet, secluded area (like a separate room or a large kennel) where they can roll and call without as much stimulation. Set up a soft bed or pile of blankets for her to knead and snuggle.
You might find she appreciates extra soft toys or even a warm heating pad or warm water bottle wrapped in a towel to cuddle against – warmth can be soothing for some cats.
Keep the area dimly lit; since heat cycles are influenced by light, sometimes a darker environment can potentially help calm the intensity a bit (no guarantees, but it doesn’t hurt).
Playtime and distraction
One way to take the edge off your cat’s restlessness is to engage her in active play. Break out her favorite toys – feather wands, laser pointers, ball track toys – and have a good play session to tire her out.
Even though her mind is on mating, many cats will still respond to play. Physical activity can relieve stress and may reduce her urge to roam.
Plus, if she expends energy chasing a toy, she might sleep a little better despite the hormones. I’ve found that multiple short play sessions throughout the day work well (since her attention span might be short in heat).
Interactive puzzle feeders can also occupy her mind and distract from the mating drive for a bit.
Extra TLC (on her terms)
Your cat may demand more attention – and you should give it, within reason. Petting, brushing, or gentle massage can help soothe her if she’s the cuddly type.
Many cats in heat love being stroked and will arch their back, rolling and purring because it relieves some tension.
Go ahead and pamper her with affection if it calms her (just be ready for the elevator-butt pose to happen frequently!).
On the other hand, if at times she seems overstimulated or grumpy, give her space. Let her guide the interaction: when she bunts you for pats, oblige her; if she slinks away or seems agitated, let her be for a bit.
Calming aids
Consider using some calming products to take the edge off. Feline pheromone diffusers like Feliway emit a synthetic calming scent that can help reduce stress in some cats.
It’s not a cure-all, but many cat parents swear by it to create a more relaxing atmosphere. Starting a pheromone diffuser in the room where your cat spends most time can subtly reassure her.
Additionally, some vets may recommend natural supplements (like those containing L-theanine or casein) that promote relaxation. Always consult your vet before giving any supplements or remedies.
What about catnip? Catnip can actually either mellow a cat out or rev them up, and each cat reacts differently. If your cat typically becomes blissed out and lazy with catnip, you could try offering some during heat to see if it soothes her. But if catnip makes her more hyper, definitely skip it in this situation.
Litter box tips
Because some cats may increase urine marking when in heat, keep the litter box extremely clean to encourage her to use it instead of your carpet. Scoop it 1-2 times daily.
You can even add an extra litter box in her area – sometimes having multiple boxes deters inappropriate spot-peeing. If she does spray, clean the area thoroughly with an enzyme cleaner to remove the scent (so she’s less tempted to refresh the “scent message”).
Keep your own stress in check
Caring for a cat in heat can be exhausting – the noise alone can disrupt your sleep for nights on end. Make sure you take breaks and practice patience.
If the yowling at night is unbearable, consider using earplugs for sleeping, or moving her to a room farther from your bedroom (if she’ll tolerate that without causing chaos).
Remind yourself that this is temporary and natural. She isn’t trying to annoy you; it’s instinct. Sometimes it helps to play soft music or white noise to drown out the yowls a bit (for you, or even for her – some cats relax with classical music or “cat calming” music playing softly).
No scolding or punishment
This should go without saying, but never punish your cat for behaviors she exhibits during heat. Yelling, spraying water, or other corrections will only confuse or scare her – it won’t change the hormonal behaviors.
She can’t control these urges any more than a person can control PMS mood swings. Instead, use positive distractions as mentioned and ride out the wave.
Plan for spaying
If you do not intend to breed your cat, the kindest long-term solution for both of you is to schedule a spay (ovariohysterectomy) once this heat is over (or even sooner – see FAQ on spaying during heat).
We’ll delve more into when and why to spay in a moment. But I mention it here as part of your action plan, because after a few rounds of heat cycles, most pet parents decide that it’s in everyone’s best interest to prevent this from recurring endlessly.
Conclusion
A cat in heat can be loud, clingy, and frustrating—but it’s also temporary. By offering comfort, safety, and distraction, you’re helping her through a challenging phase in the most loving way possible. These tips won’t cure the cycle, but they will make it more manageable.
Still, the most effective solution is planning for spay surgery—so the heat cycle doesn’t return again and again. If this is your first heat experience, you’ve got this. If it’s your fifth, it’s okay to feel exhausted—we’re here with you every step of the way.
Want to learn more about your cat’s full heat timeline and what each phase means?
👉How Long Are Cats in Heat: Timeline, Signs, and What You Should Do
We’d love to hear your story. Share your experiences, join our cozy community of cat lovers at SnuggleSouls. Together, let’s celebrate every precious, whiskered moment.
FAQ
How long does a cat stay in heat?
The estrus phase usually lasts 5–7 days, but it can range from 2–14 days depending on the cat. If she isn’t bred, the cycle may repeat every 2–3 weeks.
Can I spay my cat while she’s in heat?
Yes. While some vets prefer to wait due to increased blood flow, many are experienced in performing spays during heat safely. Consult your vet.
Why is my cat yowling and rolling on the floor—is she in pain?
These are normal heat behaviors. She’s not in pain, but she’s experiencing hormonal-driven restlessness and mating instincts.
Will catnip help calm my cat in heat?
It depends. Some cats become relaxed, others get hyper. Try a small amount under supervision to see how your cat reacts.
Should I let my cat outside during heat to calm her?
No. Even one minute outside can lead to accidental mating. Keep her indoors and secure all exits.
Do male cats go into heat?
No. Only females go into estrus. However, unneutered males will exhibit intense behaviors when they sense a female in heat nearby.
Is bleeding during heat normal for cats?
No. Unlike dogs, cats usually do not bleed during heat. If you see blood, contact your veterinarian immediately.
References
Root Kustritz, M. V. (2007). Reproductive behavior of small animals. Theriogenology, 68(3), 354–359. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0093691X07001719?via%3Dihub
Llera, R. M., & Yuill, C. (2022). Estrus Cycles in Cats. VCA Animal Hospitals. Retrieved from https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/estrus-cycles-in-cats
ASPCA. (n.d.). Cat Behavior During Heat Cycles. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues
Feldman, E. C., & Nelson, R. W. (2004). Canine and Feline Endocrinology and Reproduction (3rd ed.). Elsevier Saunders.