First Cat Estrus & Dog Estrus Signs
It
will no doubt be easy to tell when your young female
animal companion reaches sexual maturity and goes
into her first estrus, or heat cycle. This usually
occurs when an unspayed female cat is about six
months old and when an unspayed female dog is 6
to10 months old.This signals that your pet is ready
to look for a mate.
Affectionate Cats in Heat
You
may notice that your cat becomes very affectionate,
rolls around on the floor and seems unusually restless
when in heat. Felines in their estrus cycle will
exhibit increased vocalization. This howling and
calling is an attempt to attract potential suitors.
As she becomes more and more frustrated, your indoors-only
cat will probably try her utmost to escape. Unless
they are spayed, sexually mature female cats can
come into heat multiple times each year depending
on climate and other factors.
How Long Are Dogs in Heat?
An
unspayed female dog usually goes into heat twice
yearly for three weeks at a time. Her vulva will
become swollen, and there will be a clear, then
bloody discharge. Over a period of about ten days,
the flow will increase and then gradually diminish.
While in their estrus cycle, female dogs may seem
nervous, easily distracted and more alert. They
may urinate more frequently than usual. Soon after
the discharge has stopped, the female begins to
ovulate. Dogs typically have an estrus cycle every
six months, although there are some breed and individual
variations.
When to Spay and Neuter
Considering
the millions of animals euthanized at shelters annually,
it is irresponsible to let your pet mate with the
opposite sex when there already are too many animals
and not enough homes. Contrary to what some people
believe, there are no health benefits in allowing
your animal companion to have litter before she
is spayed. In fact, the rigors of giving birth and
raising a litter definitely take a toll on a female
dog or cat, and can lead to premature aging and,
in some cases, death. ANIMED and other humane
organizations recommend spaying or neutering your
dog or cat as early as 2 months, if possible.
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