What does it mean when behaviour changes in cats in heat? There are a number of obvious signs, but it’s worth finding out exactly what might be causing your cat’s behaviour change in the first place. A sudden and unexplained rise in appetite, or sudden and unexplained depression are certainly obvious warning signs. Other behaviour changes in cats in heat could be due to stress, such as excessive meowing, or even fear.
An Overview
Many cats will eat more when it is warmer outside, for obvious reasons. However, a cat that suddenly eats more may be suffering from dehydration, so looking for your cat outside of the home is a good idea. You should also check your cat for any signs of illness, particularly fever or any signs of the cat not liking being near you.
Your cat is less active at night, perhaps because it’s too warm, or because it has been used to being the focal point of the household. It might start sleeping more, or taking much longer walks, or seem to prefer playing on your bed or sofa. All this is an indication of behavioural changes in cats in heat that you should look out for. Watch out for your cat as it begins to walk away from you, rather than towards you.
Major Difference
Other obvious behaviour changes in cats in heat could be a difference in eating habits. Look out for any strange tastes in the cat’s food. If you see a distinct difference in the cat’s meal, then it could be a sign of illness. Your cat could have some sort of nutritional deficiency, so it’s important to address the problem.
Fighting is another big change that may occur between cats in heat. Cats will often fight each other when they are naturally territorial, but they can also be encouraged to fight by their owners. Owners who feel like fighting their cats at this time may do so because they haven’t provided enough cat toys, or haven’t cleaned up after their pets during the day. Providing your cat with more cat toys and an environment where fighting is not going to take place is the best way to encourage it to settle down and stop fighting in its tracks.
Litter
Changes in your cat’s litter box habits are also very common. This can be a sign of behavioural changes as well, especially if you notice that your cat is always going in the same place in the evening. This can be because it is trying to avoid being seen by humans. Cats use litter boxes for many reasons, and it is important to understand why before providing one for your cat.
When we read about changes in cats in heat, we often think that it’s due to sickness. But there can be a lot of other reasons. It could be that your cat is tired or stressed. Stress can affect every aspect of your life. In cats this is often not a huge problem as most can handle stress. If your cat is always feeling stressed out try to make it feel better with some gentle petting and plenty of affection.
Behavioural changes in cats in heat are easy to spot. If you are observant and have a keen eye you will quickly pick up on changes in behaviour. Look for behaviour such as scratching, rearing, meowing constantly, and becoming less sociable. If you see any of these things it is a clear sign that your cat is stressed and maybe even sick.
Simple Solution
If your cat’s behaviour in the heat is disturbing you don’t need to panic. One of the simplest solutions is to provide more light and space. Try laying new sheets on the floor and moving the litter box closer to a wall so the cat can have a place to curl up.
You can also turn up the heating a little further. This can be done by raising the thermostat a few degrees. This should make your cat feel more comfortable and help your cat to relax during the day. If your cat’s behaviour in the heat is bothering you then you should consider turning down your central heating. A fan or heat lamp can help put the cat at ease.
Conclusion
When you take your cat into your home for the first time make sure that you prepare their home. The reason for this is that behavioural changes in cats in heat can be a sign that your home is not suitable for your new pet. Try to find a warm and welcoming environment with plenty of space. As cats are naturally nocturnal, it is important that you get them used to being awake during the night.
