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Feline Reproductive System Health
How to Calm a Cat in Heat Download Article Reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM
Last Updated: June 5, 2025 Fact Checked
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Calming a Cat in Heat
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Spaying and Other Long-Term Solutions
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This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. There are 7 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 1,999,945 times.
An un-spayed female cat will go into heat, meaning she's ready to mate, every three to four weeks. Usually, this involves howls, screeches, writhing, and attempts to attract or run away with male cats.[1]XResearch source Dealing with a restless, frisky kitty may seem like a challenging task, but it’s not nearly as difficult as you may think. We’ve outlined plenty of quick tips and suggestions to help calm your cat down in the short term, as well as some solutions to prevent heat in the long term. In just a few minutes, you’ll be able to give your cat the support and respite she needs during this tough time.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Calming a Cat in Heat
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1 Recognize that your cat is in heat. Make sure that the behavior your cat is expressing actually means that she’s in heat and not sick. An unspayed cat in heat will vocalize a lot, be restless, rub against people and objects, and roll around on the floor. If you stroke her lower back, she'll respond by raising her pelvis and shifting her tail to one side.[2]XResearch source
The normal breeding season for cats is between spring and late summer. She will likely go into heat during this time of year.
Decide if your cat's in heat or sick. If she's acting restless, but not rubbing herself against everything and lifting her tail to the side, she may be in pain. Take her to the vet to find out what's going on.
2 Isolate her from male cats. When she's in heat, your cat will grow even more excitable in the presence of males. Do not allow her outside at all, and close all windows and lock all doors, including pet flaps. To keep her calm (and prevent her from getting pregnant), you need to keep her away from all male cats. Isolation will also keep her safe — she may try to escape your home if she senses a male outside.[3]XResearch source
If you have a male cat in the same house, find a friend or hire a cat sitter to take him in for a couple weeks. If the two cats stay in the same area, they'll both act wild, and almost certainly end up mating.
If male cats are visible through a window, cover the window with curtains or a piece of cardboard.
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3 Give your cat something warm to sit on. Although success is not guaranteed, some people find that giving the cat a heat pack or a warm, wet towel to sit on keeps her still and calm.[4]XResearch source A microwavable heat pack may be the easiest option, since you can quickly reheat it once the cat starts acting up again. An electric heat pad/blanket is also a good choice.
4 Use catnip only if it calms your cat down. Cats respond very differently to catnip. Some relax and quiet down when given catnip, but other become energetic and aggressive. If you don't know how your cat responds to catnip, avoid this method. It may make the situation even worse.[5]XResearch source
Note that this is only a temporary fix, but it might buy you an hour or two of peace.
5 Test whether herbal remedies are effective. There are many herbal remedies on the market intended to calm cats. Some cat owners report success, but there is no single remedy that works on every cat. Furthermore, your cat may not respond to any of these products. Buy a collection of small samples and try several different remedies. Once you've found a product that works for your cat, buy it in larger amounts.
Follow the instructions on the labels. They may tell you to add the remedy to the cat's water, rub a few drops into the cat's fur, or use as an air freshener.
Do not use products intended for humans, which likely use higher dosages.
6 Use Feliway in your home. Feliway is a synthetic cat pheromone that has a soothing, calming effect on cats. It takes a couple weeks of exposure to begin calming cats down, though, so it's not an immediate fix. If you know your cat is unspayed, you might consider plugging in the Feliway diffuser at the beginning of breeding season (spring). That way, whenever she goes into heat, the Feliway will already be built up in her system.[6]XResearch source
7 Keep her litter box clean. Cats often scent mark with urine to attract males when they are in heat. By keeping her litter box clean at all times, you might encourage her to use it instead of scent marking your home. If she scent marks anyway, clean and de-odorize the area immediately. Leaving the smell of urine behind will only drive her to keep doing it.
Don't use cleaning products with ammonia. Ammonia is also found naturally in urine, and the smell will encourage her to mark that spot again.
8 Play with your cat. Playing with your cat can distract her temporarily, but she'll often go straight back to howling after you're done. Petting, scratching, or brushing her lower back can be more effective, if your cat is already calm enough to let you do so.[7]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Spaying and Other Long-Term Solutions
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1 Spay the cat. Spaying a cat removes her ovaries and prevents the heat cycle from occurring. It prevents her from getting pregnant, and reduces the risk of certain cancers and other diseases.[8]XResearch source
If you can't afford the surgery, look for low-cost spay services. Many clinics offer this service at a reduced price because it reduces the population of stray cats.
Look up your area in the databases listed on the USDA website.
There is a small chance of leftover ovarian tissue sending the cat into heat even after the surgery. If this occurs, consult a veterinarian.
2 Consider waiting until after the heat is over before spaying. A vet can perform the spaying procedure at any point in your cat's hormonal cycle — even when she's in heat. However, there's a risk of increased blood loss at that time. The procedure is possible, but consult an experienced veterinarian for advice.[9]X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to AnimalsLeading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
3 Use hormonal therapy as a last resort. The hormones prostaglandin and estrogen can be used to stop a cat’s heat cycle; however, this treatment has serious side effects including uterine infection and tumors.[10]XResearch source Because of the risks, take this step only when spaying is not an option. Always consult in detail with a vet, who will need to prescribe the hormones and explain how to use them properly.[11]XResearch source Even if the cat can't be spayed for medical reasons, the risks may not be worth the calm behavior.
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Question Is it painful for my cat when she's in heat? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer No, she is not in pain although it is entirely normal for her to cry out and yowl as if in discomfort. This is just her way of attracting male attention. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 77 Helpful 413
Question How long does heat in cats last? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer This is very variable. A cat can 'call' anywhere between one to seven days. If she doesn't mate she can come into heat again a couple of weeks later. Thus the full cycle takes on average around three weeks. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 83 Helpful 329
Question What age do cats generally have their first heat? Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Expert Answer Cats usually have their first heat at about 5 ½ to 6 months of age. However, this depends on the weather and how easy food is for the cat to come by. For example, in spring, a well fed cat may come into heat as young as 5 months old. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 74 Helpful 259
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Did this article help you? Say thanks with a small tip. $1 $3 $5 Leave a Tip Support our mission to help everyone in the world learn how to do anything.
Tips
If spaying the cat is too expensive, look for spay/neuter nonprofits that may provide financial assistance. Thanks Helpful 5 Not Helpful 0
If you were looking for an article about your cat literally being too hot rather than the reproductive process "in heat," then try the article at: How to Cool Your Cat Down in Hot Weather Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0
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Reviewed by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. This article has been viewed 1,999,945 times. 377 votes - 92% Co-authors: 34Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 1,999,945 Categories: Feline Reproductive System HealthArticle SummaryX
One way to calm a cat in heat is by keeping her indoors, separated from male cats who might frighten her or try to get her pregnant. Then, place a heating pad or a warm blanket in her bed for her to lay on, which will keep her warm and calm. Be sure to keep her litter box clean to control spraying inside of your home, and if she does spray any part of your house, clean the area thoroughly so that no scent remains. Give her plenty of attention by petting, scratching, or brushing her, and give her catnip if it normally helps to calm her when she’s not in heat. To learn more herbal and natural remedies from our Veterinarian co-author, keep reading!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Reader Success Stories
Tina Louise Brown
Jun 21, 2017
"I learned a lot about both my girl kittens being in heat. Trust me when I say that having two females in heat usually lasts the whole month, with the exception of only a couple of days. I learned about the Feliway and was astonished for the need to find one. My kitty is pictured, her name is Miracle because I was on life support and it's a miracle that I'm alive and got to come home. My husband, knowing that I love cats, brought home 2 tiny black kittens as a present for fighting for the will to live."..." more Rated this article:
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Reviewed by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian Co-authors: 34Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 1,999,94592% of readers found this article helpful. 377 votes - 92% Click a star to add your vote
Tina Louise Brown
Jun 21, 2017
"I learned a lot about both my girl kittens being in heat. Trust me when I say that having two females in heat usually lasts the whole month, with the exception of only a couple of days. I learned about the Feliway and was astonished for the need to find one. My kitty is pictured, her name is Miracle because I was on life support and it's a miracle that I'm alive and got to come home. My husband, knowing that I love cats, brought home 2 tiny black kittens as a present for fighting for the will to live."..." more Rated this article:
Marcia Doty
Jan 31, 2017
"This is my first experience with a female kitten that has gone into heat. She was suppose to be spayed on Friday, but went into heat this Monday. She just turned five months old, and I knew I would be cutting it close, but it was the first available appointment I could get through a discounted clinic. Thank you for the article. I will try some of the methods shown here."..." more
Anindya Bagchi
Jan 22, 2017
"I have an 8 month old female and she came into heat twice in the last two months. I am going to spay her but my vet old me to wait till the cycle ends. I am a first timer with female cats (the other two I had earlier were both males), so I was searching and found this great article. Keep up the good work! Thanks."..." more
Abigail Polzin
Jul 23, 2016
"My cat is in heat. We can't get her spayed because she was born with half of a diaphragm. I got literally 3 hours of sleep last night. Today, I put her in my bathroom with the door closed with a rice sock, and she fell asleep so quickly. This helped me soooo much! <3"..." more
Loretta Myers
Jun 3, 2017
"This is our first time taking care of our female cat, Silver. She stays under my husband and he does a lot of rubbing her and holding her when she starts whining. He doesn't want to give her anything but love and affection, and for the second time, it's working."..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
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Reviewed by: Natalie Punt, DVM Veterinarian This article was reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM. Dr. Natalie Punt is a Veterinarian and the Founder and CEO of mPet- a smart phone app for pet owners to store, manage and transfer their pets medical records and health information. She specializes in small animal emergency and general medicine and veterinary practice economics. Dr. Punt holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from The University of California, Davis, an MS in Biochemistry from The University at Buffalo, and a DVM from Western University of Health Sciences. This article has been viewed 1,999,945 times. 377 votes - 92% Co-authors: 34 Updated: June 5, 2025 Views: 1,999,945 Categories: Feline Reproductive System Health Article SummaryX
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1 Recognize that your cat is in heat. Make sure that the behavior your cat is expressing actually means that she’s in heat and not sick. An unspayed cat in heat will vocalize a lot, be restless, rub against people and objects, and roll around on the floor. If you stroke her lower back, she'll respond by raising her pelvis and shifting her tail to one side.[2] 
2 Isolate her from male cats. When she's in heat, your cat will grow even more excitable in the presence of males. Do not allow her outside at all, and close all windows and lock all doors, including pet flaps. To keep her calm (and prevent her from getting pregnant), you need to keep her away from all male cats. Isolation will also keep her safe — she may try to escape your home if she senses a male outside.[3] 
3 Give your cat something warm to sit on. Although success is not guaranteed, some people find that giving the cat a heat pack or a warm, wet towel to sit on keeps her still and calm.[4] A microwavable heat pack may be the easiest option, since you can quickly reheat it once the cat starts acting up again. An electric heat pad/blanket is also a good choice. 
4 Use catnip only if it calms your cat down. Cats respond very differently to catnip. Some relax and quiet down when given catnip, but other become energetic and aggressive. If you don't know how your cat responds to catnip, avoid this method. It may make the situation even worse.[5] 
5 Test whether herbal remedies are effective. There are many herbal remedies on the market intended to calm cats. Some cat owners report success, but there is no single remedy that works on every cat. Furthermore, your cat may not respond to any of these products. Buy a collection of small samples and try several different remedies. Once you've found a product that works for your cat, buy it in larger amounts. 
6 Use Feliway in your home. Feliway is a synthetic cat pheromone that has a soothing, calming effect on cats. It takes a couple weeks of exposure to begin calming cats down, though, so it's not an immediate fix. If you know your cat is unspayed, you might consider plugging in the Feliway diffuser at the beginning of breeding season (spring). That way, whenever she goes into heat, the Feliway will already be built up in her system.[6] 
7 Keep her litter box clean. Cats often scent mark with urine to attract males when they are in heat. By keeping her litter box clean at all times, you might encourage her to use it instead of scent marking your home. If she scent marks anyway, clean and de-odorize the area immediately. Leaving the smell of urine behind will only drive her to keep doing it. 
8 Play with your cat. Playing with your cat can distract her temporarily, but she'll often go straight back to howling after you're done. Petting, scratching, or brushing her lower back can be more effective, if your cat is already calm enough to let you do so.[7] Advertisement 
1 Spay the cat. Spaying a cat removes her ovaries and prevents the heat cycle from occurring. It prevents her from getting pregnant, and reduces the risk of certain cancers and other diseases.[8] 
2 Consider waiting until after the heat is over before spaying. A vet can perform the spaying procedure at any point in your cat's hormonal cycle — even when she's in heat. However, there's a risk of increased blood loss at that time. The procedure is possible, but consult an experienced veterinarian for advice.[9] 
3 Use hormonal therapy as a last resort. The hormones prostaglandin and estrogen can be used to stop a cat’s heat cycle; however, this treatment has serious side effects including uterine infection and tumors.[10] Because of the risks, take this step only when spaying is not an option. Always consult in detail with a vet, who will need to prescribe the hormones and explain how to use them properly.[11] Even if the cat can't be spayed for medical reasons, the risks may not be worth the calm behavior. Advertisement 
Pippa Elliott, MRCVS Veterinarian Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. In addition, Dr. Elliott is a freelance veterinary copywriter specializing in taking dense topics and making them easy to digest. Her clients include The Webinar Vet, PetPlan US, TIME, and other top-ranked blogs. She also works with Improve International as a developmental editor for veterinary textbooks. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery.