How to Calm a Cat in Heat: 8 Steps For A Yowl-Free Home

If you’ve ever lived with a female cat in heat, you know it can be quite an experience – for both of you! The constant meowing, restless pacing, and that insistent desire to dash outside can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’ve got some tips on how to calm a cat in heat so you can help her live a long, happy, healthy life by your side. (Plus, where a cat GPS tracker can be an important emergency measure.)

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How might a female cat in heat behave?

When your cat is in heat, her hormones are in overdrive – signaling she’s ready to mate. This phase, known as estrus, happens every few weeks during breeding season (but can last most of the year). Cats in heat might behave in some pretty wacky ways – including:

• Vocalizing more than usual
  Your cat may meow, yowl, or cry more frequently and loudly than usual – often at night, which might end up disrupting your sleep. This is her way of attracting a mate.
• Getting clingier than usual
  She might rub against furniture, walls, or you more often, seeking physical contact and attention. They might roll on the floor or scratch themselves excessively.
• Growing more restless
  Cats in heat often appear agitated or unable to settle down. You might notice her pacing around the house, following you around everywhere, or constantly moving from one spot to another.
• Raising her tail more often
  When petting her back or tail base, your cat may raise her hindquarters and hold her tail to the side. This is a mating posture known as “lordosis.”
• Peeing around the house
  She may urinate more often or even spray urine on vertical surfaces to mark territory and signal her readiness to mate.
• Getting “flirtier”
  If you’ve got a male cat at home, she may pursue him (and rather aggressively too!)

Now while it’s all natural, these behaviors can be pretty wacky – if not an absolute nightmare – to deal with. Which is also…

Why it’s essential to get your cat spayed as early as possible

Spaying is not just about preventing your cat from going into heat – it’s a vital step in ensuring her long-term health and happiness. When a cat is spayed, it means your vet (or an animal shelter) remove her reproductive organs. This means she will no longer experience heat cycles – which include perks like:

• A longer, happier, healthier life for your cat
  Spaying drastically reduces the risk of uterine infections, ovarian and uterine cancers, and even mammary tumors, which are often malignant in cats.
• A better-behaved kitty
  Cats in heat can display disruptive behaviors like loud vocalizing, restlessness, and a strong urge to escape. Spaying can help prevent these behaviors entirely.
• Reducing the numbers of homeless, abandoned cats
  By spaying your cat, you’re helping to reduce the number of unwanted kittens, which often end up in shelters or as strays. Overpopulation is a significant issue, and taking this step means you’re doing your part as a responsible cat parent.
• You saving a ton of money
  Spaying comes with its upfront costs, no doubt. But it’s also WAY less expensive than caring for a litter of kittens or treating health issues that could arise from your cat remaining intact.

Many veterinarians recommend spaying cats as early as 4-6 months of age. This helps prevent the onset of heat cycles and reduces health risks. Get in touch with your vet about the procedure, the recovery process, and how it can help your cat live their healthiest life by your side.

But in case you’re saving up for the spaying procedure and need to hold the fort for some time, here are some tips on how to calm a cat in heat until you can get them spayed.

How to calm a cat in heat: 8 important steps

1. Prevent your cat from wandering

One of the biggest concerns with a cat in heat is the risk of her escaping home to find a mate. Even the most well-behaved indoor cat may suddenly become an escape artist. Here are some practical tips to help prevent an escape:

• Keep your cat indoors
  Cats in heat can be incredibly determined to get outside – even more so if they’re already outdoor cats! But as a rule, the more stimulated and secure your cat feels indoors, the less likely she is to fixate on escaping.
• Secure your home
  Double-check all doors, windows, and screens to ensure there are no weak spots or gaps. Remember, cats really are “liquid” – they can squeeze through some surprisingly small openings.
• Use childproof locks
  Especially on your doors and windows. This can help prevent accidental openings that your cat might otherwise exploit.
• Create barriers
  If you have a patio or balcony, consider using cat-proof netting or enclosures to block access to areas that could lead outside. Here are some tips on how to create a cat-proof balcony.
• Block tempting views
  If your cat seems particularly drawn to the outdoors, close the blinds or curtains to block her view of birds or other animals that might encourage her to roam.
• Keep any cat flaps closed
  This will help prevent your cat from sneaking out. (Or a male cat from sneaking in!)

💡 A cat GPS tracker can be a lifesaver in case these precautions fail. You could set up a “safe zone” around your home or backyard to monitor your cat staying within it – and get an escape alert right away if your cat ventures out of it.

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2. Set up a calming home environment

• Get cuddly
  A little extra physical touch and quality time can help reassure your cat and help her relax. Let her sit on your lap or follow you around more often. (Even if it’s to the toilet or the shower!)
• Give catnip a try
  Whether in toys or even the plant itself, catnip can potentially help calm your cat down if they’re getting antsy. Just be sure to test it out with your cat first – it doesn’t have the same relaxing effect on ALL cats. In fact, some might even get more hyper!
• Spend some time grooming your cat
  Brush out their fur and keep their nails well-trimmed. The quality time can help them feel less anxious and hormonal.
• Ensure your cat has plenty of food and water
  A big can of food at the end of the day, for example, can ensure your cat sleeps through the night without meowing up a storm. You could also add some catnip to their food or water bowls to help them relax.
• Play some relaxing music
  Cats tend to enjoy jazz, classical, and ambient electronic music and might end up taking a break from all the yowling.
• Put on a “cat TV” video
  Some YouTube videos go on for 8-10 – perfect to keep yours occupied, especially if you’re not at home.
• Give your cat a generous massage
  Here’s a video from PetCoachApril covering a specific pressure point that could help yours relax:

3. Keep it clean indoors

One of the more annoying parts of living with a cat in heat: spraying urine or scent marking all over your house! So start with your cat’s litter box and empty it out a bit more often than usual. This will encourage your cat to do her business in it rather than scent marking all over your home.

Clean up after your cat right away if she does end up scent marking around the house anyway. We know, it sounds tedious, but it’ll help prevent male cats from picking up on her scent. It’ll also encourage your cat to keep doing it, if she picks up on the smell of urine.

Some experts also recommend not using cleaning products with ammonia, since these might smell like your cat’s urine and encourage her to keep marking that same spot again.¹

4. Make sure your cat is well-exercised

• Vigorous play
  Use a feather toy or laser pointer to help burn off some of that restless energy. Take turns with your housemates or family members to keep your cat occupied and well-exercised throughout the day.
• Interactive toys
  Like, for example, puzzle feeders. These can help redirect your cat’s focus from escaping. Consider adding some vertical perches, scratching posts, and cozy hiding spots to encourage your cat to stay indoors.
• New toys
  Switch up your cat’s toys to keep them distracted and engaged, especially if they resemble “prey” animals (like mice or birds, like a piece of cloth attached to a string for your cat to bat at.)
• Supervised walks outdoors on a leash
  Yes, it might sound strange, but cats adjust pretty well to leashes, harnesses, and collars if you’re ready to invest some time, patience, and energy. Supervised outdoor time can help your cat feel less restless and anxious from being “cooped up” indoors. Check out our guide on how to leash train a cat to get started.

5. Help your cat sleep better

A cat in heat might seem more restless than usual, which can make it harder for her (and you!) to relax or sleep. Here are some tips on how to calm a cat in heat around naptimes:

• Create a cozy sleeping area
  Set up a quiet, dimly lit corner with a comfortable bed or blanket where she can retreat and relax. Choose a spot away from busy or noisy areas of your home.
• Stick to a routine
  Cats thrive on routine, so try to maintain consistent feeding, play, and rest times. This predictability can help her feel more secure.
• Play before bedtime
  A good play session before bedtime can help tire her out and encourage a more restful sleep.
• Introduce calming aids
  Like pheromone sprays or diffusers. These products mimic the natural calming pheromones cats produce and help them relaxed. Just keep in mind that these products take a while to settle into your cat’s system, so they’re not a quick fix.
• A heated blanket or pad
  Cats often find warmth soothing, especially when they’re feeling stressed or unsettled. You could use a microwavable heat map or even an electric pad or blanket. Just double-check with your vet that it’s safe to use.
• Let your cat sleep next to you
  Especially if they aren’t already. Being near you can help them feel calmer and sleep more easily.

⚠️ Avoid giving your cat any medication to sleep that’s otherwise designed for humans – unless advised by your vet. These meds might include ingredients that are toxic to cats.

6. Keep your cat away from male cats

During a heat cycle, your cat’s instinct to mate will be stronger than ever. Meaning, don’t be surprised if you find at least a few male cats prowling your yard or fence around this time! If you want to avoid an unplanned feline pregnancy, it’s essential you keep your cat away from any male cats. (It’ll help her relax too, especially if she doesn’t pick up on their scent.)

• Secure your yard perimeter
  Use scent deterrents or motion-activated sprinklers to keep male cats away from your property. They might gather near your home, attracted to your cat’s scent.
• Let your neighbors know
  Especially if they have male cats. (The resulting cat child support issues just aren’t worth it.)
• Keep your cats separated
  If you have an unneutered male cat at home, keep him in a separate room or area until your female cat’s heat cycle ends. Supervise any interactions closely to avoid accidental mating.
• Don’t let your female cat peek outside
  Close curtains or blinds to prevent your cat from seeing or hearing male cats outside, which can help keep her calmer and less fixated on getting out.
• Keep your male cat away
  Have a friend, loved one, or pet sitter mind him for some time until your female cat calms down.

7. Consider your options for a spay procedure

If this is your first experience with a cat in heat, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. They can help recommend medications or other temporary solutions to help manage her discomfort during this time. If you haven’t discussed spaying yet, this is an ideal time to explore your options and plan ahead.

It bears repeating, but spaying really is the most effective way to reduce your cat’s discomfort and prevent any heat-induced wacky behavior. It both gets rid of their estrus cycles and also reduces the risk of uterine infections and mammary cancer. Plus, you’ll be helping to prevent unwanted litters of kittens who might end up homeless and abandoned instead.

Many vets recommend spaying cats as early as 4-6 months old, so the sooner, the better. Your vet can also best advise you on whether spaying would be a good fit for your cat while keeping your cat’s overall health in mind.

If you can’t afford spaying, some low-cost services do exist.

• Many local clinics offer spaying and neutering at reduced prices because it reduces the population of stray cats. The USDA website includes a database of clinics you can check for your area.
• Some animal shelters or rescue organizations can perform the spaying procedure for a fraction of the cost than at a vet’s.
• Anxiety collars can be an affordable option if your cat has health issues that prevent them from being spayed. Experts recommend them more so for cats with only mild anxiety, but some users swear by them. So consider using one only if your vet gives you the green light.

8. Use a GPS tracker as an emergency measure

Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. Someone might leave a door or window ajar – or your cat’s determination to escape might catch you off guard. That’s where a GPS tracker comes in.

With just a glance at your phone, your trusty Tractive GPS can help you follow your cat’s every move in real-time – as she makes her every move. So you’ll have the peace of mind knowing you can quickly find your cat in an emergency.

Besides, with your Tractive device strapped to your cat’s collar, you can also:

• Set up a safe zone and get an escape alert if your cat ventures outside of it.
• Check your cat’s Heat Map and Location History to figure out exactly where she’s been – so you know exactly where to look in case she gets lost.
• Locate your cat at short distances via Bluetooth, a bright LED light, or even a high-pitched melody to find her if it’s dark outdoors.
• Map out your cat’s entire territory, so you know exactly where she’s most likely to head off wandering.

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Ready to do your part as a responsible cat parent?

Living with a cat in heat can be a pain in the butt, but it’s manageable with the right steps. Here’s a wrap-up of the key takeaways of the post, so you can do your part and help your cat live a longer, happier, healthier life by your side: 

• Spaying is essential
  It prevents heat cycles, reduces health risks, and contributes to population control, offering long-term benefits for your cat. Get in touch with your vet or local animal shelter or rescue to figure out any affordable options.
• Plan ahead for an escape
  Secure your doors, windows, and outdoor access. Use a GPS tracker as an emergency measure to locate your cat if needed.
• Create a calming environment indoors
  Cuddle, groom, and give your cat as much attention as they demand. Use calming aids like pheromone dispensers, plenty of toys, a heated blanket or pad, and even some relaxing music or cat TV videos to help her relax.
• Ensure rest and exercise
  Help your cat tire out with play and ensure she has a quiet, cozy spot for restful sleep. Likewise, be mindful about catnip – it doesn’t help ALL cats calm down.
• Keep male cats away.
  Secure your home, separate unneutered male cats, and block visibility to avoid stress and accidental mating.

And most importantly…

• Plan ahead for an emergency.
  A GPS tracker ensures you’re ready for unexpected escapes. So you’ve got your cat’s safety – and peace of mind – at your fingertips.

“Anyone with cats knows how slick they are…even if your cat is an indoor cat, they will eventually find a way out.

My cat is indoor and outdoor, and I will never again have a cat without a Tractive! First, it’s fascinating seeing where they go, their favorite spots, and the territory they establish.

Second, when she has been out too long and I start to worry, I know right where she is and I go get her! I would recommend this highly for both cats and dogs!“

– Traci, US (Source: Trustpilot)

Know everywhere your cat goes

See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they go. Get alerts if they roam too far from home. Find out where they’ve been and discover their favorite spots. Let others track with you. Track sleep and activity.

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Looking for some more tips on how to calm a cat in heat? Here’s a helpful video from Planet of the Cats:

And if you’ve liked this post, share it with a friend or a loved one – and let’s help build a safer, kinder world for our furry friends together.