Expert: Dear Tabbi - 5/31/2009

Question
Hi i have a 7 month old kitten who has been in heat for a little over month now only stopping for about 7 days we dont have have the money to get her de sexed at the moment as much as we would like to as she seem's distressed. My question is, is there anyway to make her more comfortable during this time? And also how long can it last? Also is there ways to stop some of her behaviours? Are major issue is her jumping up on my partners bedside table and rolling around and head butting everything  off which she only does when she is on heat my partner usually taps he on the more and says no loudly and puts her back on the ground, he has even tried putting her on my bedside table so she keeps me up instead but she just jumps down and goes back to his... We have also tried locking her out of the room but she cries and scratches to get in and make's me feel guilty as she like's to sleep with my older cat who sleep's on our bed. I've tried locking him out with her but he isnt to impressed as thats where he has slept for 3 years. So any help would be much appreciated... Also she is an indoor cat and my male is de sexed. And she also gets played with, with her toys for at least 2 hours before bed to try and stop this. Thanks Taryn

Answer
Taryn,

Unfortunately there is nothing you can do to erase her heat-related behavior. And it will not stop for long until she is either bred or spayed, and it can last until fall!

She will continue to be annoying and punishing her will not help because her behavior is caused by raging hormones and Mother Nature. She is not being a bad kitty, she is doing what comes natural, and can't help it.

That is why it is important to get her spayed, for your sanity, hers, and her health. If she goes into heat too many times she can develop a uterine infection which will cost you more in vet bills than to get her spayed.

Call the SPCA or Animal Control. They can give you information about available clinics. There are many low-cost or free spay and neuter clinics in most areas.

Cats are a responsibility and you need to figure in medical bills as part of their care. If your child needed to go to the doctor you would find the money, the same should go with your kitten.

Tabbi

Edit:

I apologize if I sounded rude with my last comment. That was NOT my intention, and I'm sorry about your job.

A cat is a kid with 4 legs and fur. If they need to go to the doctor you will find try to find a way. It is the same with me (and my 13 cats) or anyone else. It is not a statement about you personally, except for the the fact that it should be the same for you too, which is a general comment.

The vet who told you that you have to wait until they are 6 or 7 months old to fix is in the 'dark ages'. Kittens can be spayed and neutered as young as 8 weeks old now. I just had 2 kittens neutered that were ten and a half weeks old, and a neighbor recently had her female kitten fixed at 9 weeks old. They were fixed by the SPCA at their clinic.