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Cats/cats in heat

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Expert: - 12/27/2009


Question
i have a cat that is 1 yr 4 mos old, she seems to go into heat every other week, what causes this?

Answer
Hi Karen.  Different cats experience different heat cycles.  While many go into heat once a month, others do go into heat every other week.  This is normal.  Heats tend to be more frequent during the summer months, but cats who are exposed to indoor lighting may have consistent heats year-round.

Each time your cat goes into heat, her chances of developing a deadly uterine infection called pyometra rise, and her risk of mammary cancer may continue to rise, too.  So it would be great to get her spayed ASAP.  This will permanently stop her from going into heat.  Unlike dogs, cats can be spayed while they are in heat, so you can schedule an appointment for her at any time.

Good luck!

Jessica  

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Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

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