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Expert: Tina - 1/25/2010


Question
I have a 5 month old kitten that is in heat. How long does this last?

Answer
Hi Dawn,

About a week, or until she becomes pregnant. Any reason you have not had her spayed yet? Every heat she has before she is spayed means her risk of developing breast cancer is higher, and of course she could slip out and become pregnant. Also unspayed females may start to urinate outside the box to distribute hormones and attract a mate. Cats can be spayed as young as 12 weeks, there is no need to wait any longer to have this done.

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Volunteer

Tina

Expertise

I can answer questions on: cat nutrition and diet, behavior, behavior problems, training, general health, socialization/taming feral cats, TVAR, trapping feral cats, feline nutrition, and cat care. My favorite questions are on the topic of nutrition and I have special experience with hyperthyroidism in cats. Please do NOT ask me if you should take your cat to the vet - if you have any reason to suspect your cat is ill or injured please call your vet immediately!

Experience

5 years as volunteer adoption co-ordinator for a nonprofit volunteer cat rescue group. Experience working in a veterinary clinic. Current occupation: Research Scientist.

Education/Credentials
MS Biomedical Science

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