You are here:
- Home
- Animals/Pets
- Cats
- Cats
- Prevent cat from coming into heat
Cats/Prevent cat from coming into heat
Advertisement
Question
We have a cat who is not yet a year old and has come into heat 3 times. We had her scheduled to be spayed but an x-ray revealed that she has an enlarged heart so we were advised that the anesthesia was risky for her and she may not survive the surgery. So we canceled the appointment. I am wondering if there is anything to prevent her from coming into heat. She really isn't too bad while in heat, but she seems so uncomfortable and we feel sorry for her and would like to do something to prevent it. She is an inside cat. Thank you for any suggestions.
Hi Melody,
Truthfully, the best thing for her is probably to allow her to continue to go into heat as long as she stays indoors. There are medications that can prevent estrus, such as megestrol acetate. But these carry a very strong potential for very serious side effects including diabetes and mammary tumors if used for longer than a few months' time. Estrus doesn't appear to be very uncomfortable, but if you feel her quality of life might be worth the risks that megestrol acetate poses, you could talk to your vet about using it, at least to control estrus during the most active times of year.
Good luck!
Jessica
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you for the information. It was very helpful and we have decided to just let nature take its course and not risk the hormones. | ||
Related Articles
- Heat Stress Dangers - Heat Stress Dangers On The Job
- Will a cats heat cycle end after mating - Feline Reproduction FAQ
- How to Know If You Are Depressed - How Did You Know You Were Depressed
- Depressed Spouse - Tips for Coping With a Depressed Spouse
- Quit Smoking Benefits - The Benefits When We Quit Smoking
Answers by Expert:
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
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.