What Does in Heat Mean?

• Cats in heat will often try to escape from the house and go in search of a mate.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Melissa Wiese
  
  When a cat is in heat, she is in the estrus phase of the reproductive cycle. During this time, the cat will actively seek out a mate.
  
  

When Do Cats Go into Heat?

• Cats' reproductive cycles follow seasonal changes. Outdoor cats will often go into heat in the spring and summer months. Indoor cats and cats living in warmer climates may go into heat throughout the year.
  
  

How Long Will a Cat Be in Heat?

• Cats will come into heat every 14 to 21 days until she is bred or until the daylight decreases in the winter months, according to veterinarian Holly Nash. Therefore, a heat cycle can possibly last for up to nine or 10 months.
  
  

What Are the Signs of a Cat in Heat?

• Cats in heat are very vocal as they call for a mate. They will also be more affectionate with people. Often cats in heat will display a breeding posture, with the head near the floor and the back end in the air.
  
  

How Can a Heat Cycle Be stopped?

• Spaying a cat ends the heat cycle and prevents unwanted litters from contributing to the pet overpopulation problem.Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Florence Tuscany
  
  Spaying a cat is the best way to stop heat cycles. Avoiding heat cycles in cats is one of the top 10 reasons for spaying or neutering a pet, according to the ASPCA.