Do Cats Bleed When In Heat? And What You Should Do?

If you’re a cat parent, there’s a good chance you’ve wondered whether your cat bleeds when she’s in heat. It turns out that’s not the case, but there are other signs to look for if you think your cat may be in heat.

If you’re searching, “do cats bleed when in heat?” In most cases, the kitty doesn’t bleed in their heat cycle. But sometimes, blood in urine can appear due to a urinary tract infection or a slight vaginal discharge.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at what happens when a cat is in heat and how you can tell if your cat is experiencing it. Stay tuned for more tips on taking care of your feline friend!

What is Heat Cycle, and, How Long does it Remain?

In this blog, ‘Heat’ refers female cat’s reproductive cycle that carries out hormonal changes for intercourse and reproduction. This stage usually occurs in the estrus season, the hottest month of the year. The female kitty experiences this cycle at maturity, ages four months to ten months, for about 2-3 weeks.

Cat in heat experiences behavioral changes like affectionloud, rumbling vocalizations, raised tail from the rear end, affection, rubbing at the floor, reddened vulvas, milk secretions from nipples, and constantly wanting attention. Mostly the heat symptoms will disappear 24-48 hours after ovulation, which can only happen if a female cat in heat mates. It is not painful for a cat, although the bleeding occurs when having an affectionate relationship with another cat, of course, because of engorged red blood vessels in the lining of the vagina. The reason is the estrus or heat cycle of the ‘felids.’

When Do Cats Bleed?

There is no blood when cats go into heat, but there can be signs of bloody discharge due to specific reasons mentioned below:

Mating or any Physiological Change

If you think your cat is bleeding and it’s not her heat period, the first thing to do is look at her vulva. If she’s bleeding there, then it’s likely that your cat is in heat. It’s not the same as your fluffy pet having her period, though it happens because of the act of mating rather than hormones.

You should keep an eye on her and visit to vet if she seems in pain or starts exhibiting other physical changes like vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, or diarrhea.

Vaginal Discharge

If your cat is high, you might also notice increased vocalization and lipstick-like discharge from her vagina. However, she’ll likely be extra devoted to you too.

Urinary Tract Infections

The most common reason for cats to bleed could be the condition known as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

Estrus in Cats in Heat Cycles

Seasonal polyestrous cats, such as tigers and tabbies, are thought to have several cycles throughout the breeding season. It doesn’t appear natural initially, but temperature and daylight hours matter in a cat’s heat cycle. In the northern hemisphere, cats’ mating seasons generally last from January to late fall. A cat living in more southern climates or spending all its life inside may have cycles that run year-round.

As per Vcahospitals, the estrus cycle occurs in different cats almost every time. That’s why this period attracted male cats to every female they saw. For example, most female mammals like cats fall pregnant twice as often as usual. During estrus, they release two eggs per cycle instead of one (it happens because their ovaries work double time). It means that pregnancy may occur only after the second mating!

How to Prevent Pregnancy

You can stop this process if your cat does not want to conceive. The easiest way is to keep your pet in during estrus (for example, by keeping it inside the house). It would help if you had an injection of particular hormones that imitate the effect of birth control. This method is effective for about ten days. Of course, if doing nothing, you will risk multiple pregnancies, one or even six kittens! So be sure to take all measures to avoid problems after mating.

And yet, if you decide to have more than one pet at home, they may live together harmoniously and never hurt each other. So always remember before making any decision! As far as it will be safe for your vital interests, do not hesitate for a vet visit who will examine the cat and appoint a treatment.

As for bleeding, you mustn’t confuse blood with other fluids from the vagina during the estrus of the ‘felids.’ When the mating process is over, you may see drops of blood on your cat’s fur. But if you find too much vaginal bleeding, there might be internal problems; consult with a vet!

How Do You Stop a Female Cat From Bleeding When in Heat?

It isn’t much you can do to stop cat bleeding when in heat. You can just let it run its course. Some cats may not want to be around people in heat. Cats may act aggressive or irritated towards people. But don’t take it personally. Cats need a space to escape the commotion if they want peace, such as a cat tree or a closet’s top shelf.

What Signs Should I Look Out for if My Cat is Bleeding When in Heat?

Several physiological changes might indicate your pet is coming into estrus or “heat.” You may notice them seeking more attention than usual, rolling on the floor, and rubbing their genital area on objects.

They will also be much louder than normal meowing and may yowl continuously throughout the night. It may even seem like they are doing this to attract males; think of it as making them more desirable!

Most cats will leave bloody spots where they lay down because female felines can experience spotting (bleeding) during the first stage of their cycle.

What are the Stages of a Cat in Heat?

Felines have four phases during their estrous heat cycle or female cat’s reproductive cycle: anestrus, proestrus, estrus, and metestrus. Female cats are diestrous, meaning they have two reproductive cycles per year.

Female kitties do not cycle during the anestrus phase, but males will still be sexually stimulated and produce sperm. After ovulation, The next stage is proestrus. If the feline does get pregnant during this time, it will not carry the kittens to term. Proestrus may last up to 13 days, and then anestrus lasts about four weeks.

Estrous is next for females, and the entire estrous cycle varies from 2-21 days depending on the breed of cat as well as its hormone levels. In this stage, the female cat is attracted to the male cat. 

The final stage is metestrus, which lasts about 60 days in the cat. Female cats are still receptive to mating here if they are not pregnant, but they will produce milk for their young. During the entire estrous cycle, female cats bleed when in heat.

Can a Cat Die from Blood Loss?

Yes, a cat can die from loss of blood due to shock over a short time, and they can die from this.
A cat in shock has a rapid heartbeat and reduced blood pressure. For example, your pet’s teeth might be white, with pale gums, and the cat may breathe rapidly. Organ systems will shut down if left untreated, causing the cat to suffer permanent harm or death.

How long does it take a female to get pregnant after mating with a male?

Pregnancy can be detected two weeks after mating and will last around 9 weeks (63 days), with an average gestation period lasting 60 – 64 days.

Conclusion paragraph:

The heat cycle in cats is a natural process that helps them reproduce, but it can be uncomfortable for the cat. Now we are clear about the question Do Cats Bleed When In Heat? They may act restless and irritable during this time and also experience blood loss or vaginal discharge.

Although bleeding does not always happen, if the severe symptoms appear, try giving your cat more water so she stays hydrated throughout the period!

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