Cats typically go into heat multiple times during their breeding season, which is influenced by environmental factors like daylight and temperature. They are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they can have several heat cycles during the warmer months when daylight is longer, usually from around February or March through October or November in the Northern Hemisphere
. The frequency of heat cycles can be as often as every 2 to 3 weeks during this active breeding season
. Each heat cycle (estrus) generally lasts about a week on average, though it can range from 3 to 14 days
. If the cat does not mate and become pregnant, the cycle will repeat after a short interval of about 1 to 3 weeks (interestrus phase)
. Indoor cats exposed to artificial lighting and stable temperatures may experience heat cycles year-round, as their environment mimics natural breeding triggers
. In summary:
- Heat cycles start typically at 4 to 12 months of age, depending on breed and environment
- Cats go into heat every 2 to 3 weeks during breeding season (spring to fall)
- Each heat lasts about 7 days on average (range 3 to 14 days)
- If not mated, cycles repeat frequently until breeding season ends or the cat is spayed
This frequent cycling makes cats one of the more prolific breeders among animals
