Female cats typically go into heat multiple times during their breeding season, which usually spans from late winter or early spring through to fall (February to October in the Northern Hemisphere). During this period, cats can go into heat about every 2 to 3 weeks if they do not mate, with each heat cycle lasting roughly 3 to 14 days, averaging around a week
. Key points on how often cats go into heat:
- Cats are seasonally polyestrous, meaning they have multiple heat cycles during the breeding season rather than just once a year
- The breeding season is influenced by daylight length and temperature; indoors cats may cycle year-round due to artificial lighting and controlled temperatures
- Heat cycles can occur as frequently as every 10 days to every 2-3 weeks during the active season
- If a cat does not mate during estrus, the cycle will repeat after a short interval, typically a week or two
- The first heat usually occurs between 4 to 12 months of age, depending on breed, size, and environmental factors
In summary, a female cat can go into heat multiple times per year, often every 2 to 3 weeks during the breeding season, with each cycle lasting about a week unless she mates and becomes pregnant
