What causes a cat to go into heat? - briefly
A cat goes into heat due to hormonal changes triggered by increasing daylight and sexual maturity, signaling readiness for reproduction.
What causes a cat to go into heat? - in detail
A cat goes into heat primarily due to hormonal changes triggered by sexual maturity and environmental factors. Female cats, known as queens, reach sexual maturity between 4 and 12 months of age, depending on breed, health, and environmental conditions. The onset of heat, or estrus, is governed by the reproductive cycle, which is influenced by the increasing daylight hours during spring and summer. This phenomenon, known as photoperiodism, stimulates the pineal gland to reduce melatonin production, signaling the hypothalamus to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH then prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulate the ovaries to produce estrogen. Elevated estrogen levels prepare the queen’s body for mating and ovulation. During this period, the queen exhibits behavioral and physical changes, such as increased vocalization, restlessness, and a heightened desire to attract male cats. Unlike some mammals, cats are induced ovulators, meaning ovulation occurs only after mating. If mating does not occur, the queen will experience repeated heat cycles every 2-3 weeks until she either mates or the breeding season ends. This cyclical process ensures reproductive readiness and is a natural adaptation for species survival.