What is the behavior of a cat that wants a male? - briefly
When a female cat is in heat and looking for a mate, she exhibits specific behaviors to signal her readiness. These include vocalizing loudly, rolling on the ground, and assuming a mating position by raising her hindquarters. Additionally, she may become more affectionate and rub against objects or people to mark her territory with scent glands.
What is the behavior of a cat that wants a male? - in detail
When a female cat is in heat and seeking a mate, she exhibits several distinct behaviors. The most notable sign is vocalization, often referred to as "calling." This consists of loud, persistent meowing or yowling, which can be quite different from her usual vocalizations. The calls are meant to attract male cats and are typically more frequent and intense at night.
Another key behavior is restlessness. Female cats in heat may become increasingly active and difficult to console. They might pace around the house, appear anxious or agitated, and even try to escape through open windows or doors in search of a mate.
Marking territory is another common behavior. Cats are territorial animals, and when a female is in heat, she will mark her territory more frequently by spraying urine on vertical surfaces like walls, furniture, or even your belongings. This scent-marking behavior helps to signal to male cats that she is ready for mating.
Additionally, female cats in heat may exhibit increased affection towards humans and other animals as a way of seeking comfort or attention. They might rub against you more frequently, knead with their paws, or purr excessively. However, this behavior can also be interspersed with periods of irritability or aggression, especially if she is not allowed to mate.
Physical changes are also evident. The female cat's body may undergo noticeable transformations such as swelling in the genital area and a change in posture known as "lordosis." In this position, she will arch her back, raise her hindquarters, and tread with her back legs to signal readiness for mating.
Lastly, female cats may engage in rolling on their backs or sides, exposing their belly and genital area to male cats. This behavior is a clear invitation for mating and is often accompanied by the previously mentioned vocalizations and territorial markings.
Understanding these behaviors can help owners recognize when their cat is in heat and take appropriate actions, such as scheduling a visit to the veterinarian for spaying or implementing strategies to manage her behavior during this period.