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Do Female Cats Have Periods After Being Spayed

What Are The Clinical Signs Of Ovarian Remnant Syndrome

Spay/Neuter Surgery: Closure – Female Cats

The most obvious clinical sign of ovarian remnant syndrome is when a previously spayed cat goes into heat. This can happen at any time after spay surgery, with a delay of months to years.

In cats, the signs of heat are primarily behavioral. Signs of heat in cats include increased vocalization , restlessness, increased efforts to get outside or escape the home, and increased affection with owners. These cats will often stand with their hind end in the air, treading their rear feet when petted over their lower back. Cats with functioning ovarian tissue typically go into heat seasonally, going through multiple cycles in the spring and summer.

“Cats with functioning ovarian tissue typically go into heat seasonally, going through multiple cycles in the spring and summer.”

Rarely, a cat may develop signs of false pregnancy after being spayed due to the sudden removal of hormones. Signs of false pregnancy involve behavioral changes and the development of mammary tissue. If you think your cat may be showing signs of false pregnancy, contact your veterinarian.

Is It Normal For A Dog To Bleed After Being Spayed

Its normal for a dog to bleed a little after being spayed. This is because the surgery involves cutting into the dogs abdomen, which is a sensitive area.

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The bleeding should stop within a day or two. If it doesnt, or if the dog seems to be in pain, contact your veterinarian.

How To Prevent Cat Periods

The best way to prevent your cat from having a period or coming into heat is to have them spayed at an appropriate age. There arent any reasons to not have your female cat spayed, and kittens from accidental litters may be harder to rehome. Part of being a responsible cat owner is doing whats best for our cats, and if youre not a professional breeder, that includes having your female spayed.

More questions about your cats health and behavior? Take a look at our posts on:

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Do Cats Menstruate Or Bleed During The Estrus Cycle

Unlike human women or female dogs, its uncommon for a female cat to bleed during her estrus cycle.

According to Catologicals veterinary advisor, Dr. Michelle Burch, Some cats can develop a mild mucoid vulvar discharge which is white and stringy.

But bleeding is a different story. If you see blood and are unsure of the cause, contact your vet.

How Getting Spayed Stops A Cat From Having Periods

Do Cats Get Periods

Getting a cat spayed is the process in which the ovaries and uterus are removed. Doing so will eliminate any chances of a cat getting pregnant.

Many cat owners choose to spay their female cats to avoid the difficulties of owning an unspayed one. Cats that are not spayed go into periods of heat.

Female cats in heat may bleed a little, and you may find blood on the floor or on their bed. However, getting a female cat spayed will stop their periods of heat.

Removing their ovaries and uterus means they no longer have the urge to reproduce, and their days of being in heat will be over. This includes the symptoms of heat like bleeding, meowing, low crawling, excessive flopping and more.

If you notice that your cat is showing signs of heat even though spayed, take them to the vet to get checked!

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What About Dog Heat Cycles

estrus

  • Proestrus: vaginal discharge, males attracted to females, females unwilling to mate. Length: 4-20 days.Estrus: swollen vulva, yellowish vaginal discharge, mating occurs during this phase. Length: 5-13 days.Metestrus : period after estrus or mating. Length: 60-90 days. If pregnant, pregnancy lasts between 60-64 days in the dog.Anestrus: period of inactivity between estrus phases. Length: 2-3 months.

So you could be facing up to 123 days of a TOTAL heat cycle, which breaks down to about 17.5 weeks!Some general “rules of thumb” for canine estrus:

  • The first estrus cycle usually occurs by age 6-12 months for some small breeds, as early as 5 months, and for some large and giant breeds, the first cycle may not occur until 14 months of age or older.
  • On average, dogs have two cycles a year.
  • The estrus cycle lasts on average 12-21 days, but maybe be as short as a few days to four weeks. The estrus period length varies widely between breeds and individual dogs.
  • The length of a cycle varies widely, even for dogs of the same breed. If in doubt, assume the longer end of the range for the cycle length.
  • Bleeding occurs prior to a female being receptive to a male , but male dogs will be very attracted to the female in the proestrus stage.
  • Dogs can get pregnant during their first heat cycle, but this is not advisable as a 6-month old dog is not yet fully grown/mature, and complications for the mother and the puppies are more likely.
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How Often Do Cats Come On Heat

Cats are known as a polyoestrus species. This means they can come on heat multiple times in a calendar year .

Female cats will generally continue to come on heat until they are mated and become pregnant. Oestrus lasts for 7 to 10 days and there are 3 possible outcomes:

  • The cat mates and becomes pregnant. She will generally come back in to season approximately 8 weeks after the birth of the kittens . This usually coincides with the time the kittens are weaned.
  • The cat mates, but does not become pregnant and has what is called a pseudo or false pregnancy. In this situation she can show all the signs of being pregnant but wont actually have any kittens. She will return to being on heat approximately 4-6 weeks later.
  • The cat does not mate. She will come back in to season 1 day to 2 weeks later and this cycle may continue multiple times unless she is mated or the breeding season ends.
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    How Do I Know If My Cat Is Pregnant After Estrus

    Unlike humans, there are no pregnancy tests for cats, and it can be several weeks before pregnancy becomes apparent.

    Cat pregnancy timeline:

    • Some cats may experience morning sickness early in the pregnancy, including being less interested in food and occasionally vomiting.
    • Increased appetite, especially as the pregnancy progresses. This typically begins around the third week of pregnancy. A pregnant cats nutritional needs will increase, particularly later in the pregnancy. There is more information on feeding the pregnant cat here.
    • You may notice behavioural changes in your cat she may become more affectionate.
    • She may sleep more.
    • Around 18-21 days, the nipples will be visibly swollen and rose coloured, this is known as pinking up.
    • Around three weeks gestation, your veterinarian will be able to perform an ultrasound on your cat to determine if she is pregnant.
    • At this time, the veterinarian can also carefully palpate the abdomen and feel the developing fetuses .
    • In the later stages of pregnancy, the queen will look for a nest in which she can deliver and care for her kittens. This is usually a warm, quiet spot such as in a wardrobe or under furniture.
    • The mammary glands will start producing milk towards the end of the pregnancy.

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    Ca owners will usually start to see a change in the cats behavior after 4-6 weeks. It will take some time for the body to register the change in hormonal levels.

    Prior to this time, the female cats behavior might still exhibit the unwanted behavior prior to surgery.

    So just be a little patient during this time.

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    The Science Behind Cats And Periods

    Female cats get periods, but while humans experience menstrual cycles, felines go through estrus. This is a process more commonly referred to as a cat going in heat, and this is the time when a female cat can become pregnant.

    A female cat can start having her estrus cycle when shes as young as four months old. In general, each cycle lasts around seven to ten days.

    A female cat will experience an estrus cycle a number of times each year. If the cat doesnt become pregnant during that time, she will go into heat again later on.

    This cycle will continue until either the female feline becomes pregnant or is spayed.

    How Often Do Cats Go Through Periods

    These cycles may start as early as four-months-old and will continue until a cat is either bred or spayed. Heat cycles in cats can last several days, up to two weeks, and repeat themselves every two to three weeks. Do cats get periods? Unspayed cats and dogs will have a period or more correctly come into heat.

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    Your Ears Will Thank You

    If you have ever heard an intact female cat wail when shes looking for a male cat to mate with, you will know what I am talking about.

    She will sound like a cross between a jet plane and an ambulance. Definitely not a sound that I would like to have gone on for hours at home.

    Theres a good chance that she will quieten down a few weeks after her surgery and give your ears a break.

    Cat Having Heat Symptoms After Being Spayed

    Do Cats Still Have Periods After Being Spayed

    If you have had your cat spayed and they are still exhibiting signs of heat, there is room for concern.

    Some medical issues can cause cats to experience heat symptoms, and its important to take your cat to the vet right away if you notice this.

    Here are some medical issues that may be causing your kitty to experience heat-like behavior.

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    Cat Neutering Or Spaying Aftercare

  • Keep Cats Calm

    The first thing veterinarians will explain is that cats should be kept quiet during the spay or neuter recovery time. That means no excessive running, jumping, or playing. This can be hard to do if weâre talking about a kitten as most kittens are unlikely to respect doctorsâ rules. And since they usually feel well enough to do so, theyâre likely to return to business as usual once theyâre back at home.

  • Keep Cats Indoors

    Part of keeping cats quiet means keeping them indoors after surgery, particularly after a major abdominal procedure like a spay. This ensures that cats wonât make huge leaps off walls or fences and risk their incisions with mad dashes across the backyard. Seeing them indoors also makes it possible for owners to observe their cats routinely during the healing process.

  • Consider Keeping Cats Isolated

    The best approach to keeping cats quiet after surgery is to keep recently spayed or neutered cats in one cat-proofed room for a few days. This effectively isolates them from others who might play or harass them during their recovery. It also means you can limit the height of furniture by selecting rooms with low-lying furniture.

  • Monitor the Surgery Site

    Owners should observe the surgery site at least once a day. Make sure itâs not red, swollen, weeping, bleeding, or appears licked at. Any of these findings is cause for a vet visit!

  • Do Dogs Get Moody On Their Period

    When a dog goes into heat which is her period of estrus she has a lot of hormones surging around her body, which can cause some changes in mood or behavior.

    The average adult female dog goes into heat twice each year.

    Its generally advisable to get your dog spayed to avoid this.

    Unspayed cats and dogs will have a period or more correctly come into heat.

    In female dogs, at the onset of heat, the vulva becomes quite swollen and will bleed.

    If you do not want your dog bred, you need to keep a close eye on her for at least 2 weeks after the bleeding stops.

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    Do Cats Have Periods What You Need To Know

    If youre curious whether female cats have menstrual periods, were here to answer this question! The short answer is that yes, they do have period cycles, but you wont always notice an actual period. A female cats monthly cycle is usually referred to as them being in heat. There are a few other differences, including that their menstruation cycle tends to be seasonal.

    Potential Risks Of Spaying

    Kitten spay

    Spaying and neutering are extremely common procedures with minimal overall risk. However, all surgeries come with the possibility of surgical and anesthetic complications. Additionally, spaying and neutering remove reproductive hormones that may play an important role in your pets general health. In some cases, the elimination of these hormones can result in an increased risk of some cancers, urinary incontinence, and other health problems.5

    Spaying is generally recommended for all female dogs. However, its up to you and your vet to discuss the benefits and potential risks of the procedure before moving forward.

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    When Do Female Cats Get Their Period

    When does a female cat have her first estrus cycle? Cats have their first estrous cycle when they reach puberty. The estrous cycle is better known as a cats heat cycle. On average, puberty, or sexual maturity, first occurs in cats at about six months of age, but this can vary slightly by time of year.

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    Do Female Cats Have Menstrual Periods

    Female cats have period cycles just like dogs and humans. However, these cycles are slightly different for felines.

    For starters, the female cats periods are called estrus cycles instead of menstrual cycles and they occur when your precious furball is in heat.

    During her estrus cycle, your furry pal will attract a lot of males. You will witness some significant behavioral changes in your kittys overall manners.

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    Do Female Cats Become More Or Less Aggressive After Spaying

    Aggression immediately after surgery is normal in both male and female cats. This aggression can be a result of feeling scared and vulnerable.

    After the surgery, your cat will be in pain. Especially as the anesthesia slowly wears off, your cat may experience swings of high and low pain. It may make your cat feel disoriented and confused.

    Female cats have abdominal surgery which has a bigger wound and more stitches than male cats. It is only natural that your female cat takes longer to come around and cool off.

    During the post-op recovery period, female cats might require more time alone to rest and recover. Their vulnerability may sometimes be redirected into aggression.

    However, after the recovery period, your female cat will become calmer. Since there wont be any more hormonal surges due to heat cycles, your cat wont experience any extreme behaviors either.

    Lesser Desire For Female Cats To Wander And Stray

    Do Cats Get Periods After Being Spayed

    You might find your cat being more homely after being spayed. If your cat has outdoor access, she will have a tendency to wander far and wide to look for male cats to mate with.

    This can be problematic as she can get lost, hit by a car when crossing roads or involved in fights with other female cats. Getting into fights with other cats out your cat at the risk of getting FELV or FIV.

    Your female cat will now be contented staying at home and chilling by your side.

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    How Do You Diagnose Ovarian Remnant Syndrome

    The vet has several methods for coming to a diagnosis. Usually, they use one or more tests:

    • Vaginal cytology: Swabbing the vaginal area during the heat cycle to examine cells under a microscope.
    • Ultrasound: A less common method but is used to show small bits of tissue in the body.
    • Baseline Hormone Level Checks: Testing for abnormal hormone levels, although normal hormone levels will not rule it out completely.
    • Hormone Stimulation: Your vet administers synthetic stimulating hormones to your cat and then measures progesterone over the next seven days to confirm or rule out ovarian tissue presence.

    Using The Litter Box After Spay Surgery

    If you have noticed that your cat has not urinated in 24 hours, that is considered a medical emergency. Contact your vet or an emergency clinic immediately.

    Monitor your cat during recovery to ensure normal pee and poop. A possible complication of ovariohysterectomy is trauma to the urinary tract, so monitoring urination for the first 24 hours after surgery is particularly important.

    As long as your cat passes urine within the first 24 hours, then you can stop watching their urination habits so closely.

    Constipation may occur, but most cats should have normal bowel movements after surgery. Anesthesia can cause soft stool or constipation, depending on an individual cats reaction.

    If you are noticing diarrhea for longer than 24 hours or constipation that lasts longer than 2 days, reach out to your veterinarian to determine the next steps in your cats care.

    Please do not use over-the-counter medications or human food products to help your cat with these conditions, as many products can have toxins and dangerous side effects.

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    Can A Female Dog Be Fixed While In Heat

    Technically, female dogs can be fixed while in heat, however, the surgery is more complicated due to engorged blood vessels and the increased risk of bleeding.

    Owners should be prepared to pay a higher fee to fix dogs that are in heat due to the greater technical requirements of the surgery and the increase in surgery and anaesthetic time.

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