I’m worried about my cat!

[YoSofi]

Hello,

I “inherited” a 9 month old female cat last week. She has not been done but is booked in for next Thursday, payday. I have not let her outside since I’ve had her but I think old owner did let her out on her back garden.

Since yesterday, she has been meowing none stop, I’ve had no sleep. It’s not like a meow I’ve heard come from a cat before and she is at the back door constantly trying to get out. I assumed she was in heat.

This morning, she has been lying down flat on her stomach but with her bum in the air, even when walking sometimes her legs aren’t fully extended if that makes sense? I was actually in tears ten minutes ago thinking her back legs had gone and she couldn’t get up, but then she walked normally before doing it again. She is sat on her bottom normally now.

Does this sound like she is in heat? Or should I take her to the vets? I’m so worried, I’ve never had a cat before and make dogs don’t behave like this!

Male dogs*

Yes she’s in heat. You will need eyes in the back of your head to keep her in now.

The back leg thing is her getting in position, you might find male cats congregating around your house too.

Thank you so much for replying, I’ve been in bits all morning thinking something was wrong with her hind legs!

She will NOT be getting out of this house, the last thing I need is a pregnant cat 😩

If possible in your house, always try to keep 2 doors between her & the outside if you need to go out e.g. shut her in living room/kitchen before anyone goes out of the front door. Also check every window in the house is literally no more than about an inch open and locked in that position - preferably not open at all so there's slightly less of the parfum de queen whafting out of it to the local toms.

As Toddler says, expect to be besieged for the next few days. I remember DBro's first pair coming on heat before they were neutered and they had to beat the toms away with an umbrella!

@Allergictoironing thank you, I’ve got all windows closed and like you suggested, we are shutting the living room door before going out the front door. Back patio door, where she sits longingly looking out and meowing like she’s being murdered, is firmly locked.

I can’t believe how panicked and upset I was this morning thinking she was unwell, feel a bit silly now!

Bless you OP-they can be very vocal when in heat.The keeping two doors closed suggestion is a good one. Enjoy your life with her-I've always had a rescue cat but none at the moment and I miss having one so much. Large cat chasing dog loading around instead!

Yes - she's in heat. You'll need to speak to the vet as they may have to wait a bit until she's spayed. Spaying cats while they're in heat is risky.