Unneutered female cats will go into heat when they're fertile and able to get pregnant.

It can be distressing for owners when you don't know how to care for your kitty during this time.

In this guide, we're answering the important questions and offering our expert advice and tips on how to care for your furry friend during this period.

Very loud yowling and other vocalizations

Acting very affectionately

Feeling restless

Arching their back

Excessively grooming themselves

Rolling on the floor

Playing: Using cat toys to distract your cat in heat can be very effective. They'll likely be even more responsive to stimuli like laser toys and wind-up mice, and it'll help them stop focusing on mating. This can also help prevent boredom if they don't have access to the outdoors.

Cuddling: Your cat will be extra affectionate during heat cycles, so it's the perfect time to get those fluffy snuggles in. Remember to keep boundaries in place and read your cat's body language to prevent your kitty from getting overstimulated and aggressive.

Training: If you have trained your cat before, this is a great time to practice some tricks. This can be the perfect distraction as it's very rewarding and enjoyable for your kitty. It also provides an opportunity for you to bond further with your furry friend.

Treats: During your cat's heat cycle, they're going to be a little confused. And what offers better comfort than a tasty treat? A few extra snacks won't hurt, so why not spoil your furry friend?

Keep doors and windows securely shut: Not only will keeping your house secure stop male cats from entering, but it'll also help prevent the scent of your cat in heat from attracting them. Trust us, other cat owners will thank you!

Tape up cat flaps and cat doors: If you usually have a cat flap or door, make sure it's bordered up or taped shut. This will prevent any confident explorers from coming into the house!

Don't let your cat outside: It's important to keep your cat strictly indoors when they are in heat. They will attract too much attention and have the potential to roam for miles to find a mate.

1.

Report them missing: As soon as you realize your kitty has gone, report them missing to local vets, animal shelters, the microchip company, and animal control. This will help spread the message and ensure all is being done to get them back to you.

2.

Physically search for them: The most effective method of finding a lost cat is to physically search for them. So get outside with some treats and a flashlight and gently call their name. Check out the most likely hiding spots in our guide.

3.

Tell the neighbors: The more people who know about your missing cat the better. Your neighbors will keep an eye out and may even join the search effort.

4.

Print missing cat posters: To reach more people, it can be effective to distribute missing cat posters around towns and villages in the area.

5.

Start a PetRadar search: A fantastic and easy way to spread the message is through PetRadar. We'll alert over 4000 people in your area through sponsored posts on Facebook and Instagram. We've already reunited over 10,000 cats with their owners this way, so you're in good hands!