As spring approaches, the days get longer and the temperatures start to rise, which leads to increased hormone levels in cats. This marks the beginning of the mating season, which lasts until autumn.¹ Both indoor and outdoor cats seek companions during this time to breed and produce the next generation. 

To prevent unwanted offspring, it's crucial for cat owners to have their cats neutered before this mating season begins.

Heat is the period in which female cats are ready to reproduce. Most female cats enter heat between the ages of 4 and 12 months.^2-4 However, depending on the breed, weight, and the time of year, this phase can begin in younger or older cats.^3,5

Sexual receptivity occurs for a few days and generally recurs every three weeks.⁶ During this time, extreme caution is necessary to prevent unwanted kittens.

The behavior of cats changes visibly and audibly during heat. Initially, they become more affectionate towards you, meow more often, and rub against your legs or snuggle up with you more than usual.⁴ They may also rub their hindquarters against furniture or even against their humans and may lick their genital area for longer than normal.^1,7

Subsequently, their restlessness increases, and the initial meowing turns into loud yowling or screaming.⁸ Cats will often hold their rear end up and bend their tail to the side while moving their back legs.⁹ Some cats may also become more aggressive towards fellow species — sometimes even towards their humans — and mark objects with urine to create a scent mark for ready to mate potential suitors.^10,11 Last but not least, they will also insist on being allowed to go outside.¹² Just remember to be patient with your cat during this time. 

Take these practical steps to protect your cat in heat:

• Do not let your cat outside during this time
• Make sure that they cannot escape at an unattended moment
• Open doors from house, flat and patio carefully
• Close the cat flap
• Secure any tilted windows so that they cannot escape and maybe injure themself

Cats are sexually mature at just a few months old. A cat can raise up to five litters of around four to six kittens per year, which in turn produce offspring themselves after around six months.¹⁴ Thus, the number of offspring from just one cat can rise into the thousands after just a few years.

Aside from the suffering that stray cats endure, their unwanted offspring can also put a great strain on animal shelters. These shelters often face overcrowding and regularly have to stop accepting kittens especially in May, when they are most likely to be born. With all this in mind, it is essential for all cat owners to take responsibility to have their outdoor cats neutered.