Do you know cats don’t experience menopause? That’s why they need spay/neuter surgery to keep them from breeding. However, there’s a chance of cats showing a desire to mate after the surgery. It’s when the owners come to ask: Do cats still go into heat after being spayed?

Cats going into heat after being spayed isn’t normal and indicates an underlying issue that needs immediate attention. If your cat continues to be in heat after the surgery, it’s because of the remaining hormones or ovarian tissues that are left in their body. There could be other reasons that must be timely addressed to avoid adverse outcomes.

Nearly 80% of cats in the world are homeless. It calls for responsible actions of pet ownership to make cat spay procedures successful. It not only prevents unwanted litter, but is also important for their overall health and well-being.

Does Spaying Stop Heat?

Yes, spaying is supposed to stop cats from being in heat (a phase in the estrous cycle) if performed successfully. However, in rare cases, it’s observed that spayed females communicate to breed and neutered male cats impregnate a female. This unusual behavior is because of the residual hormones or tissues that are still present in their system.

How Long Does it Take for Hormones to Balance After Spaying?

Some cats recover quickly, with their hormones becoming steady within a few weeks. However, due to factors such as age and health status, it may take some cats several months for their hormones to return to the normal range. In either case, be prepared for unexpected behavioral changes in the initial days.

How To Tell If A Cat Is In Heat?

You can tell if your cat is in heat by looking for the following signs of heat in spayed cats:

Being very affectionate
Rolling on floors
Rubbing face on objects
Position itself for mating
Increased vocalization
Reduced appetite
Spraying urine
Excessive grooming and licking
Attempts to sneak out of the house

Reasons Why Spayed Cats Show Heat Symptoms

Here are the common reasons explaining the unusual display of heat symptoms in spayed cats:

1. Hormonal Exposure

When cats are spayed during heat, there is a chance that some hormones are still lurking around in their body. These hormones are responsible for stimulating a cat’s mating desire, compelling her to search for her male companion.

While spayed cats can’t conceive, this situation results in behavioral changes, giving an impression of the estrus cycle.

2. Ovarian Remnant Syndrome

During spay surgery, a surgeon tends to remove both ovaries and the uterus of female cats. However, by chance, some parts or tissues may be left behind. If these tissues become active, they may start producing female sex hormones, driving the reproductive cycle as usual.

In another rare case, a third (accessory) ovary has been spotted as a potential source of hormone production. It may also lead to persistent heat cycles in spayed cats, which can be dangerous.

3. Adrenal Tumors

Adrenal glands, present near the kidneys, may develop tumors that disturb their normal functioning. A study revealed that an affected gland produces abnormal levels of sex hormones (estrogen and progesterone) that may lead to a false estrus cycle.

Actions To Take For Spayed Cats Showing Heat Symptoms

The symptoms may occur within a few weeks to months of the surgery. Whenever it happens, take your cat to a vet for evaluation. The evaluation comprises three steps:

Taking history and performing a physical examination
Running blood work and other tests
Utilizing ultrasound to confirm the cause

Afterward, a vet may need to perform a second surgery to address the main culprit.

Can Cats Be Spayed While in Heat?

Yes, cats can be spayed while in heat, but it’s not recommended due to the increased risks involved. Spaying a cat during its heat cycle may result in severe bleeding, making the surgery more complicated. However, once your cat is out of the cycle, which takes a maximum of 7 days, the procedure becomes much safer and easier to perform.

Final Thoughts

Spaying is a sought-after surgery for cat parents who can’t stand the challenges of cats in heat. On top of that, when your cat continues to exhibit mating desire after spaying, it blows your mind away.

In such cases, consulting a vet is important to understand the possible reasons. He identifies the cause and makes the right decision to ensure your cat’s well-being and your peace of mind.