Practical feline behaviour understanding cat behaviour and improving welfare

Kitten to Cat 61

Table 5.1. Stages and associated behavioural signs of the feline oestrus cycle.

Stage Duration

Hormonal and

physiological changes Behavioural signs

Pro-oestrus 1–2 days The follicles containing the
eggs develop under the
influence of luteinizing
hormone (LH) and follicle
stimulating hormone
(FSH) causing the
secretion of oestrogen
from the ovarian follicles

May show no change

in behaviour, or may

start to demonstrate

behaviour associated

with oestrus

Males may be interested

in the female but

she will not yet be

receptive to mating

Oestrus 2–19 days Plasma oestrogen
increases. Female
becomes receptive to
mating.

Calling: distinctive,

persistent and loud

vocalizations

Increased rubbing on

inanimate objects to

deposit scent from

facial glands

Urine marking

Rolling and purring

Lateral deviation

of the tail

Lordosis: downward

arching of the back

with hindquarters

raised

The last three behaviours

are more likely to be

seen when in the

presence of the male

Interoestrus 2–17 days.
Average 7–9
days before
returning to
oestrus

A period of reproductive

inactivity that occurs if

ovulation has not taken

place during oestrus

Returns to normal

behaviour. Does not

attract males

Metoestrus
pregnancy

Gestation

periods can

vary between

breeds but is

on average

65–67 days

Individual variation in

behaviour – some

queens become

more docile and

affectionate. Some

breeders also

anecdotally report an

occasional increase in

agitated, anxious and

aggressive behaviour

Continued