Question

The female cat stays in heat for
A. 18-21 days
B. 16-21 days
C. 14-21 days
D. None of the above

Answer 1

When they hit puberty, cats have their first estrus (reproductive) stage. The cycle of estrus is best known as the heat cycle of a cat. On average, puberty, or sexual maturity, at around six months of age, first occurs in cats, although this can differ slightly by time of year.

Complete Answer:
- There are several stages in each cycle; the period called estrus refers to when the female is sexually receptive or in heat. Cats are seasonally polyestrous, which means that during the breeding season they have several periods.
- Depending on geographical and environmental factors, such as temperature and the amount of daylight hours, the breeding season may differ. Cats typically cycle in the Northern Hemisphere from January until late fall.In general, each heat lasts for several days, with an average duration of six days.
- If during the estrus, the queen (an unspayed female cat) is not mated, she will go out of heat for a short time. Therefore, a cat 's entire estrous cycle will vary from one and six weeks from anywhere, with an average cycle duration of about three weeks. It is not common for a cat to experience vaginal bleeding in the sun.
- In cats, the most obvious symptoms of estrus are behavioural. Most cats become very affectionate, even demanding; they persistently rub against their owners, constantly seeking attention (or items such as furniture). On the concrete, they roll.
For 14-21 days, the female cat remains in heat, so it is ready for this time to mate.

The correct answer is option (C) 14-21 days.

Note: The cat 's pregnancy lasts between 64 to 71 days, with an average of nine weeks (63 days). When in season, the queen can be bred at any time. Cats are ovulators that are stimulated, which means that the act of breeding causes the ovaries to release eggs. For ovulation to occur, most females need three to four matings within a 24-hour period.