Calling for a Mate

Out of season, an unspayed female will behave much as neutered males or females, but at the onset of estrus, dramatic changes occur.

The first signs of heat are increased restlessness and a heightened desire to rub against objects or other animals.

If allowed out, she will urinate more frequently and in new places, and she may also spray to announce her condition to local toms. At this stage, however, she will not permit a tom to mate with her.

Soon after, she begins to make a plaintive and distinctive sexual call, a vocal signal to all toms that she is receptive. The call carries further than scent, alerting the widest possible area. Inexperienced owners often mistake it for pain.

At this stage in her cycle, a queen frequently rolls over on her back, and, if touched at the base of her tail, she will crouch with her hindquarters raised and her tail held to the side, ready to mate.

Often she purrs, treads with her front paws, and stretches her body. Even normally withdrawn females may become lasciviously affectionate during estrus.

All this advertising is done because the female cat is an induced ovulator: her ovaries will not release eggs until after mating. This is sensible given the cat's independent nature, ensuring that eggs are not wastefully shed when there are no males in the area