by Jackie
(Miami)

My cat is, I believe, in heat and keeps on crying. Please advise me on any medicine or treatment can help her. Thanks!


Dear Jackie,

While feline contraceptives do exist, they can carry long-term side effects and increased chances of developing cat health problems such as uterine infections and diabetes.

Ultimately, the best thing to do for any female cat is to have her spayed. Many people have a number of reservations about doing so, but spaying and neutering is an important part of being a pet owner. Doing so will prevent future heat cycles, keeping both of your more comfortable, and will help reduce the pet overpopulation problem by ensuring that she cannot become pregnant. It also may decrease the risk of cat mammary cancer and the risk of cat uterine infections, both of which can be fatal.

Furthermore, spaying and neutering can prevent a number of behavior problems. Cats are more likely to be aggressive, to fight with other pets, be dominant and territorial, to urinate outside the box, to roam or run away.

Despite common belief, as well, it is not true that a cat cannot be spayed while in heat. In the hands of a good surgeon, spaying during a heat cycle carries little to no extra risk over a spay procedure outside of a heat cycle. You can contact your vet right away to set up a time to have your little girl spayed!

Best wishes,
Dr. Neely