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Is my 8-month-old cat in heat? She's chirping and licking a lot.

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 9 months and 5 days old | 7 lbs

My cat is about 8 months old. She has just today, started walking low to the ground and chirping a lot which is unusual. Her tail is to the side exposing her rear ended. She had been licking her rear end and surrounding area and walking very slowly with her rear elevated. Something we haven’t seennher exhibit as of yet. Not sure if we should worry.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on February 6th, 2019

It sounds like Monkey is in heat for the first time! She's showing behaviors that means she is ready to mate. Cats in heat are very annoying, and can be extremely vocal. If you don't want her to have kittens and don't want to deal with the annoying heat behaviors, have her seen by a vet to have her spayed. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Lotus Altholtz

    Veterinarian, Board-Certified Lab Animal Medicine Specialist

    Published on

    These are all common symptoms of heat in a female cat. Loud vocalizing, rolling on the floor, elevating the rear can often last a week or so. Unspayed female cats often come back into heat within a few days. A consult with your veterinarian re: the benefits of spaying may be beneficial. Good luck!

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