In the world of breeding cats, the female cat is usually called a "queen". Her heat cycle is often called the "estrus cycle" or simply "estrus". There are many factors that contribute to the length and frequency of the estrus cycle, including the female's age, her overall health, her genetic background, and also environmental factors such as temperature and daylight hours. Once a queen begins her estrus, she may stay in heat anywhere from several days, to 2-3 weeks.

This can vary from one dog to the next. Typically, the heat cycle lasts around two to three weeks. The female's vulva will swell and then bleed for several days. Mating is typically done after being in heat for a good 10 days. Some females have what is called a silent heat. This occurs when a dog does not show the typical signs of being in heat but can still get pregnant. Be careful if your dog is in heat and you do not wish her to be bred.

The female dog comes into heat (estrus) about every six months, although very large breeds of dogs may cycle every 8-10 months. The heat period lasts about three weeks.

Although Estrus cycles can vary greatly among individuals, small breed dogs typically come into heat around 6 to 8 months old. Large breed dogs may not come into their first heat cycle until 8 to 10 months old and may be even later for some giant breeds. Puberty in kittens typically occurs at 6 to 10 months of age depending on when the kittens are born. Typical breeding season for cats is February to August.

Cats can come into heat as early as six months of age. Increasing day length stimulates them. During the spring and summer, female cats will be receptive to breeding for several days. This will continue to cycle about every 2 weeks or until the cat is bred. The heat cycle will end with coming of fall and decrease in day length.

Females go twice a year into heat. The cycle starts at about 6-9 months of age. Dogs may skip a heat occasionally, if their mental or physical condition is weak.

The heat cycle is the mating period for female animals. Cat's normally have their first heat cycle between 5 to 10 months of age with the average being 6 months. Dog's first heat cycle are normally between 6-12 months. Some females of larger breeds may not have their first cycle until they are 12-24 months of age. Remember the above information is general not all females follow these patterns. Consult with your veterinarian if your pet does not seem typical.

Every cat will be a bit different while in heat. Where dogs have vaginal bleeding during estrus, this is very rarely the case with cats. However, you will surely notice a change in their behavior! The majority of queens become quite vocal and loud, and become very needy and wanton of affection. They may roll around on the floor or lay down right in front of your feet as you are walking. Constantly wanting to be with you and to be stroked may be an understatement for most queens.

Is my female GSD in heat? How can I tell? Some dogs heat cycles may be shorter than average while other dogs may have longer ones.

Reduces your pet's desire to roam in search of a mate -- this also helps reduce the problems of free roaming animals; for example, car accidents and pet theft

We recommend that all mixed breed pets be spayed. Purebred animals that are not being used for breeding or for show should also be spayed. Spaying a female dog or cat involves the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. The primary benefit to spaying your pet is to eliminate their ability to have puppies or kittens.

Cats reach puberty around six months of age. A female kitten's first heat cycle will last about four to eight days and if she is not spayed or mated, she may go into heat again in another two to three weeks. A female cat's ovaries do not release eggs until she has mated, so a sexual encounter nearly always results in pregnancy. Because a full-term pregnancy is only eight to nine weeks, a healthy female is capable of producing several litters of kittens in a year.

Dogs reach puberty around six months of age. Your female puppy's first heat cycle will last 21 to 22 days, and she will continue to go into heat on the average of every six months, usually in the late winter and summer.

Same as in humans, the first cycles is just the signal that your dog biological matures. It does not mean the female is ready to raise puppies. Do not breed your female before she is 1 1/2 year old. Some dog breeds like the Golden Retriever should not have puppies before 3 years of age!

It is actaully better for her to NOT have a litter or heat cycle before being spayed. Spaying before the first heat cycle significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancers later in life. Although there is risk with any surgery, spaying and neutering are relatively safe and painless operations. We routinely provide all our surgical patients with medication to help them cope with pain.

No. You are welcome to come to the shelter at any time during business hours and see our pets available for adoption. Our business hours are 11-3 Tuesday through Friday and 1-4 on Saturday. Also, all of our pets are available to view at any time on this web site by clicking the "Our Pets" link at the top of each page. Each pets' bio includes at least one photo and all of the information we have on that specific pet.

The name "Little Big Cat" came from a combination of factors. As a teenager, Dr. Jean spent two summers on a Nez Perce reservation in Idaho; so one of her favorite movies is "Little Big Man," in which the main character shifts back and forth between the Indian and white ways of life in the frontier West. And Jackson has a great interest in big cat behavior, and in how lions, tigers, and other big cats are similar to our domestic feline companions.