Springtime can be an eventful time for our felines

Lengthening periods of daylight not only tell us that spring is at hand, but also signal much of the animal world to begin again the cycle of reproduction.  

The happy-go-lucky house cat suddenly undergoes a personality change. As the estrus cycle begins, the female cat will often spend time rolling on her back and often produces mournful cries. She may crouch down in front while raising her hind quarters. She will often rub up against anyone who walks into the room.  

She will usually bolt out through the door any time that it opens and will visit throughout the neighborhood until all hours of the morn.  This behavior will usually last from two to five days. Then, a return to normalcy will last for five to nine days. Then, it will be back to the brazen hussy lifestyle.

This cycle repeats itself until the cat becomes pregnant (and occasionally after she is pregnant).  Pregnancy usually lasts about 62 days.

Male cats also undergo changes in behavior as spring approaches.  They are gone from the house most of the time. When they return, they may decide to “mark” various furnishings in the house. Since the female is usually attractive to more than just one male, fights are common.

The returning carouser may have suffered bite wounds which can bring on serious abscesses.  

The female cat may also experience bite wounds since she may not always feel romantic toward every tom that is attracted to her. Aside from abscesses, fighting and mating among cats is the most common means of spreading feline leukemia virus.

To avoid  the worst pitfalls of the feline love life, the pet owner may take several steps to maintain his sanity and his animals’ health. Spaying and neutering typically stops the hormone production that fans the flames of romance.  

Scheduled vaccinations will help protect against feline leukemia virus and many of the other common feline diseases.  

Keeping the cat inside as much as possible will help to avoid bite wounds and other traumatic incidents.

Spring can actually be an enjoyable time for a cat owner.

(Dr. Fred Conkel is veterinarian at Westgate Animal Clinic.)