Estrus Symptoms after Spaying in Cats

Some owners assume the only telling sign of estrus in felines is vaginal bleeding. However, this actually does not occur in the cat. Dramatic behavioral changes generally inform owners of their pet’s status, such as continuous vocalization and elevated pelvic movements. Pet owners take their cats to be spayed in order to eliminate these behaviors as well as to prevent future pregnancies and health issues such as uterine infections..

The estrus or 'heat' cycle refers to the feline reproductive process that has four stages: anestrus, proestrus, estrus, and metestrus. Cats typically experience their first estrus cycle once they reach puberty, which is approximately four to six months of age. This period may last anywhere from one to seven days. Generally, cats are known as seasonally polyestrous, experiencing multiple cycles during the breeding season and potentially year-long if they are primarily indoor pets. It is normal for cats to become excessively affectionate during this time, rubbing against furniture and constantly demanding attention. Once a cat has bene spayed, they should no longer experience esters. if they do show signs of coming into heat, something is amiss.

You may witness your pet demonstrating the following:

• Incessant vocalization, howling
• Head rubbing
• Restlessness
• Rolling over and twisting continuously
• Curious tail movements
• Rear quarters elevated
• Marking to spread pheromones to attract males

There are several possible explanations for a female cat’s estrus symptoms after she has recovered from surgery. A spaying procedure involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries in a queen’s reproductive biology, but in some cases a vet has failed to remove both ovaries. This is the most common reasoning behind such behavior. 

Other causes may be traced to an abnormal ovarian tissue present elsewhere within the body, which, if it remains functional, will secrete hormones that inspire the cat to demonstrate that she is in heat.

In rare cases, it is possible that the cat possesses a supernumerary ovary, or an excessive number of ovaries. If none of these suspicions are confirmed, adrenal conditions are the last found cause of a cat’s strange behavior.

Veterinary consultation is the only realistic option for diagnosis and treatment of estrus is cats that have already been spayed. Diagnosis at home is not recommended. When one pursues professional care as advised, it is always a good idea to provide the veterinarian with a thorough medical history of the cat. 

The first step a veterinarian usually takes is to conduct a complete physical examination. Hormonal blood tests, biochemistry profiles, and urinary analyses are typical. These tests will usually point to the issue at hand.

A vaginal smear test is a procedure done by a veterinary practitioner specifically to detect cell changes that can occur during estrus. Ultrasounds may also be utilized to locate any ovarian tissue that may be present in the abdomen.

Professional veterinary care is also necessary in the treatment of this condition. If ovarian tissue is suspected to be present in the cat’s abdomen, exploratory surgery will be done. If a veterinarian does locate ovarian tissue, it can be removed at that time. In some cases, a second round of surgery may be necessary to remove any leftover ovarian follicles. 

Corticosteroid administration may follow, which is essentially a hormone treatment to help ameliorate the symptoms of estrus if an adrenal condition is a secondary or primary concern. Short-acting corticosteroids should result in the complete disappearance of these symptoms.

Prognosis is overwhelmingly positive for cats who undergo surgery following the diagnosis of remnant ovarian tissue or follicles in the abdomen. Of course, anesthesia is a necessary component of this procedure, and cats that are sensitive or allergic to this may experience additional issues. This would be rare. 

Cat patients will be placed on a painkiller regimen for several days following exploratory surgery. Preventative antibiotics may also be prescribed in order to keep the cat safe from infection. Proper nutrition and rest are key here, and any additional medication or supplements should not be given to the cat without the veterinarian’s recommendation. 

In the instance of a rare adrenal problem, medication will be issued. 

In all cases, living and management following the diagnosis and treatment of estrus in cats should be relatively easy and involve a quick recovery.