Cats are the second most popular pet in the UK, with an estimated population of over 12 million, it is thought 29% of UK households own a cat. That’s a lot of cats! Choosing to have a cat as a pet is a big commitment and understanding their behaviour is important as it helps us know what is normal and what is abnormal, and when we should be concerned or not.

One particular behaviour that a lot of owners worry about, especially in female cats, is rolling on their back.

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What can cause a cat to roll on their back?

Cats can roll on their back for a number of reasons, this can include:

  • Play behaviour – cats that are feeling playful may roll on their back as part of play
  • Itching – if they have an itch on their back that they can’t reach with their paws or their mouth, rolling on their back can be a way of scratching
  • Stretching – rolling on their back accompanied with stretching out the limbs can be a good way for a cat to stretch out

However, in female cats a common reason for rolling on their back, which may be accompanied by loud vocalisations, is due to being in oestrus. This behaviour is often seen every few weeks.

So is this normal? And what is oestrus?

Yes this is normal!

Oestrus is the technical term used to describe a cat that is in heat. Female cats can cycle as often as every 2-3 weeks. Cats are known as seasonal polyestrous breeders, which means they cycle often during their breeding season. In the UK most cats cycle between February and October, when the day length is longer. You can read more about cats in heat here.

How do I know if it is definitely heat behaviour and not something else?

A cat in heat will normally be more vocal than normal, become restless, and may be seen rolling on their back and/or arching their back and rubbing themselves on the ground. This behaviour is limited to the heat cycle which can last up to 7 days but varies between cats. You will get to know what is normal for your own cat. If you feel your cat is showing signs of being distressed or in pain then this may be a sign something else is going on and you should get your cat seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

How can I stop my cat coming into oestrus?

During the breeding season, a female cat will come into oestrus every few weeks unless they become pregnant. If you do not want your cat to breed then they should be spayed as soon as possible once they reach sexual maturity, which is around 4 months old. It is thought most cats will have their first heat between 4-12 months of age but this can vary between individuals. It is best to discuss this with your veterinarian as soon as possible so they can advise what is most appropriate for your individual cat.

If you do not want to spay your cat then they must be kept inside during breeding season which can be very distressing for an outdoor cat. It is also important to remember any male cat will mate with a female cat, which can include their brothers or sons, so if you own male cats you will need to keep them separate from your female cat if she is not spayed.

Summary:

  • Female cats rolling on their back can be a sign of oestrus
  • Oestrus occurs in female cats every 2-3 weeks during breeding season
  • If you do not want to breed your cat they should be spayed to prevent pregnancy

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