How Do Hormonal Balance and Animal Behavior Change in Spring?

With the arrival of spring, dogs and cats, like other warm-blooded animals, undergo hormonal changes. Male animals produce more testosterone, and the number and activity of sperm cells increase.

In females, eggs grow and mature more actively, estrogen hormones are synthesized and released, and the mating season begins. In other words, in spring, an animal’s body is geared towards realizing its reproductive potential. Read more in this Animal Clinic article about what happens to your pet during this period and what you, as a caregiver, should be aware of.

Spring Behavior in Dogs and Cats

Spring is the season when nature comes alive — and pets are no exception. You may notice your pet becoming more energetic than usual. Common behavior changes include:

• At home and during walks, dogs show increased activity and seek more attention from their owners.
• During walks, male dogs become particularly interested in female dogs.
• Pets may pull hard on the leash or even try to run away. Warmer weather makes the scent markings left by females stronger, encouraging males to search for a mate.
• Male cats begin to loudly meow to attract females and mark their territory.
• If two male pets live together, fights for dominance may occur.
• Females experience heat, during which they become more playful and affectionate. Cats often rub their heads and sides against furniture, meow unusually loudly and persistently, crawl on the floor, and adopt mating postures.
• Some pets may refuse food and become anxious, restless, or even aggressive.

It is important to note that these hormonal surges and associated behaviors, which are not always pleasant for owners, occur primarily in pets that have not been spayed or neutered.

Why Letting Your Pet Roam Freely Is a Bad Idea

Some owners, overwhelmed by their cat’s constant meowing and restlessness, may decide to let the animal roam outdoors. However, pets may return stressed, sick, exhausted, or injured.

If you're considering letting your cat roam, remember they can:

1. Contract rabies, herpesvirus, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and other infections. Treatment can be lengthy, and rabies is fatal for both animals and humans if medical attention is not promptly sought after a bite. Without vaccinations, do not allow your pet to interact with other animals.
2. Contribute to the increase in the population of stray cats.
3. Suffer serious injuries from other animals or people.

Therefore, our team strongly advises against letting your cat roam freely without a leash and supervision.

If your cat is loudly meowing and marking territory, the best solution is neutering.

Why Neutering Is a Smart Choice

If your pet does not have breeding value, neutering is a rational decision.

This surgical procedure involves the removal of the spermatic cords in males and the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and uterine horns in females. By removing the reproductive organs, hormone production stops, eliminating the associated behaviors.

Your pet will become calmer and will no longer seek a mate. If you have a female, neutering will spare her the stress associated with pregnancy and reduce the risk of developing reproductive-related cancers.

Neutering is one of the simplest surgical interventions. It is humane because it prevents animals from suffering the periodic distress caused by hormonal fluctuations. During surgery, the pet feels no pain, as the procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

Would you like to consult about neutering your pet? Contact Animal Clinic at the number listed on our website.