My cat is spayed but still gets in heat: Causes, symptoms and solutions.

Veteriner Hekim Ebru KARANFİL
Dec 23, 2025
18 min read

My cat has been spayed but is still going into heat. Why?

The phrase "My cat is spayed but still goes into heat " describes the continuation of estrus-specific behaviors in a cat that has undergone spaying surgery. Normally, when the ovaries are removed in female cats, estrogen production ceases and the estrus cycle permanently ends. However, in some cases, hormonal activity may not completely stop after surgery, or behaviors mimicking estrus may appear in the cat.

This situation is confusing for pet owners because the primary goal of neutering is to permanently stop reproductive behaviors and the hormonal cycle. However, if the cat continues to meow, roll around on the floor, pull its tail to the side, or show excessive affection, it raises the question of whether the surgery was unsuccessful.

Persistent signs of estrus after sterilization do not always indicate true estrus . In some cases, this is related to behavioral, environmental, or temporary hormonal fluctuations. However, in other cases, it points to a real and clinically significant hormonal source . In particular, a very small piece of ovarian tissue remaining in the abdomen may become active over time, causing the ovaries to secrete estrogen again.

Therefore, the expression "infertile but still having estrus" is not a diagnosis in itself, but a clinical condition that absolutely requires investigation . It must be carefully assessed whether it is part of the normal healing process or a problem requiring intervention.

My cat has been spayed but is still showing signs of heat.

The following signs are the most common indicators of estrus in a spayed or neutered cat. While some of these signs point to actual hormonal activity, others may simply be behaviors mimicking estrus. Differential assessment is therefore important.

Symptom	Possible Cause	Explanation
Loud and prolonged meowing	Hormone secretion or behavioral habits	Angry meowing usually increases at night and is rhythmic and persistent.
Rolling and friction on the ground.	Estrogen effect or stress	Particularly noticeable are rolling over onto the back and rubbing against objects.
Tail pulled to the side (lordosis position)	Real anger	It is one of the strongest indicators of anger.
An excessive search for love.	Hormonal or psychological reasons	Constant need for contact and restlessness may be observed.
Approaching male cats	Presence of active estrogen	This behavior should always be investigated in a neutered cat.
Restlessness and inability to sit still	Hormonal fluctuation or environmental trigger	It can be increased by a new cat, a change in smell, or a change in environment.
Changes in appetite	Stress or hormonal effect	Some cats lose their appetite while others want to eat more often.
The symptoms recur cyclically.	Real anger	If similar symptoms occur every 2–3 weeks, it is clinically significant.

These symptoms alone do not constitute a diagnosis . Particularly short-lived and erratic behaviors may be related to post-operative recovery or environmental stimuli. However, if the symptoms recur regularly , intensify, or clearly include classic angry behaviors, the underlying cause must be investigated.

My cat has been spayed but is still going into heat. How is this possible?

There is no single reason why a neutered cat may continue to show signs of estrus. It could be due to actual hormonal activity, or it could be caused by non-hormonal behaviors that mimic estrus. Differential diagnosis is therefore critical.

One of the most common reasons is that the ovarian tissue was not completely removed . During sterilization, a tiny piece of ovary, too small to be seen with the naked eye, may remain in the abdomen. Over time, this tissue becomes vascularized and active, beginning to produce estrogen. In this case, the cat enters a true estrus cycle.

In addition, some cats may experience temporary hormonal fluctuations after surgery . Especially if neutering is done very close to the cat's heat cycle, the effects of circulating estrogen may last for several weeks. In this case, the symptoms usually lessen over time and are not permanent.

Behavioral reasons should not be overlooked. If some cats have repeatedly shown signs of estrus for a long time before spaying or neutering, these behaviors may become a learned habit . Similar meowing and restlessness can also occur without a hormonal cause.

Environmental triggers also play an important role. The scent of unneutered male cats in the home or nearby can trigger estrus-like behaviors in a female cat via pheromones. In this case, estrus simulation can occur even without hormonal activity.

Although rarer, hormone production from the adrenal gland can also lead to signs of estrus. In some endocrine disorders, estrogen-like hormones may be secreted from different tissues even after the ovaries have been removed. This usually requires further investigation.

In summary, signs of estrus after spaying/neutering:

It may be temporary and harmless.
It can be behavioral or environmental in origin.
Or it could be indicative of a clinically significant hormonal problem requiring intervention.

The syndrome discussed in the next section plays a special role in making this distinction.

My cat has been spayed but is still going into heat. What is Ovarian Remnant Syndrome?

Ovarian Remnant Syndrome is one of the most important and frequently overlooked causes of estrus symptoms in spayed female cats. In this syndrome, a very small piece of ovarian tissue remains in the abdominal cavity during spaying and begins to produce hormones over time.

This tissue is usually inactive initially. However, it can develop blood flow and gain function over weeks or months. Once activated, it produces estrogen, and the cat can enter its estrus cycle like an unspayed female cat. Therefore, symptoms sometimes appear months after surgery.

Estrus seen in cats with Ovarian Remnant Syndrome:

It is real and hormone-derived.
It repeats cyclically.
Showing interest in male cats includes lordosis posture and typical estrus meowing.

This syndrome is not always easy to diagnose. Standard examinations often fail to yield clear findings. Hormonal tests during estrus, vaginal cytology, or imaging techniques can aid in diagnosis. However, in some cases, the diagnosis is only confirmed during surgical exploration.

An important point to note is that Ovarian Remnant Syndrome cannot be permanently cured with medication . Hormonal suppression may provide temporary relief, but it does not resolve the underlying problem. The permanent solution is the surgical removal of the active ovarian tissue.

If this syndrome is not detected early:

Signs of anger persist.
Chronic stress can develop in cats.
Other hormone-related problems may arise in the long term.

Therefore, if a spayed cat shows recurring and clear signs of estrus , this syndrome should definitely be on the assessment list.

My cat has been spayed but is still going into heat. Treatment and diagnostic costs.

The cost of persistent estrus symptoms after sterilization varies depending on the underlying cause and the diagnostic and treatment plan . Therefore, it is not accurate to state a single fixed figure. Below are the most common items and approximate cost ranges.

The first step in the diagnostic process is usually a clinical examination and history assessment. This stage often does not incur additional costs or is limited to a low examination fee. However, further testing may be needed to determine whether the signs of estrus are actually due to hormonal activity.

Approximate cost ranges (may vary depending on the country and clinic):

Clinical examination and behavioral assessment EU: €30–70 US: $40–90
Hormone tests (estrogen, progesterone, or LH) EU: €80–180 US: $120–250
Vaginal cytology EU: 40–90 € US: 60–130 $
Ultrasonography EU: 70–150 € US: 100–220 $

If the suspicion of ovarian remnant syndrome is strengthened, the costs increase primarily due to the surgical intervention . These surgeries are generally more difficult than a standard sterilization because the remaining tissue may be very small and located in a different area within the abdomen.

Diagnostic/therapeutic exploratory surgery EU: €400–900 US: $700–1,500
Post-operative follow-up, medications, and check-ups : EU: €80–200 , US: $120–300

In cases caused by behavioral or environmental factors, the costs are generally lower. In these situations, short-term medical support, environmental adjustments, and follow-up may be sufficient.

When evaluating costs, not only the numbers but also the cat's long-term health and stress level should be considered. If the underlying hormonal causes are left untreated, they can lead to more complex and costly problems later on.

My cat has been spayed but is still going into heat. What is the diagnostic process?

The diagnostic process focuses on differentiating between “genuine anger” and “anger-like behavior.” Failure to make this distinction correctly can lead to problems such as unnecessary medication or delayed surgery.

The first step is to obtain a detailed history. Carefully assess when the signs of estrus began , how frequently they recur , and how long they last . The fact that symptoms recur in 2-3 week cycles strengthens the likelihood of genuine hormonal activity.

Physical examination generally provides limited information but can offer some clues. The appearance of the vulva, behavioral responses, and general health status are assessed. However, examination alone is not sufficient for diagnosis.

The next step involves diagnostic tests. Vaginal cytology performed during estrus can show whether estrogen is present at the cellular level. Estrogen dominance in the cell types is a strong indicator of true estrus.

Hormonal tests play an important role, especially in suspected cases. Hormone levels measured in the blood may suggest active hormone production in the ovarian tissue. However, hormone tests alone do not always provide definitive results; they should be evaluated in conjunction with clinical findings.

Imaging techniques, particularly ultrasonography, can be helpful in some cases. While the remaining ovarian tissue may not always be visible, it can be indicative in cases where a mass or tissue is suspected.

The final stage of the diagnostic process, if deemed necessary, is surgical exploration . This method can be both diagnostic and therapeutic. Once suspicious tissue is found and removed, the definitive diagnosis is confirmed by histopathological examination.

Instead of rushing into the diagnostic process, a step-by-step and systematic approach yields the most accurate results. This avoids unnecessary interventions and clearly identifies the real problem.

My cat has been spayed but is still going into heat. What tests are needed?

The tests to be performed for persistent signs of estrus after sterilization are determined by the severity of the symptoms , the frequency of recurrence , and the level of clinical suspicion . The aim is to clarify the presence of actual hormonal activity and avoid unnecessary interventions.

One of the most frequently performed tests is vaginal cytology . This test has high diagnostic value, especially when performed during periods of active symptoms. It evaluates whether cells are under the influence of estrogen. A high percentage of superficial cells suggests active estrogen secretion.

Hormone tests are important, especially when ovarian remnant syndrome is suspected. While estrogen or progesterone levels measured in the blood alone do not always provide definitive results, they can be indicative when evaluated in conjunction with clinical findings. In some cases, LH stimulation tests may be preferred.

Ultrasonography is a supportive tool in the diagnostic process. Remaining ovarian tissue may not always be clearly visible. However, it can help detect abnormal tissue, masses, or suspicious areas in the abdomen. A negative ultrasound finding does not completely rule out ovarian remnant syndrome.

More complex cases may require advanced imaging techniques or serial hormone measurements. The diagnostic process can take longer, especially if test results are contradictory despite clear symptoms.

In some cases, tests cannot confirm the diagnosis. At this point, diagnostic surgery becomes an option, serving both as a test and a treatment. Tissue found during surgery is sent for histopathological examination to obtain a definitive diagnosis.

The goal when selecting tests is to obtain the clearest information with the least possible intervention. Unnecessary tests increase costs and create confusion for the pet owner.

My cat has been spayed but is still going into heat. What are the treatment options?

The treatment approach is determined by whether the signs of anger are genuinely hormonal in origin . If this distinction is not made correctly, treatment will either be ineffective or only temporarily suppress the problem.

If the symptoms are due to behavioral or environmental causes , non-surgical approaches are the first choice. Reducing the scent of male cats in the environment, eliminating stressors, and adjusting routines are often sufficient. In some cats, the behaviors decrease spontaneously over time.

In cases related to temporary hormonal fluctuations, monitoring and a supportive approach are preferred. Symptoms seen in the first few weeks after sterilization are usually not permanent and may resolve without intervention.

Treatment options are more limited in cases where actual hormonal activity is detected. Medical suppression may provide short-term relief in some cases, but it is not a permanent solution. Long-term hormonal suppression can pave the way for other health problems in the future.

The most effective and permanent treatment for cats diagnosed with ovarian remnant syndrome is surgery . The goal is to completely remove the active hormone-producing tissue. When performed correctly, this procedure permanently eliminates estrus symptoms.

The follow-up process after treatment is also important. The disappearance of post-surgical symptoms is the most important indicator of successful treatment. In some cats, behavioral habits may persist for a short time, but the hormonal cycle ends.

When developing a treatment plan, the cat's age, overall health, duration, and severity of symptoms should all be considered. There is no single approach for every case; personalized treatment yields the best results.

My cat has been spayed but is still going into heat. Can this be controlled with medication?

One of the most frequently asked questions by pet owners is about controlling persistent estrus symptoms after sterilization with medication. The answer depends on the source of the symptoms . Medications may provide temporary relief in some cases, but they do not offer a permanent solution in every situation.

In cases of anger-like behavior triggered by behavioral or environmental factors, short-term medical support can sometimes be beneficial. Supportive treatments, used in conjunction with stress-reducing approaches, environmental adjustments, and follow-up, can lessen the severity of symptoms. In such cases, medications often play a supportive role.

In cases where actual hormonal activity is present, hormone-suppressing medications can temporarily stop symptoms. However, this effect is limited to the duration of medication use. Symptoms often reappear when the medication is discontinued. Furthermore, long-term hormone suppression can pave the way for various health problems in the long term.

In cats with ovarian remnant syndrome, drug control is not a permanent solution . As long as the hormone-producing tissue remains in the body, complete disappearance of symptoms is not expected. Therefore, drug treatment in these cases is often considered only a diagnostic or temporary measure.

The following points should be considered when deciding on medication use:

Are the symptoms actually hormone-related or not?
Frequency and severity of symptoms
The cat's age and general health condition.
Whether surgery is needed in the long term

Using medication solely to suppress symptoms without conducting this assessment can lead to the problem being detected late.

My cat has been spayed but is still going into heat. Will she need another surgery?

The need for a second surgery is one of the most difficult possibilities for pet owners to accept. However, in some cases, this intervention may be the most appropriate and permanent solution . Whether a second surgery is needed is determined by the findings obtained during the diagnostic process.

If you see signs of anger:

It repeats at regular intervals.
It clearly includes typical angry behaviors.
If the tests suggest actual hormonal activity

Further surgical intervention should be seriously considered.

In cats diagnosed with ovarian remnant syndrome, reoperation is usually unavoidable. The goal of this surgery is to completely locate and remove the active, hormone-producing ovarian tissue. This surgery requires more care and experience than standard neutering.

The decision for a second operation is not made hastily. All possible diagnostic methods are used beforehand to strengthen suspicion. However, in some cases, a definitive diagnosis can only be made during surgery. This should be clearly explained to the patient's family beforehand.

The signs of estrus are expected to disappear in the post-operative period. In some cats, previously learned behaviors may persist for a short time; however, these behaviors will decrease over time as the hormonal cycle ends.

Cases requiring repeat surgery are not uncommon, and this does not necessarily mean the initial operation was "failed." Anatomical variations and microscopic structure of the ovarian tissue can lead to such situations.

When performed at the right time and with the correct indications, re-surgery significantly improves the cat's quality of life and permanently resolves the problem.

My cat has been spayed but is still in heat. How should I monitor and care for her at home?

In a cat showing signs of estrus after sterilization, home monitoring is important for both accurate assessment of the symptoms and avoiding unnecessary interventions. The goal of this process is to clearly observe the frequency , severity , and cyclical nature of the symptoms.

During home monitoring, it's important to note when the symptoms appear. The number of days these behaviors—such as meowing, rolling over, restlessness, and seeking affection—last , and how often they recur, are crucial. Symptoms that recur at intervals of 2-3 weeks, in particular, strengthen the possibility of genuine irritability.

Controlling environmental factors is an important part of home care. The scent of unneutered male cats in the vicinity can trigger behaviors resembling estrus. Limiting external stimuli from areas such as windows and balconies can be helpful.

The cat's daily routine should be kept as consistent as possible. Sudden environmental changes, the addition of new pets, or stressful situations can worsen symptoms. Regular playtime, rest times, and feeding times can help reduce restlessness.

The indiscriminate use of medications or supplements during home monitoring is not recommended. Interventions before the source of symptoms is clear can complicate the diagnostic process. Hormonal products, in particular, may provide temporary relief but can lead to a more complex problem in the future.

Home care is not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment; however, with proper observation, it supports the process. The information obtained can guide clinical evaluation and prevent unnecessary testing.

My cat is spayed but still gets into heat. When does this become a serious problem?

Not every instance of heat-like behavior after spaying or neutering indicates a serious problem. However, in some cases, these symptoms may be indicative of a health issue that requires evaluation .

If the symptoms are short-lived, irregular, and decrease over time, it is usually not considered a serious problem. Behaviors seen especially in the first few weeks after neutering may be related to temporary hormonal effects.

However, if the symptoms recur at regular intervals , are of similar severity in each cycle, and include typical estrus behaviors, the situation should be taken seriously. Interest in male cats, lordosis posture, and characteristic meowing are important signs in this regard.

If a cat experiences significant weight loss, loss of appetite, excessive restlessness, or behavioral changes, the problem should not be considered purely behavioral. Long-term stress can negatively impact a cat's overall health.

If symptoms are temporarily suppressed by medication but recur shortly afterward, it should be considered that the underlying cause has not been eliminated. This situation particularly raises the possibility of ovarian remnant syndrome.

If symptoms persist for months and reduce the cat's quality of life, a "wait-and-see" approach should no longer be taken. Delayed diagnosis increases the cat's stress and complicates the treatment process.

At this point, the necessary step is to clarify the cause through a systematic diagnostic process. In cases considered serious, early intervention leads to a more successful and less complex treatment process.

My cat is spayed but still gets into heat. When does that become a serious problem?

My cat has been spayed but is still getting into heat. Is this preventable?

Completely preventing signs of estrus after sterilization is not always possible; however, with proper timing , appropriate surgical technique , and careful postoperative monitoring, the risk can be significantly reduced.

The most important step in prevention is performing the sterilization operation at the appropriate time . In operations performed in the middle of the estrus cycle, short-term estrus symptoms may occur after surgery due to circulating hormones. This is often temporary; however, if the expectations of the pet owners are not managed correctly, the perception that "spaying didn't work" may arise.

Surgical technique is also among the preventive factors. It should be considered that ovarian tissue may be anatomically located in different places, and it should be ensured that both ovaries are completely removed during the operation. Surgical attention is crucial in preventing ovarian remnant syndrome.

Careful monitoring of symptoms in the post-operative period allows for early detection of potential problems. If behaviors such as anger disappear quickly, further intervention is usually not necessary. However, if symptoms recur within weeks or months, early assessment can prevent more serious problems in the future.

Controlling environmental factors is also important for prevention. Female cats living in environments with high concentrations of unneutered male cats may be more frequently triggered by estrus-like behaviors. This is more behavioral than hormonal; however, it can lead to misinterpretation of the symptoms.

The concept of prevention here does not mean "never experiencing it." The main goal is the early detection and resolution of persistent and recurring hormonal problems before they progress . This approach both preserves the cat's quality of life and prevents the owner from experiencing unnecessary anxiety.

Keywords

Heat in neutered cats, do neutered cats still go into heat, hormones after cat neutering, ovarian remnant syndrome in cats, signs of cat heat, My cat is neutered but still goes into heat? Learn the causes, symptoms and permanent solutions step by step. my cat is spayed but still gets in heat

Frequently Asked Questions - my cat is spayed but still gets in heat

My cat has been spayed, but is it normal for her to still go into heat?

Short-lived and irregular heat-like behaviors can be considered normal in some cats. Especially if spaying/neutering was done close to the heat cycle, the effects of circulating hormones can last for several weeks. However, if the symptoms recur at regular intervals or if classic heat-like behaviors are clearly visible, this is not considered normal and should be evaluated.

Can a spayed or neutered cat really go into heat?

Yes, in some cases a spayed cat can experience true estrus. The most common cause is ovarian remnant syndrome. When a very small piece of ovarian tissue remains in the body, it can continue to produce hormones, and the cat can enter a true estrus cycle. In this case, the behaviors are cyclical, not temporary.

My cat is spayed but shows interest in male cats, what could this mean?

Interest in male cats is always a finding that should be carefully evaluated in a neutered cat. Environmental scents or pheromones may create temporary behavioral interest. However, if this interest is regular and accompanied by estrus behavior, the possibility of active hormone production should be considered.

How long can signs of estrus remain after sterilization?

Symptoms related to temporary hormonal effects usually subside and disappear within a few weeks. This period is between 2–6 weeks in most cats. Symptoms that persist for months or recur intermittently are not considered temporary and the underlying cause should be investigated.

Why does my neutered cat continue to meow and roll around?

These behaviors can sometimes be learned habits. In cats that have experienced prolonged periods of heat before neutering, these behaviors may persist even without hormonal causes. However, if the behaviors are cyclical and intense, they should not be considered merely habits.

How common is ovarian remnant syndrome in cats?

Although ovarian remnant syndrome is considered rare, it is more common in practice than is generally believed. Diagnosis can be delayed, especially if the symptoms are mild or mistaken for behavioral issues. Therefore, recurrent estrus in neutered cats should always be evaluated for this syndrome.

Is ovarian remnant syndrome dangerous?

It doesn't directly pose a life-threatening emergency; however, in the long term, it can lead to chronic stress, behavioral problems, and hormonal imbalances in cats. Furthermore, addressing the root cause is healthier than constantly suppressing the symptoms.

Is it safe to use medication to induce estrus in a spayed or neutered cat?

Medications may provide temporary relief in some cases, but they do not offer a permanent solution. Especially when hormone-producing tissue is present, medication can mask the problem and delay diagnosis. Long-term medication use can also pave the way for other health problems in the future.

Does estrus go away on its own in a spayed cat?

If it's due to temporary hormonal or behavioral reasons, it may lessen over time. However, if there is actual hormonal activity, it is not expected to resolve spontaneously. Therefore, the duration and frequency of symptoms are the determining factors.

Is a second surgery necessary to induce estrus in a spayed cat?

Not every case requires a second surgery. However, if ovarian remnant syndrome has been diagnosed, surgery is the permanent solution. When performed correctly, the signs of estrus completely disappear.

Is a second surgery risky?

Repeat surgeries require more care than standard sterilization; however, when performed under appropriate conditions and by experienced hands, the risk is acceptable. The risk should be evaluated in conjunction with the long-term problems caused by the ongoing hormonal issue.

Could estrus behavior in a spayed/neutered cat be psychological?

Yes, in some cats, stress, environmental changes, or habits can lead to behaviors similar to estrus. However, a diagnosis of psychological causes should only be made after ruling out hormonal reasons.

If there are other cats in the house, can this trigger her estrus?

The presence or scent of unneutered male cats , in particular, can trigger estrus-like behaviors in female cats. This may not be hormonal, but it does make the symptoms more pronounced.

Can a neutered cat go into heat again?

If the underlying cause is hormonal, the symptoms recur regularly. In behavioral causes, however, the recurrences are irregular and may decrease in severity over time.

Do heat symptoms after sterilization harm the cat?

Aggressive behavior alone does not cause physical harm; however, prolonged restlessness and stress can negatively affect a cat's overall health and quality of life. Therefore, persistent symptoms should be taken seriously.

If a spayed cat is found to be in heat, should you wait or investigate?

For short-term and mild symptoms, monitoring is sufficient. However, if symptoms persist for months, recur cyclically, or worsen, investigation is the best approach rather than waiting.

Sources

Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
The International Cat Association (TICA)
American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)
Mersin Vetlife Veterinary Clinic – Open on Map: https://share.google/XPP6L1V6c1EnGP3Oc