Be on heat
verb phrase
When an animal, especially a female one, is sexually excited and able to breed.
I think my cat is on heat, she's acting unusual.
Often appears as...
- cat on heat
- dog on heat
verb phrase
Passionately excited or enthusiastic about something.
She's on heat about the upcoming concert.
Often appears as...
- on heat about something
- on heat over something
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb phrase
When an animal, especially a female one, is sexually excited and able to breed.
I think my cat is on heat, she's acting unusual.
Often appears as...
- cat on heat
- dog on heat
verb phrase
Passionately excited or enthusiastic about something.
She's on heat about the upcoming concert.
Often appears as...
- on heat about something
- on heat over something
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Animal Breeding
Used to describe the time when an animal can mate, referring specifically to females.
You should separate the male dogs when the female is on heat.
Pro Tip 2/3Not for Humans
While this phrase applies to animals, it's not appropriate for describing human fertility periods.
Unlike animals, we don't say a woman is 'on heat'; we use different terms.
Pro Tip 3/3Behavioral Clues
Animals may exhibit noticeable behavior changes, such as being more vocal or restless.
My cat must be on heat – she's been meowing non-stop and rubbing against everything.
Pro Tip 1/3Animal Breeding
Used to describe the time when an animal can mate, referring specifically to females.
You should separate the male dogs when the female is on heat.
Pro Tip 2/3Not for Humans
While this phrase applies to animals, it's not appropriate for describing human fertility periods.
Unlike animals, we don't say a woman is 'on heat'; we use different terms.
Pro Tip 3/3Behavioral Clues
Animals may exhibit noticeable behavior changes, such as being more vocal or restless.
My cat must be on heat – she's been meowing non-stop and rubbing against everything.
Pro Tip 1/3Animal Breeding
Used to describe the time when an animal can mate, referring specifically to females.
You should separate the male dogs when the female is on heat.
Pro Tip 2/3Not for Humans
While this phrase applies to animals, it's not appropriate for describing human fertility periods.
Unlike animals, we don't say a woman is 'on heat'; we use different terms.
Pro Tip 3/3Behavioral Clues
Animals may exhibit noticeable behavior changes, such as being more vocal or restless.
My cat must be on heat – she's been meowing non-stop and rubbing against everything.
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