Definition: Noun. Estrus refers to the period of receptivity to mating in a female cat (queen), and is linked with the production of estrodial (a type of estrogen) produced by ovarian follicles. Queens who are not mated may experience estrus as often as every two weeks, for several months.
Pronunciation: ess-truss
Also Known As: in heat
Alternate Spellings: oestrus
Examples: Betsy finally decided to spay her female cat after her queen experienced intermittent estrus cycles for most of the summer, which created turmoil in the whole household.
