Yes, female cats do spray when they are in heat. Spraying is a common behavior for female cats during their heat cycle as a way to attract male cats. The spray contains urine mixed with pheromones and other secretions, which helps communicate their availability to males nearby. This behavior is part of their natural mating process. In addition to spraying, female cats in heat may exhibit other behaviors such as loud vocalizations (howling), increased affection, rubbing against furniture and people, and trying to escape outdoors to find a mate. Spraying can also occur due to stress, territorial marking, or medical issues, but when specifically in heat, it serves mainly to attract males. Spaying a female cat can prevent this spraying behavior by stopping the heat cycles altogether. Until then, keeping the environment as calm as possible and using enzymatic cleaners to remove sprayed urine odors can help manage the behavior. In summary:

• Female cats spray to attract males while in heat.
• Spraying urine contains pheromones as a signal.
• Spaying stops heat cycles and associated spraying.
• Other heat behaviors include vocalization and increased affection.

This is a normal part of their reproductive behavior.