After Neuter or Spay

Visitor Questions about Behavior After Spay or Neuter

Neutered Cat Showing Strange Behavior

I have a five-year-old neutered male cat. Up until several months ago, we also had a spayed female that was very aggressive, so we had to find her a new home. Since her departure, Mieko(male cat)has been exhibiting strange sexual behavior towards my 22-year-old daughter. If my daughter is sitting on the chair, he will jump up on her lap, and purr and knead vehemently, and tremble his hindquarters. When he does that she puts him down on the floor. This morning, he was doing this, and I was observing him, and his penis was out. I realize this sounds crazy, but I don't know what to do. I don't know who to ask about this, and I don't feel comfortable asking our veterinarian. HELP please. Thank you.

~~Mieko's Mom

Expert Reply

Hi, Mieko's Mom,

I understand your concern in asking about this behavior, and it is actually more common than you'd think. First, the kneading goes back to his kittenhood and is a behavior a kitten uses with its mother. This shows that he is comfortable and feels safe with your daughter. The purring is a sign of happiness too.

Those two issues are very normal. The other issue could be caused if his hormonal levels are too high and the only way to have those checked is by taking him to your vet. I know that you didn't want to hear that, but it might be a necessary evil. If you're embarrassed or live in a small town, you could take him to see a vet in another town to have him checked. This can also be a dominance behavior, or sometimes the cat just needs additional attention. It's also best to rule out any possibility of kidney stones or other infection just to be on the safe side.

Whatever the cause behind the behavior, you're doing the right thing by setting the cat on the floor and stopping the attention when the behavior begins. If he's really using your daughter as a surrogate for his missing friend, his behavior should eventually subside. Good luck!

~~Lori.