Sexual Behavior in Cats

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Sexual Behavior in Cats

I have a nine-month-old kitten. He is neutered, but has recently started humping on me. This behavior began, out of the blue, about a month ago. Now, when he's kneading on my arm, it seems as if he's getting excited.. What is the deal with him? Is this normal? My husband and I find it rather disturbing.

~~Cassie

Expert Reply

Hi Cassie,

This is actually a common problem with male cats. I have had a lot of owners tell me their cats do this, even after neutering. It is likely more of a dominant behavior than sexual. He is trying to show you that he is your boss. Obviously, this behavior is not acceptable. How embarrassing it would be to have a visitor come over, and your cat start humping the visitor's arm.

You will need to train him to not do this. It is going to require that you be very firm with him (remember, he thinks he is boss right now), and very consistent. Here are some tips that should help you:

• The kneading is normal. This is something that kittens do to their mothers. It means he feels safe and secure with you. I wouldn't scold him for kneading his paws.
• Watch his pupils. If they begin to dilate, he is likely getting ready to hump you. Put him on the floor immediately, when you see this signal and ignore him.
• If his kneading and purring increase, stop petting him. If he is still growing excited, place him on the floor.
• If he humps anyway, firmly tell him no and place him on the floor.

Since he is still young, he should be fairly easy to train. He also may outgrow this behavior on his own. If not, or if the situation worsens, take him to the vet and have his hormone levels test to be on the safe side.

Hope this helps!

~~Lori

Aggressive Male Cat

I have a two-year-old neutered male, Chance, that has not been socialized with other cats. Two months ago, I adopted a seven-month-old spayed female, Hazel. They have always chased each other, and Chance will pounce on her, and stalk her. He is very aggressive about it, but has not injured her. Recently, I have been coming home to my older cat having bloody scratch wounds on his head and a puffy lip. I have a feeling him attacking her may be sexually fueled because he normally jumps her from behind, bear hugs her, and bites her neck. I can't get them to stop. I have re-separated them when I am not around. What can I do to make this stop, so my cat doesn't get injured anymore? I am thinking of declawing my new cat, because my older cat is declawed. Then, she won't scratch him open. My only other option would be to give her back to the shelter. Please help!

~~Erica

Expert Reply

Hi Erica,

It sounds like Hazel is defending herself from what she sees as an attack. You did the right thing in separating the cats when you are not there to keep an eye on the situation. Separating the cats keeps them both safe while you are away.

I don't think you'll have to give Hazel back. Chance simply needs to know that his jumping her is not going to be tolerated. You have to train him to not do this. It sounds like you have a real soft spot in your heart for Chance, so you are probably going to have to work at giving him tough love for a bit.

First, I would go ahead and take him to the vet and have his hormone levels tested. It is possible that his hormone levels are off kilter, causing a sexual behavior that shouldn't be there after a cat is neutered. If this is not a hormonal problem, then it is a behavior problem. Actually, cats usually do this to show dominance, and the cat that is on the receiving end typically does not like it one little bit! There are a few things you can do to try to get him to stop.

• Keep a spray bottle of water handy and give him a squirt when he jumps Hazel.
• Clap your hands loudly and say, "No!"
• If Chance stops and leaves Hazel alone, praise him lavishly. Cats actually react best to praise.

If you can, it would be best to break the behavior patterns. Otherwise, any other animal you bring into your home will likely receive the same treatment from Chance.

~~Lori

Neutered Cat with Sexual Behavior

I have a two-year-old neutered male. He has slept in the same bed with me ever since I got him. I had him fixed when he was a kitten. He has suddenly started to hump my upper thigh while I'm in bed.

At first, I thought he had found the scent of a cat treat on the blankets since I recently began giving him a few in bed. He has not done this to my husband. It's been going on now for a week. If any one could help me make him stop, I would like to hear what you have to say. I don't want to kick Jack out of the bedroom, but the thought of what he's doing just makes me feel sick. Help!

~~Christine

Expert Reply

Hi Christine,

It is actually rather common for male cats to hump objects, people and other pets even when they are neutered. It can be a pretty irritating habit, especially if you are trying to sleep. As far as stopping the behavior, there are a couple of things you might want to try.

• First, since you have noticed a change since starting to give him the cat treats in bed, stop doing this. Thoroughly clean all the blankets and restrict treats to his eating area.
• When he starts to hump, pick him up and give him attention. Several pet owners have told me that this will calm their male cats. It may just be that he wants extra affection and isn't sure how to request it. If you've been working more than normal, been busy or have introduced a new human or pet into the household, that could be the cause of the behavior.
• Some vets will prescribe antidepressants to stop this behavior. I don't like giving cats medications unless it is absolutely essential, but you'll have to decide how much of an irritant the humping is for you. I would probably put him out of the room before medicating if he were my cat.

Occasionally, fluctuating hormone levels can be the blame, so if you need to go to the vet, I would have him tested. Hope this helps. Good luck!

~~Lori