Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 8/21/2009

Question
My cat was spayed in March. A month or so later a long piece of plastic started working its way out of her stomach. I pulled it out. I was told it was probably what held the sutures in place and that she would be fine and would not be able to get pregnant.

She is now acting as though she's in heat: meowing constantly, rubbing against me - wanting to be petted (she's never been an affectionate cat), when I do pet her she will raise her butt in the air & knead the carpet or bed.

What do you make of this, and what do you think I should do?
Thank you for your help.

Answer
This could just be cat affectionate behavior.  IF the uterus and ovaries were removed, there is no chance of pregnancy.  In some spays, a small piece of the ovary may be left in and it will produce hormones every 28 days, just like an intact cat.  But there is nothing to worry about.