Expert: Dear Tabbi - 6/13/2008

Question
I have a male cat that IS neutered. I got him from a shelter last Sept and this is my first summer with him. Last week he stated "humping" my blanket and my leg while he is kneeding. He is now doing this 3+ times a day for over a week and he won't stop. It is obvious what he is doing and afterwards his "you know what" is showing and he licks it after "finishing". I don't know what to do as EVERYONE online screams at you saying MALE cats don't go into heat. I can't figure what has happened and if it will stop! He has all the classic signs, loud meowing, bellowing meowing and this constant "humping".

Answer
Rachel,

Don't panic! That is perfectly normal behavior for a lot of neutered male cats that have a high sexual chemistry makeup. It's harmless.

They act in a sexual manner even though they have been fixed. It usually starts when they are about 2-3 years old. They are not actually "going into heat", they are just responding to some sexual stimulation. Some cats have a strong 'male mentality' and though they physically can't do anything they mentally can.

Usually the cause for this behavior is that the neutered cat smells a female in heat somewhere in the neighborhood (even if they are inside cats) and react to it.

I have been told about neutered males that will hump or bite the necks of other cats in the family, male or female; dogs, peoples legs and arms, blankets, and even stuffed animals.

When the cat behaves like that don't get mad at him or scold him because it's just nature and he won't understand what he is doing wrong. But also don't pet him because that can get him more stimulated. Try to distract him with food or toys. A pet laser light (from PetSmart, Petco, etc.) is an excellent distraction.

The behavior should stop when whatever is stimulating him stops.

Tabbi