Expert: Dear Tabbi - 8/16/2008

Question
Hi there... so I am a complete worry-wart when it comes to my kittens.  They are my babies, so when something seems even a bit off, I tend to freak.  My vet, though she has been very patient, doesnt seem to be able to answer this question, and I believe that may be because she does not own cats, only dogs.  So, hopefully you can help me with my question.  So I brought my cats home from the vet Tuesday morning from being fixed.  Both were fine, but I noticed that they slept a lot that day.  The next day they were playing a bit more, but I saw an even more dramatic change in both, especially my male cat, they were both so loving and required so much more attention.  Now, I'm not complaining, I love that they come and want me to cuddle them.  I just dont know if this is normal behavior.  The male cat has also began kneeding things more than before.  They were both exactly 5 months old when they were fixed, so they werent too young.  I just wonder if this is normal, if it is going to last, and what I can to do hopefully keep them in this new loving stage they are in.

Answer
Jennifer,

The first day the sleeping was due to the affects of the anesthesia wearing off. The kittens may have been frightened by being away from you, and all the activity at the vet's including the surgery that they are so glad to be home that they are being extra loving so that you don't do that to them again or leave them again.

They also may have slight pain still and being with you is comforting to them. Kneeding is a sign of pure contentment.

Being fixed also helps the mental confusion being in heat can cause and now that they don't have the hormonal imbalance they can concentrate on you and your affection. It does take about 30 days for the hormones or testosterone (sp?) to leave a males body.

Sometimes only a cat knows why he does the things he does or acts the way he acts. Since a cat can't tell you anything or pet you they can come up with ingenious other ways to get their point across.

It is good to be cautious and caring about your cats. Nothing wrong with that. They are just 4 legged kids and you worry about them like you would 2 legged ones. Feel free to write anytime you have a question or would like some explanation. You can also learn about different cat behaviors and problems by reading my past answers.

And thank you for being a responsible pet owner and getting your kittens fixed.

Tabbi