Expert: Dear Tabbi - 9/17/2008

Question
QUESTION: My three year old neutered male cat has NEVER attempted to cross the road, but now, suddenly he meows to get out& almst always heads for the street as I turn him around.
Do male neutered cats still have sex urges?  There are a lot of strays around here and I wondered if he was smelling a female.  Thanks for your advice!

ANSWER: Carol,

Yes, some neutered cats respond to sexual stimulation. Usually it starts about 2-4 years old. Some cats has a high 'male mentality', and even though they are neutered. They will exhibit tomcat tendencies if they smell a female in heat. Some indoor male neuters will 'hump' stuffed animals, people's arms and legs, and even a family dog when they get like that. He should return to 'normal' when no females are in heat or fall sets in (end of the breeding season for outside cats).

There may be another reason for him wanting to go across the street too. There may be mice for him to catch, the neighbors may be feeding him, or he is lonely and searching for some 'kitty companionship' and 'kitty play' with another cat.

Maybe getting him a friend will help make him want to stay home. Or get him a 'safe' cage with gerbils/mice/lizards in it that he can watch and (safely) try to hunt. Get him new toys, or a pet laser light (from Petco/PetSmart/etc.) that will help him burn off any excess energy. They LOVE the chase the 'little red bug' on the floors, walls, and ceilings.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for your caring response.  My neutered male has not exhibited any of the other tomcat traits you mentioned, only crossing the street. I am also positive that nobody is feeding him.
There are numerous strays around here and he has always been afraid to go near them.  One attacked him about a month ago.  Really, he just hangs with my two dogs, who basically just tolerate him.
But he just seems INTENT on crossing the street for some reason, even though he has never gone NEAR the street before.  
If you have any other words of wisdom, I would surely appreciate it.

Answer
Carol,

Cats are independant creatures and some are more stubborn than others, and unless physically restrained, they will pretty much do what they want to.

Have you tried following him or sneaking up on him to see where he is going and what the attraction is? Do you know your neighbors that you can call when he starts across the street so they can peek out their windows to watch him?

You (or a neighbor) can try a possible deterrent, like a loud horn of some kind. When the cat reaches the other side of the street, scare the bejeezes out of him to make him afraid to cross the street.

Hopefully, whatever is attracting him he will get bored with and stay home again.

Tabbi