Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Male cats mounting each other

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 1/18/2009


Question
This is a strange one.  I foster cats and all my male cats are fixed but two of the males have been attempting to mount a third one.  I know that this can be a dominance thing but it seemed strange that he was the only one they were doing this to.  He was born with some deformities including deformed front paws and tail and is considerably smaller than the other cats.  It occurred to me the other day that when he is walking away from me his deformed tail, which makes an immediate 90 degree turn from his body to start, he looks just like a female in heat!  Could the other males be seeing this and think he's a female in heat?  I wouldn't think so but I can't think of any other reason for their behavior with this one cat.  Thanks for your answer.

Answer
Pati,

Cats go by smell and not by sight. You don't say how old your cats are, but some cats at about 3 years old will begin to react to the smell of a female in heat in the neighborhood even though they are neutered. A cat can smell a female from a block away, even indoor cats. Some cats will hump stuffed animals, their owner's legs, and as you cats are doing, another animal in the household. They will stop when there are no more females in heat.

When their behavior occurs try to get their mind on something else, like food or play. A pet laser light is good in that situation. Cats can't resist chasing the little red 'bug' on the walls, ceilings, and floors. You can get them at Petco, PetSmart, etc.

I hope this helps.  

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Dear Tabbi

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My expertise is in helping people understand their cat (or cats) and their behavior. Questions are welcome even if you don't have a cat....just a question about them. Hopefully my experience, suggestions, and comments will be of help to you...and your cat (or cats). Looking through my past responses to questions will give you additional information and/or answers too. Domestic Cats = cats (no matter what breed) who are tame or not wild, or abandoned cats who were pets that became wild, but can be tamed again. Ferals = cats who are born with one or more parents who were wild stray cats. They usually have had no interactions with people. They have an inbred distrust of humans and are difficult to socialize. They are skittish, hide, and are afraid of people. They take a lot of time and patience to work with them. A lot of kittens from shelters had a feral parent.

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Since I was a child, over 45 years, I have been owned by a LOT of cats and kittens of almost every temperament, behavior, and personality. I have had experience with neurotic, disabled (including blind), stray, and 'problem child' cats and kittens. (A few normal cats too!) Plus all the things a lifetime of owning cats and research has taught me. I also have experience in feral cat behavior (which is different from domestic cats), and some experience with feral colonies that includes colony feeding and feral cat TNR (trap/neuter/release).

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