Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/meowing and kneading

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Expert: Dear Tabbi - 3/18/2009


Question
Why does my adult cat suddenly start meowing and then grabs a bit of my shirt with his teeth and starts a kneading motion white continuing to meow?

Answer
Andrea,

Is your cat neutered? If not, he needs to be done ASAP. If he is, then it's not anything to worry about and is normal.

His behavior is common with alot of neutered males. It usually starts when they are about 2-3 years old. It is a response that some cats have to 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. Sometimes though, a cat will get over-stimulated from a heavy petting session and also react in the same manner.

A common reaction is kneading and meowing, and/or biting something like they are biting a flea. I have one that does it too.  
I have also been told about neutered males that will hump or bite the neck of other cats in the family (male or female), dogs, people's legs and arms, and even stuffed animals.

When he does that don't get mad at him, scold him, or push him away, because it's nature and he doesn'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.

I hope this helps.

Tabbi

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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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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