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Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)/Neutered cat biting another cat

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Expert: - 1/31/2011


Question
I have a male cat (Tippy) who was neutered when he was around 6 months old and had never been around an unspayed female. When he was about 1 and 1/2 we had a female (Calico) in heat and another neutered male would mate with her and bite the back of her neck at the same time. Tippy had no interest in Calico even in heat. The other male moved out a short time later and Calico was fixed. Now at 5 years old Tippy has started sitting on or standing behind Calico and biting the back of her neck but not trying to mate. Any idea why he is doing this?

Answer
Hi Stacy,
Biting the neck during mating is normal for felines. This behavior is also seen in neutered males sometimes.
Well, since he was neutered years ago it is not residual testosterone that can take some time to leave the body.
A neutered male will at times mount a female in heat as the adrenal glands still produce sex hormones.
But, since she is already spayed this could be a behavioral issue that you can work out with a cat behaviorist to resolve to modify and redirect his behavior. This behavior can be a result of boredom, lack of daily rigourous exercise and stimulation and lack of predatory expression.
Give her spaces to get away and jump onto if she is annoyed with this behavior.
Best,
Shanti

Cat Training and Behavior (Domestic and Feral)

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Shanti Zinzi

Expertise

I can answer questions related to cat behavior, such as how to keep your feline happy and healthy with minimal expense but maximum commitment. I offer tips on how to touch and massage your feline to foster a good bond and direct people in how to spot and avoid overstimulation. Accurately interpreting a cat's body language, signals and cues is often not understood by many beloved feline guardians. I offer advice on alternatives to expensive veterinary bills, tell you when is it necessary to visit your vet, and how to maintain proper diet for your individualized feline's needs to avoid those astronomical vet bills down the line. I also give holistic medical and dietary advice, and hospice care tips for the aging kitty. I offer advice on how to deal with shy or undersocialized cats or feral kittens. www.thenatureofthebeast.org If you need a consultation during my vacation hours, I will unfortunately need to charge my normal fee. http://agentprovaCATeursDOGgeddetermination.blogspot.com/

Experience

I have worked with felines for 20 years both personally and professionally. Called the "queen of behavior cats" by SF SPCA's former feline behavior dept, I work with off-limit felines at the city shelter for nine years. I have onsite tech training from holistic vets and allopathic veterinarians. I have helped out rescues with behavior animals and help assist clients in problems with behavior and/or medical issues. Along with graduate studies in holistic medicines I have participated in a holistic hospice internship. Public radio show on feline behavior and holistic health.

Organizations
I currently operate my own business which site can be accessed from internet explorer, www.thenatureofthebeast.org http://agentprovaCATeursDOGgeddetermination.blogspot.com/ I am a custody feline volunteer at SF Animal Care and Control I also am part of a feral kitten/undersocialized adult feline volunteer handler program at Animal Care and Control I am a member of Allcreatureshealingnetwork.org

Education/Credentials
Masters in Somatic Psychology, on site veterinary tech training at holistic and allopathic vet offices, graduate studies in Chinese Medicine, acupuncture, herbs, eastern principles, certification in Acupressure, animal hospice internship at Bright Haven

Past/Present Clients
My clients include private clients and bay area rescues, NY Yankees, and actors from NYC and LA

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