Expert: Norman Auspitz - 7/11/2010

Question
I have a 5 year old female cat who I have had since about 8 weeks of age. She has always slept allot(probably 12-15 hours a day) as I know all cats do but lately her sleep habits have changed.
About 2 months ago I had her spayed. Since then she began sleeping just about all day and night(I have noticed a few other small behavioral changes since then as well). I would guess close to 20 hours a day or so. She rarely want top play any more and where she use to meet me at the door when I got home from work, now she just lays on the couch and rolls her head over to look at me.
She is in good health and not sick or anything just lazier I guess. Is that normal after spaying? I am not really worried about it because she is getting older as well, but more curious than anything. I also had a chihuahua which recently passed away(about 6 months ago)and even though they had a "love/hate" relationship, they kept each other kind of active by chasing each other and what not and I wonder now if I should get another cat to keep her company? I would prefer not to get one but want her to be active and happy, so I would like to know if you think that her new sleep habits and new found laziness are normal or could it be that the spaying has effected her, or that she is lonely and bored or something else?
Thank You

Answer
Jason,

I have thought long and hard about this one. It is not uncommon for a spayed female to be less active than an entire female.  There are no raging hormones to cause seasons and all the behaviors that would entail.  So, it is not unusual for there to be some behavioral changes after spaying.

I am wondering if she is exhibiting separation anxiety after the Chihuahua passed, which would be more likely to affect her moods rather than the spaying.  A new kitten may be just what is needed to perk her up. I would try to find a kitten about 4 -- 5 months of age, so there will be no issues about the kitten being able to fend for itself with your 5 year old girl.

If you decide to get a kitten, please come back to me and I will suggest how you introduce the kitten to your established cat to have smoother "get to know you" rituals.

Best regards... Norm.