Expert: Tina - 7/4/2004

Question
my 7 yr old nuetered male cat has been humping his 6 yr old son, this has been going on for about 3 weeks. His son does nothing to encourage this attack most of the time he is sleeping.
Also lately he has been getting unbearable after 6pm. must have constant food supply and will demand you get up and scoop his food together, he will yell at you until you give in. Most of the time he doesn't even check his bowl to see if he has food.
Please help he always was a sweet softy and now I can't stand he.


Answer
Hi Sherry,

First of all I assume the son is also neutered?

It's unusual for such a sudden behavior change to occur - I would first visit the vet to make sure nothing is wrong. I don't want to alarm you because it's not common, but some diseases or tumors can cause hormonal or behavioral changes. It is best to do a blood test and thorough exam and rule any of these problems out first. There could also be some retained testicle that is now producing hormones, or a problem with another organ such as the adrenal glands that also produce testosterone.

The reason for a vet check first is whenever a cat shows a sudden change in behavior there could be something wrong. The combination of sexual domintation and demanding food are 2 significant behavior changes if he has not done this before.

Has anything changes in your cats' lives that could trigger insecurity or a desire to control his own life more? A recent move, new person or animal in the home, chance of routine? If so this behavior is more likely temporary and will go away if ignored and your cat starts to feel more normal.

It's possible that your cat has just decided he wants to run the house. If that's true, you must make it clear that he has his own place, and that means not givinng in to any demands to fill his bowl with "fresh" food. One thing i have found very helpful with cats who get demanding about food is to buy an automatic dispenser. There are many on the market, from simple gravity-feed (which many cats get obese on because they eat too much) or electronic dispensers that are on a timer. The dispenser allows you to separate yourself from the role of food provider. Never give such a cat treats or feed him directly - he has to see the dispenser as the source of food.

He may also benefit from a toy that dispenses food - pet stores have several that you load with kibble and as the cat bats them around they dispense food one piece at a time. It helps satisfy the cats' desire to hunt their food, slows down their eating, and again helps them see another source of food than you.

Try to keep your cat's routine predctable for him, cats like to anticipate play time, food time etc. If you literally do things by the clock your cat will feel secure and less likely to demand things of you.

If the vet check goes OK then contact me again for further advice!

Good luck...