Although intact cats humping is seen as something normal, in neutered cats, the behavior is not always typical and is not as common as in dogs. Humping behavior can be normal when it occurs immediately after the neutering procedure, as the cat still has testosterone in their body.

In this article, you will learn why neutered cats may still hump and how to stop this behavior.

The 5 Reasons That Your Neutered Cat Humps

1. It May Be Normal for Some Cats

Some neutered male cats may indulge in humping or masturbation occasionally, mostly by humping toys or blankets, but sometimes they might even other pets or people’s legs. This may be “normal” or usual behavior for them, not indicating any underlying health issues. They may be doing it for fun, as a game, due to boredom, or to seek attention. If there is a female cat in the household, particularly one that has not yet been spayed, you may notice your neutered cat still trying to mate with them.

If your cat has suddenly started exhibiting humping behavior, it’s important to speak to your veterinarian to make sure there are no other reasons for this behavior. If your vet has given your cat an all clear or if they have been doing this since a young age, focus on increasing their mental stimulation, physical exercise, and environmental enrichment by providing plenty of toys, perches, puzzles, and activities.

2. Stress, Frustration, and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety usually occur when there are (major) changes in your cat’s life. Moving to a new house, bringing in a new family member or a pet, a family member leaving, etc., are all events that can stress a cat. Boredom can be another cause.

However, cats may also use this behavior as a way to ensure the social hierarchy. If your cat is chasing other pets away from important resources, is spraying urine, or easily getting into fights, it may indicate territorial issues.

To remedy this behavior, it is necessary to ask for the advice of the veterinarian. They can exclude possible health problems. Only after the vet declares your cat healthy can you discuss behavioral problems. Environmental enrichment with mental and physical stimulation is crucial in managing frustration and anxiety. Ensuring each cat has their own resources and that there is no need for competition, alongside using pheromone diffusers, may help in managing relationships in a multi-cat household.

3. Too Soon After Neutering Procedure

Humping behavior is perfectly normal for intact males. After the neutering procedure, it takes time for the hormone levels to reduce in the body, and it is quite normal for this behavior to continue for at least a few weeks to a few months. If this is not the case with your cat, a consultation with the veterinarian is recommended.

If you have a question about your cat's health or behavior, why not Ask a Vet for Free with Catster. Our veterinary team answers reader questions and provides trusted advice to help you better understand your cat.

4. Neutering at an Older Age

If you have neutered your cat at an older age (over 1 year old), the humping behavior can be learned and may have become a habit. This means even if you have taken your cat to the vet for the neutering procedure, they can still exhibit this behavior afterward, although it should be reduced. Speak to your vet if your cat is neutered and is still continuing the humping behavior.

5. Urinary Tract Disorders

Urinary tract disorders cause a variety of signs in cats, but humping is generally not one of them. However, if your cat is trying to pee but unsuccessfully, posturing, straining, licking their genital area frequently, or sometimes making their penis visible, some people may mistake one of these behaviors for humping. This is why we felt it was important to discuss this potentially life-threatening health condition.

If your male cat has a urinary tract disorder, they can show the following clinical signs:

If your cat shows any of these signs, they need to see a veterinarian immediately. Left untreated, urinary tract disorders can lead to serious complications, such as urinary blockage, which can be fatal, leading to a rupture of the bladder, electrolyte disbalance, kidney failure, and sepsis.

How to Stop Your Cat From Humping

It’s important to first consult with your vet, particularly if your cat is neutered, if they have never exhibited this behavior before, or if they are showing any signs of a urinary tract disorder. Only after underlying health issues have been ruled out can you proceed to the next step. It’s also a good idea to consider seeking help from a feline behaviorist, who can shed some light on why your cat may be humping.

After a vet has given your cat a clear bill of health, to reduce this behavior and help your cat feel more comfortable, here is what you can do:

Conclusion

So, why is your neutered cat still trying to mate? Humping behavior can be normal for some neutered cats, or it can be a sign of an underlying behavioral issue, boredom, stress, anxiety, frustration, or attention-seeking behavior, sometimes becoming a habit. Very rarely, it may be mistaken for signs of a urinary tract disorder, which needs urgent veterinary attention. After the neutering procedure, it takes a while (weeks to months) for the reproductive hormones to leave your cat’s body.

What you can do to help your cat is to get them checked out by a vet first and consider seeking behaviorist help if the issue is not medical. Offer them space, play with them, reinforce positive behavior, reduce stress and anxiety, enrich their environment, ensure adequate mental and physical stimulation, and discourage this behavior as best as possible. Never punish your cat, as they won’t respond well to it, and it will cause them more stress while negatively affecting your bond and their trust.

See also:

• Do Neutered Cats Still Mate? Vet-Approved Facts
• Can a Neutered Male Cat Still Get a Female Pregnant? Vet-Verified Facts

Featured Image Credit: christels. Pixabay