Ever since he got neutered, my cat tries to mate with a cat plushie and has been meowing a lot. Is this due to changes in his hormone levels? Do you think they'll go away if we adopt another cat?
Hi,
Should you see sexual behavior in your cat after a spay or neuter surgery. The short answer is no, probably not. However, there are some exceptions to this. Sexual activity in sterilized cats could be related to a health issue.
Some neutered or spayed cats will exhibit behaviors that appear sexual, like humping. Humping may be more common in male cats but can also be seen in females. Humping is often mistaken as sexual behavior, but it is more typically a part of normal play or excitement. In some cases, it may also be a way cats work out the social hierarchy within a home.
Humping in cats is generally not a problem unless it bothers you or others. However, your cat might upset another animal by humping. If this happens, it may lead to aggression between the animals. If your cat is humping another animal, watch the other animal for signs for distress. When in doubt, separate the cats. Then, work on training to reduce your cat's humping. You can try redirecting your cat to a stuffed animal.
Cats that once had active sex hormones might have picked up certain behaviors that remain after the spay or neuter. Perhaps the most common of these is urine marking (spraying). Though you may believe the behavior is sexual in nature, it's more likely this is simply a habit that must be broken. It will take patience and training to stop your cat from spraying.
If your cat has been spayed or neutered for several weeks but still appears to be sexually active, the first thing you should do is call your vet. Your vet will advise you about the next steps after discussing the behaviors you have observed. In some cases, your cat may need to visit the vet for an examination.
After the exam, your vet may recommend lab testing to check hormone levels and other metabolic functions, especially if your cat is female. The outcome of the testing will determine the next step.
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet.
