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 Pet Central
Q&A
Q: I have two male
cats and one is a "horn-dog." Both were both neutered at 3 months.
They’re now 5-years and 5-1/2 years old respectfully. One of the
cats has been humping my knees or those of my children at night.
He knows he’s a bad boy because of the way he looks at us when we tell
him "Stop!" What’s going on? -- N.B., Las Vegas, Nev.
A: John Wright, a
certified applied animal behaviorist from Macon, Ga., says your kitty
isn’t acting out sexually per se; he’s just discovered something that
feels good, so he keeps doing it. He may also be purring, licking and/or
drooling while he does his odd thing in the night. Perhaps, he’s also
a control freak kitty, and he’s discovered a way to get a rise out of
you.
If your cat’s curious
actions annoy you, your best bet is to interrupt the action just as it
begins. For example, just as your cat goes to do his bizarre thing, spritz
him with a plant mister or water pistol. Admittedly, this isn’t all too
practical in the middle of the night. And besides, who wants to shoot
water on their bed? You could try closing the cat out of the bedroom for
about two months; this might be long enough to break the habit. However,
be prepared for his wailing at being shut out. Another option is to cover
your knees and arms so the cat has nothing to attach himself to.
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