Sexual Behavior in an Altered Cat

We have had Rocky since he was 2 weeks old, and have hand raised him. He was altered a couple months ago. He is a very active and aggressive cat. He is now 7 months old and has taken to "mounting" poor Ferris and biting his neck. Ferris, of course, is not too happy with the situation, but is a totally non-aggressive cat, and will not defend himself. He is a whiner. We have tried distracting Rocky with feather toys, squirting him with water when he gets too aggressive, and caging him for a 5 minute time out when he needs to chill. What I need to know is....is this behavior unusual for an adolescent male altered cat? Years ago, when we first got Katie and had not yet had her spayed K.C., who was altered, would mount her and bite her neck, but she was in heat when we first got her.

Poor Ferris! No expert here, but I understand that sometimes it takes a while for the hormones to subside.

Before we had Pearl spayed, Fred, who has been altered for years, would mount her.

I have read a few articles that explained that the mounting behavior is sometimes a show of dominance (not necessarily a sexual act). If Rocky continues this new behavior, perhaps your vet could give you some advice. Good luck to you and Ferris .

Thank you, everyone, for your ideas. Vicki,I was interested in your response about the articles you read. That sounds like it may be the reason. Rocky is a very aggrssive cat, and we have often said that he was vieing for the "Top Cat" position in our home. Ferris would be the easiest one to dominate, since he is so gentle.