Feline behavior can sometimes be complicated for owners to understand. While cats are normally playful they may also do bizarre things such as running around like crazy, licking the walls and burrowing under blankets which owners may find puzzling. But how would you react if you suddenly see your cat humping the blankets or pillows in your home?
Cat humping blanket: Why cats act this way
You would probably feel disgusted, perplexed or embarrassed when you see your cat humping a blanket or her soft toys. However, before you react negatively it is best to understand the reasons why the cat is acting that way.
1. Your cat may have excess energy.
A lot of unspent energy may lead a cat to hump objects like blankets and soft toys. Humping these objects may be her way of releasing pent-up and unused energy.
2. Your cat may be doing it to catch your attention.
Have you been working longer hours lately? You may have been neglecting your cat. As a result, your cat may resort to unusual behavior like humping blankets to get your attention.
3. There may be sudden changes at your home.
Sudden changes in the household may also contribute to a cat’s weird behavior. There may be a new addition like a new family member, a new housemate or you recently brought in a new pet. You may also have home improvements being done in your home and this may trigger your cat to act in an unusual manner such as humping blankets, towels or soft toys.
4. Your cat may still have sex hormones present in his/her body although he/she may already be spayed.
Ever wonder why your cat still resorts to humping things although neutered/spayed a few weeks ago? This is because sex hormones do not instantly vanish after the surgery. It usually takes 6 to 12 weeks for the hormones in circulation to be eradicated.
5. Your cat may have been neutered when he/she was already more than one year old.
While neutering/spaying a cat is a good measure to correct the humping behavior, it is not always effective. This happens if cats were neutered/spayed at an older age and the humping may have already become an ingrained behavior. As a precaution, it is advisable to neuter/spay your cat when they are still six months or younger to prevent any untoward behavior like humping and urine spraying.
Ways to correct your cat’s humping behavior
A cat humping blanket can be embarrassing but it can be corrected. Here are some ways to correct your cat’s humping behavior:
Through redirection
This method may take some time to work but eventually, your cat will adhere to it. What you can do is redirect your cat’s humping to a more desirable item that you won’t mind being used such as an old woolen pillow or unused fleece cloth. Do not expect though that your cat will instantly comply as it takes constant practice and time.
By paying more attention to your cat
Your cat may be resorting to cat humping just to catch your attention. What you can do is to spend more time with her and play with her for at least 15 minutes. Spend a few minutes grooming and brushing her fur, cuddling her and petting her.
Offer more playtime and activities to release your cat’s energy
Another way to distract your cat from her unusual behavior is to provide her with activities and toys. This way she will use up her energy on playing, climbing and running around pursuing balls and toy mice. Cat shelves and a cat tree are also advised to keep your kitty busy all day.
Try pheromones to address anxiety and stress
If you suspect that the humping is due to stress and anxiety you may try using pheromones like Feliway to calm your cat so she won’t resort to doing any unusual behavior again.
Do female cats hump kittens?
Yes, there have been cases where spayed female cats tend to hump kittens although some cat experts agree that it may not be real humping at all. This particular behavior is interpreted as a mother cat’s way of disciplining her kittens. It is characterized by a mother grabbing the kittens by the scruff of their neck and pressing them to the ground in a humping motion.
Should I worry if my cat humping blanket?
No, there is no need to worry since cat humping is normal and it is part of normal cat behavior. However, if you notice that your cat is constantly licking his or her private parts it could mean he/she is suffering from a urinary tract infection. If this is so, bring your cat to the vet for proper treatment.
Conclusion
If you suddenly see your cat humping a blanket, fleece towel or her soft toy, do not freak out or feel disgusted. This is a part of normal cat behavior and felines resort to doing this to release pent-up energy, to catch your attention or when stressed.
Image: istockphoto.com / Prystai