Cat Humping: Causes and Solutions

Cat humping, though less frequently discussed than canine humping, is a behavior observed in felines that can raise eyebrows among pet owners. Often, this behavior leaves cat owners puzzled, concerned, or even embarrassed, especially when it occurs in front of guests. This article explores the reasons behind cat humping and provides strategies for managing this behavior.

Why Cats Hump?

1. Your cat is Mating

Often, cat humping is due to sexual behavior. Dr. Cutler explains that intact cats can show this behavior as part of their sexual repertoire, and their sex hormones drive it.

If your cat is neutered or spayed and still humping, it could mean they learned the behavior before being “fixed.”

2. Your Cat has a Medical Problem

If your cat’s humping, it’s essential to see a veterinarian to rule out any medical concerns, including, but not limited to, the following. If your vet has ruled out a health issue as the cause, the humping is likely due to a behavioral problem.

• Neoplasia
• Bladder concerns
• Infectious disease
• Adrenal gland problems

3. Your Cat is Stressed or Anxious

Cats might hump if they feel stressed or anxious to help relieve those emotions. Some causes of stress and anxiety in cats include new pets or humans to the house, aging, or even another illness. Besides humping, you might notice other behavioral problems if your cat is stressed or anxious, such as spraying or aggression.

4. Your Cat was not Neutered Completely

While not as common, humping may be due to incomplete neutering. Dr. Cutler explains that sometimes testicular tissue is still present after neutering. Additionally, she says if your cat had cryptorchidism, a condition when a testicle fails to descend, or if a testicle wasn’t removed, they could still produce sex hormones.

Novel Reasons When Your Cat Humps

1. Territorial or Dominance Behavior

Cats may hump as a way to assert dominance or establish their territory, especially in multi-cat households. This form of behavior helps to establish a hierarchy within their social group.

2. Play and Social Behavior

Especially in kittens and younger cats, humping can be part of exploratory play. They may not fully understand the sexual connotation of the action and simply do it as part of their normal social interaction or play.

3. Your Cat is Bored

Cats, just like humans, can experience boredom. They combat boredom by vying for their pet parents’ attention, and humping is a good way of doing that. Other signs your cat is bored include overeating, disinterest in everyday activities, and destructive behaviors.

Cat Humps while Kneading

When a cat humps while kneading, it might simply be exhibiting a mix of behaviors that are comforting or instinctual. However, the combination can also be influenced by several factors:

• Overstimulation: Some cats become overstimulated more easily than others during petting or when they are particularly relaxed and content. This overstimulation can lead to humping as an expression of excitement or excess energy.
• Hormonal Drives: For cats that are not neutered or spayed, the act of kneading could transition into humping due to hormonal influences, especially in males that are responding to the presence of a female in heat or vice versa.
• Comfort Seeking: Both kneading and humping can be self-soothing behaviors. A cat that is kneading and then begins to hump might be seeking additional comfort or trying to recreate the warmth and security felt as a kitten with its mother.
• Playful or Habitual Behavior: In some cases, what starts as kitten play can develop into a habit that persists into adulthood. If a cat has kneaded and humped from a young age, especially during playful interactions, it might continue this behavior simply because it's familiar and comforting.

Why Is My Cat Still Humping After Being Neutered/Spayed?

You may wonder why your cat continues to hump even after taking them to get “fixed.” As previously mentioned, this could be a learned behavior before neutering that they continue after the surgery.

If your cat was recently spayed, it might take some time for the humping to go away.

However, if you notice this behavior continues for a long time after the procedure, it’s best to consult your veterinarian and rule out any other medical issues that might cause humping.

How To Stop My Cat From Humping Everything?

If a medical cause is found for your cat's humping, the veterinarian will recommend the best course of treatment. Behavioral causes can be somewhat more difficult to solve. You'll need a good understanding of how the cat world works so you can work with (rather than against) the instincts of your feline family members. 

1. Reduce Stress, Anxiety, and Boredom

Make sure your cat is getting all the attention, mental stimulation, and exercise he needs. Play with your cat every day. If you pinpoint a source of stress, do what you can to relieve it.

2. Offer Distractions

If you see your cat getting ready to hump, try to redirect his attention to something else. Offer a toy or play a game with the humping cat so he'll leave your other cat (or you) alone. However, do not punish or yell at your cat as this will only increase stress levels, which may lead to more humping and mounting.

3. Reward Good Behavior

Find ways to reward your male cat's good behavior. You can do this with treats, toys, or extra attention when he's calm and interacting nicely with your other cats. This is much more effective than common discipline techniques, such as squirting him with water or yelling. Of course, you should never hit your cat.

4. Expand Their Territories

Giving your cats more space to increase their respective territories can help as well. Cats love to climb, so provide separate cat trees and window perches for each to claim. You can even have fun by installing elevated walkways for your cats to explore.

Sometimes, you also need to provide each cat with his own personal space for basic needs. Try to place food and water bowls in different locations so they're not fighting over resources. You should also follow the litter box rule of "two plus one," meaning that you need three boxes for two cats. Make sure these aren't within sight of each other to quell tensions and give all kitties their privacy.

Should I Worry About My Cat Humping?

In most cases, cat humping is a normal behavior that doesn't necessarily warrant worry. It can be related to several factors, including hormonal instincts, stress, playfulness, or even medical conditions. Understanding the context and frequency of the behavior is crucial in determining whether it's a cause for concern. Here are some guidelines to help you assess the situation:

When It's Normal

• Sexual Behavior
• Play and Affection
• Stress Relief

When to Be Concerned

• Sudden Changes: If your cat suddenly starts humping excessively when it has never shown this behavior before, it could indicate stress, anxiety, or even a medical issue.
• Accompanied by Other Symptoms: If the humping is accompanied by other concerning symptoms like lethargy, aggression, changes in eating habits, or signs of discomfort, it's important to consult a vet to rule out medical problems.
• Disruptive Behavior: If your cat's humping becomes obsessive, disruptive, or is directed aggressively towards people or other pets, it might be time to seek advice from a veterinarian or a pet behaviorist.

While cat humping can be surprising or concerning for some pet owners, it often falls within the range of normal cat behavior. Monitoring the context and frequency of the behavior, along with any accompanying signs, can help you determine whether it's a quirky part of your cat's personality or something that requires professional advice.

Conclusion

While cat humping can be surprising or concerning for pet owners, understanding its causes is key to effectively addressing the behavior. Whether through medical intervention, behavioral training, or environmental adjustments, there are several strategies to help manage humping in cats. By taking a proactive and patient approach, you can ensure your feline friend remains happy, healthy, and well-behaved.