Question:
My 4-year-old cat, Arthur, has recently begun mounting my leg anytime I'm lying down. He doesn't rub the way a dog would, but kneads with his front and back paws for up to five minutes if I let him. Although his bottom doesn't touch my leg, he is as obsessive about it as a dog in heat. Should I be worried?.
G.H., Washington, DC Jun 20, 2004
Answer:
What he's doing is a combination of nursing/kneading with his front paws, which is a self-comforting behavior, followed by sexual mounting of your leg. These behaviors are not uncommon in cats and are no cause for concern.Try diverting him with a fluffy toy on a string that you pull for him to catch and "kill," and a sock or pouch filled with catnip to nuzzle and carry around. Keep the catnip in a plastic bag in the refrigerator between playtimes, which are best in the evening and last thing at night.Finally, your cat needs the company of his own kind, and he's young enough to accept another cat into the home.
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