Question:
Our cat, Charlie, is 3 years old, and we've been taking care of him since he was a 4-day-old orphan. He loves to play, but does not want to be picked up or petted. As soon as you start petting him, he turns on his back and wants to play. He is not real affectionate, but he is very close to us.The problem is (and I'm not sure how to say this) ... he will come into my room at night and get on the bed. He starts purring and kneading right near me. Then he gets on top of my leg or stomach and treats me like I'm a female cat. If I push him away, he tries to bite me. He has been doing this since he was about 6 months old.We talked to our vet, and she has never heard of a cat doing this. She agreed to "fix" him at nine months, hoping this would clear up the problem -- it hasn't. Spraying water on him doesn't work; he will actually get in the shower with my roommate. And he doesn't mind loud noises, either.Have you ever heard of cats doing this? The only time he gets onto my bed is for this activity. What can I do?
M.M., Harrison Township, MI Nov 13, 2005
Answer:
You are not the only person who has experienced a cat becoming sexually aroused and using a person's body part as a surrogate mate. While you may not take this as a compliment, you seem to have some compassion and humor about the situation. Being raised as an orphan gave Charlie a strong imprint on humans.Try to remotivate him, firmly and consistently, with a cat-sized stuffed toy. You may have to try a few before you find one he likes. Don't be surprised if the stuffed toy also becomes a surrogate playmate and prey. It may become a surrogate mother when he paws and kneads, and Charlie may even drool as he regresses and "becomes" a kitten.After deprivation of relationships with their own kind, cats can be imaginative and creative in satisfying their desires.
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