Reasons Cats Still Mate Post-Spaying: Unveiling the Mys

Meet the Young Male Kitten

Young male kittens often become sexually active due to the influence of female cats, a phenomenon known as passive estrus. This can manifest in behaviors such as marking territory with urine, yowling, playing with small pillows, and scaling walls.

But why might neutered male cats still exhibit these estrus behaviors?

1) Hormones Have Not Yet Waned

For a few weeks following neutering, the hormone levels in a cat's body have not yet subsided. Cats can still display estrus behaviors due to these hormonal influences. Typically, these behaviors will diminish over a month or two.

2) Cryptorchidism and Other Hormonal Influences

A small percentage of male cats (about 1%3%) may have cryptorchidism, where the testicles do not descend into the scrotum. If this is the case, the neutering procedure may not have removed all the testicles, leading to ongoing secretion of sex hormones. If a neutered male cat still shows estrus behaviors six weeks after surgery, and the barbs on the penis have not diminished, it may indicate cryptorchidism or other hormonal issues.

3) Habitual Behaviors

Male cats that were neutered after reaching sexual maturity or after mating may retain some of their preneutering behaviors, such as playing with small pillows, rushing to embrace female cats, or spraying urine. Essentially, this is a matter of habit. To address habitual behaviors, identify the triggers and engage in play to exhaust their energy.

Meet the Young Female Kitten

Female kittens are driven by their own instincts when it comes to estrus, with typical behaviors including yowling, raising their tails, and rolling around on the ground.

1) Hormonal Residue

For the first few weeks after spaying, there may be hormonal residue, and female kittens can also exhibit estrus behaviors, similar to male kittens.

2) Incomplete Spaying

Spaying involves the removal of both ovaries and the uterus, but occasionally, some ovarian tissue may be left behind, indicating incomplete spaying. If you suspect that your female cat has not been spayed completely, it's advisable to have her checked by a professional veterinarian.

3) Other Hormonal and Habitual Issues

Besides the ovaries, other glands like the adrenal glands can secrete related sex hormones. When these glands are hyperactive, they can also lead to estrus behaviors. If a female cat is spayed after mating or estrus, she may retain some of her prespaying habits, though this is less common than in male cats.

In summary, it's normal for cats to exhibit estrus behaviors for a period of time after being neutered.

However, if a cat continues to show estrus behaviors long after neutering, it's wise to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying issues.