Why Do Female Cats Hump? (Is It Normal Behavior?)

Ever caught your female cat going to town on an unsuspecting stuffed animal or blanket?

Trust me, I understand.

It's...

Confusing, to say the least 😕.

One minute, fluffy is sweet and innocent, and the next she's humping anything in sight.

But hey, before you start freaking out, take a breath.

We've all been there, scratching our heads and questioning our feline's sanity.

So, let's dive deep into the mysterious world of feline humping and figure out what the heck is going on.

Buckle up, folks, this is gonna be a wild ride.

Is Female Cat Humping Normal?

Female cats hump?

Yep, they sure do!

But don't worry, it's totally normal.

Whether they're spayed or not, female cats can get their hump on too.

So don't assume it's only a male thing.

Humping is a way for cats to cope with stress and frustration, kind of like how we take a deep breath or snuggle under a cozy blanket. Cats just do things in their own unique way. Even if your feline friend has been spayed, she might surprise you with some humping action because spaying doesn't eliminate heat cycles called estrous.

But hey, there's no need to panic.

Your cat's humping doesn't mean she's super hormonal or secretly longing for kittens.

However, if the humping gets excessive or bothersome, that could be a sign of something else going on.

In those cases, it might be smart to schedule a vet visit.

Other than that, remember that every cat has their own quirks, just like us humans do.

Embrace the humping as part of what makes them who they are.

But wait, there's more to this humping behavior than meets the eye!

Let me dive deeper into why female cats may engage in this seemingly peculiar activity...

Understanding Female Cats' Humping Behavior

Female cats humping?

Is this behavior really a thing?

Well, my dear reader, let me enlighten you:

The act of female cats humping is not as prevalent as one might assume.

While it may not be the most usual conduct for female cats, it does occur and can indicate various factors.

One possible reason why female cats engage in humping is to establish dominance or maintain their social hierarchy. Cats, much like humans, have their own means of showcasing who holds power. Humping another female cat allows one feline to assert her dominance over another.

However, humping is not solely about asserting power. It can also serve as a manifestation of sexual behavior and heat cycles.

Indeed, similar to a scorching summer day, female cats enter into a state of heat and exhibit flirtatious and playful behavior.

Nevertheless, you must note that humping doesn't automatically imply your cat is ready to enter the dating scene.

Humping among cats can also be attributed to behavioral tendencies, social interactions, and occasionally even underlying medical conditions.

Therefore, if you observe this behavior in your female feline, it would be wise to consult with a veterinarian to eliminate any potential health issues.

Contrary to our canine companions who have a proclivity for humping anything and everything in sight, humping is not typically considered a play behavior for cats.

So, if you catch your female cat engaging in hump sessions, it is likely not simply an innocent game of tag.

Interestingly enough, a mother cat may hump her kittens not solely to exert dominance, but rather as a means of imparting a lesson or coping with stress in a new environment.

It seems she has her own unique style of feline parenting, I suppose.

Medical Reasons for Female Cat Humping

Medical Reasons for Female Cat Humping

Hey cat lovers!

Ever wondered why your female cat is humping?

Well, there could be some medical reasons behind this odd behavior.

Let me break it down for you:

1. Urinary tract infections and bladder stones can cause discomfort

Believe it or not, humping behavior in female cats can be a result of urinary tract infections or bladder stones.

These conditions can really bother your kitty and make her act strangely.

So if you see excessive humping, it's time to take her to the vet.

2. Anxiety triggered by changes in the household

Just like us, cats can feel anxious too.

When there are changes in the household, like new babies or other pets, it can stress out female cats and lead to humping behaviors.

It's their way of dealing with all the changes.

Poor little furballs!

3. Neutered male cats might still hump after surgery

Here's something interesting:

Even after being fixed, neutered male cats may continue humping for a few weeks.

You see, it takes time for their sexual urges to decrease, so don't freak out if your male furry friend keeps going at it after his operation.

Excessive licking of the private parts can also be a warning sign of infection or urinary tract blockage.

If you notice that, you should definitely go see the vet.

While sterilization can help prevent unwanted mating behaviors, providing a cozy spot or using a pheromone diffuser can keep your furball calm during heat.

And here's a fun fact:

Did you know that male cats have barbed penises?

Yeah, it can actually be painful for females during mating.

That's when all the noise and yowling happens.

Some owners decide to spay their female cats to stop them from spraying when they're in heat, but remember, it's not always a guaranteed solution.

So, there you have it.

A glimpse into the medical reasons why female cats hump.

Just keep an eye out for any strange behaviors and take good care of your furry buddies!

So, if you find yourself wondering why your female cat is humping, I completely understand.

It can be a confusing and concerning behavior.

But don't worry, I've got you covered! If you want to gather information on the pros and cons of adopting a declawed cat, I highly recommend checking out my article Should I Adopt a Declawed Cat.

It will provide you with all the insights you need to make an informed decision.

Trust me, you won't want to miss it!

Interactions Between Female Cats and Dogs

When female cats and dogs mingle, the intense humping that takes place can really be something to see.

You see, it all boils down to territorial disputes and the desire to establish dominance, especially when they're thrust into new surroundings.

But wait, there's more.

Even female cats get in on the action, which adds a whole other level of complexity to the mix.

The hormones running wild in their bodies are a big part of the equation, along with the need to determine who's in charge (whether they're a cat or a dog) in the household.

Now, here's what you can do if things start spiraling out of control:

1. Step in and redirect their attention before things escalate. Use gentle distractions like toys, treats, or even a sudden clap to draw their focus elsewhere.
2. Give each pet their own space. Providing separate areas where they feel safe can go a long way in minimizing conflicts.
3. Consider using pheromone products specifically designed to calm and soothe pets. These can help ease tensions between cats and dogs.
4. Seek guidance from an animal behaviorist who specializes in inter-species interactions. They have the expertise to offer personalized advice for resolving humping problems.

Understanding why this behavior occurs is key to finding a solution that benefits everyone involved. 😺

But what about the underlying reasons for female cats humping?

Well, as I'll explain in this section, providing sufficient physical exercise and mental stimulation can play a crucial role in preventing boredom-related humping.

Let's dive into it!

How to Redirect or Discourage Female Cat Humping

Here's how you can redirect or discourage your female cat from humping in 10 simple steps:

1. Make sure she gets enough exercise by playing with her using interactive toys.
2. Spend time playing and grooming her to prevent boredom-related humping and build a stronger bond with her.
3. Understand that humping could be a result of boredom, stress, or feeling like her personal space is being invaded.
4. Instead of punishing or scolding her, try using positive reinforcement to encourage good behavior.
5. Establish a routine that includes mental stimulation to keep her engaged and satisfied.
6. Offer frequent playtime with interactive toys to keep her entertained and distract her from humping.
7. Give her attention through grooming sessions, but be careful not to encourage the humping behavior.
8. If excessive humping becomes an issue, limit her access to soft objects and blankets.
9. Avoid petting alpha female cats while they're displaying aggressive behavior.
10. Provide rewards as incentives for reducing her humping tendencies.

By utilizing these tactics, you can redirect your female cat's humping behavior in a constructive manner.

And that wraps up today's article.

If you wish to read more of my useful articles, I recommend you check out some of these: Are Black Cats More Vocal, Will Male Cats Try to Mate Hump With Other Males, Why Do Cats Knock Over Their Food Bowls, Is Purring Involuntary in Cats, and Why Is My Cat Hiding in the Closet

Talk soon,

-Sarah Davis