I currently have two cats, one has recently turned 1 year, the other is just about to. Now, in the past, they've gotten along great. Very affectionate with one another. The older male is not neutered, but the younger female is spayed so I figured there's not a good enough reason to take my little man's "little men" away. Just recently though, he's started hurting the female. Jumping on her back and grabbing her neck hard enough to make her squeal. He follows her around when she tries to get away and just does it over and over again. He's not humping her though, just biting. Right after, he'll be all sweet again, grooming her and laying next to her. I'm worried enough about this behavior that I'm considering sending him away. I love him very much, but I just don't know what to do. Is there any chance that this behavior is related to his not being neutered? Even though he's hurting the female on a daily basis, I'm still sure it would depress her horribly if I sent him away. Any advice would be helpful.
Yes, I'm sure the female is spayed, I got her from a shelter right after her surgery so her little belly was still stitched up.
No, the male is not free roam, and it's impossible for him to get outside of my apartment. He was found in a box by the side of the road, so even if he *could* go outside, he wouldn't, he's terrified of the outside no matter what I've tried. Maybe you think it's an excuse, but for some reason I've always cringed at the idea of neutering, like it's cruel to do it just for my convenience. He can't get any females pregnant so why should I willy nilly chop off a part of him. But if it's a choice between getting rid of him or getting rid of his balls, I'll chop suey.
Yes, I'm sure the female is spayed, I got her from a shelter right after her surgery so her little belly was still stitched up.
No, the male is not free roam, and it's impossible for him to get outside of my apartment. He was found in a box by the side of the road, so even if he *could* go outside, he wouldn't, he's terrified of the outside no matter what I've tried. Maybe you think it's an excuse, but for some reason I've always cringed at the idea of neutering, like it's cruel to do it just for my convenience. He can't get any females pregnant so why should I willy nilly chop off a part of him. But if it's a choice between getting rid of him or getting rid of his balls, I'll chop suey.