a sensitive question

[swva]

Hi all:

I'm new to the forum. Any knowledge would be most appreciated.

I have a male tom, around four years old. I inherited him last year from a prior owner. We get along great, both love each other. However, just recently he has started to do something a bit strange: he jumps into my lap and kneads for like thirty minutes, no exaggeration. His butt droops, as does his tail, and his back is slightly arched. When he does this, he has an erection. Is my cat *beep*?

Thank you in advance for your help.

[swva]

Me again. Apologies for the *beep* that arose. I don't want to give anybody a false impression. I had typed the M-word, not something vulgar.

[Traci]

Cats don't have "erections" per se, but if they are UN-neutered, they can be "aroused" when mating, or even through petting by the owner.

If he isn't neutered, get him to your vet promptly for neutering...Love Your Pets - Spay & Neuter!! Please read the link in it's entirety so you know the dangers and health conditions of pets not spayed or neutered.

[mamabear]

OH and just to let you know I wouldn't have thought this to be perverted at all. Very legitimate question. And a very good answer by traci too!

[swva]

Thanks so much for the responses! The cat is neutered, actually, which is what confuses me. (I guess I should have mentioned that in the original post.)

I've owned cats before, and never have I seen anything like this. Don't get me wrong: I think my cat is awesome and he has an endearing personality. I'm just curious as to what's going on with this, particularly as it seems to have started only a few weeks ago.

[paschat]

When my neutered male cat started with FLUTD he had an erection and the vet said it was caused by urethral pain. I think you should have your cat examined physically by the vet just to rule out possible issues he may be experiencing.

[mamabear]

I'd have to agree. If he is neutered then maybe he is in pain. Vet can always check him for infection.

[Traci]

Since he is kneeding when this occurs, chances are, it's not a urinary tract infection, and you'd usually see other symptoms like frequent trips to the litterbox, squatting and urinating in unusual places, excessive licking at the area, producing little to no urine, straining, crying out, painful abdomen, blood in urine, lethargy, etc.

But, if you're concerned, of course, get him to a vet immediately for an exam and urinalysis.

[swva]

A million thanks, everybody! I'll go ahead and take the little fellow to the vet...