young male cat jumping on older male

Question
Our 18 month old male has always been livelier than my 6 year old male.  We introduced them slowly, and although they have never been best friends, they tolerated each other well to begin with.  However, the younger one is becoming very dominant, chasing the older one round the house.  The older one just runs away.  The young one has recently started trying to get on top of the older one, biting the back of his neck.  I'm not sure if this is a dominance thing, or a sexual one.  We had the older one neutered ourselves, the younger one was supposedly neutered before we had him by the rescue home.  I sometimes wonder if it's possible he still has some male hormones racing round.  Any suggestions gratefully received.

Answer
Sue,


There are quite a few neutered cats (usually starting about 3 years old) that start showing tomcat behavior. Some cats have a strong 'male mentality' and though they physically can't do anything they mentally can. Usually the cause for this behavior is that the neutered cat smells a female in heat somewhere in the neighborhood (even if they are inside cats) and react to it. I have been told about neutered males that will hump other cats in the family (as yours is doing) male or female, dogs, peoples legs and arms, and stuffed animals.

When he does that don't get mad at him or scold him because it's nature and he doesn't understand what he is doing wrong. But also don't pet him because that can get him more stimulated. Try to distract him with food or toys. He should quit doing it after a while.