Why Do Female Cats Mount Each Other and What Does It Mean?

Witnessing one female cat mount another can be perplexing. This behavior is often associated with male cats and mating, so it can seem out of place between two females. The action might be brief or sustained, and the reactions of both cats can vary. Understanding this interaction requires looking beyond reproductive instincts to the social and hormonal factors influencing feline behavior.

Observed Mounting Behavior in Female Felines

One female cat mounting another is a documented feline behavior. It involves one cat approaching the other from behind, clasping her flanks with her front legs, and sometimes gripping the scruff of the neck with her teeth. This can be accompanied by pelvic thrusting or treading with the back paws. The interaction can occur between long-term housemates or cats that have only recently been introduced.

The cat being mounted may react in several ways. She might tolerate the action with little response, or she may yelp, hiss, or try to struggle free. The context is important for interpretation. For instance, the behavior might appear during a play session, or it could happen in a moment of tension. While not as common as male mounting, this behavior is a normal part of feline social dynamics.

Underlying Reasons for Female Cat Mounting

Several non-reproductive factors can cause mounting behavior between female cats. In multi-cat households, mounting can be a display of dominance to establish a social hierarchy, where one cat asserts her rank over another. Cats reach social maturity between two and four years of age, a period when these ranking behaviors can become more apparent.

Hormonal fluctuations also play a part, even in spayed females. Unspayed females in estrus (heat) may mount other cats due to a surge of reproductive hormones. Spayed females can still exhibit mounting, potentially due to residual hormones or activity in the adrenal glands. A rare condition called ovarian remnant syndrome, where ovarian tissue remains after spaying, can also cause these behaviors.

Mounting can also be a form of play, especially for kittens and young cats, which helps them practice social behaviors and burn off energy. Redirected excitement or stress is another cause. An anxious or overstimulated cat may mount as a displacement behavior, which can be triggered by events such as a move, the introduction of a new pet, or seeing an unfamiliar cat outside.

Interpreting the Behavior: Play, Dominance, or Other Signals

Distinguishing between motivations requires observing the cats’ body language and the context. Playful mounting is often reciprocal, with relaxed body language and cats taking turns. The cat being mounted shows no distress, and the interaction often ends with them playing or resting calmly.

Dominance-related mounting is more one-sided. One cat consistently initiates the mounting, while the other may show submissive postures like crouching or avoiding eye contact. Tension may be present between the cats before and after the interaction. If caused by stress, mounting may occur suddenly after a trigger and be accompanied by other stress signals like excessive grooming, hiding, or appetite changes.

The behavior of the cat being mounted provides additional clues. If she appears frightened, tries to escape, or becomes aggressive, it suggests the interaction is not playful. A cat that tolerates the mounting without protest may be signaling acceptance of a lower social rank.

When Mounting Becomes a Concern and What to Do

Mounting can become problematic if it leads to conflict or distress. If the behavior results in fighting, injury, or anxiety for one of the cats, intervention may be necessary. It is also a concern if the mounting is a sudden and frequent change in an adult cat’s behavior, as this could indicate an underlying medical issue.

To manage problematic mounting, start by ensuring all cats in the home have adequate resources. This includes separate food and water bowls, litter boxes, and vertical spaces for each cat to minimize competition. Increasing environmental enrichment through puzzle feeders, interactive toys, and regular play sessions can help reduce boredom and pent-up energy.

If the behavior causes fights, interrupt the mounting with a loud noise or by gently separating the cats and redirecting their attention. For persistent or aggressive mounting, consult a veterinarian to rule out medical problems like a UTI or hormonal imbalance. In severe cases, a veterinary behaviorist can provide a more detailed behavior modification plan.