Behavior of Tomcats

A tomcat will probably make a better pet after you neuter him.

"Tom" is the name for a sexually mature male cat that has not been neutered. The behavior of a tom is more readily observed in cats that roam freely, with little to no human interaction. However, as an owner, you may witness typical tomcat behaviors.

Flehmen

You can see the Flehmen behavior when the tom curls the upper lip while inhaling. It is a way for the tom to push pheromones from female urine, or the female's vaginal area, straight through to the vomeronasal organ, or Jacobson's organ, in the nasal cavity.

Social

Dominant tomcats have the right of way on a path. Subordinates wait their turn or suffer the consequences, as the dominant male will attack and chase them. In the home, the tomcat displays this behavior as "owning" a certain area such as a shelf.

Mating

The mating pair do not form bonds and will separate after mating. Though they may mate numerous times, the female will drive him away after each session.

Fighting

Fighting in the tomcat is often hormone-driven and can relate to territory or mating. Fighting increases when the cat has reached social maturity, between two and four years of age.

Spraying

Tomcats spray to mark the boundaries of their territories. Passing cats sniff the spray and gather information. The scent can serve to ward off intruders or to attract females.

References

• Animal Behaviour: The Behaviour of Cats and Dogs -- Cats
• The Journal of Experimental Biology: Structure and Function of the Vomeronasal Organ
• Cornell University: Feline Behavior Problems: Aggression
• University of California: Companion Animal Behavior Program -- Cat Spraying
• The Ohio State University: Indoor Cat Initiative -- The Unique Feline

Resources

• University of California: Spaying or Neutering Your Cat