Ask Dr. Michael Fox

October 10, 2004 -- DEAR DR. FOX: I have a deli cate situation with my 16-year-old male tabby cat. Although he was neutered at six months of age, for the past 15 years he has had sexual relations with any type of stuffed animal, blanket, pillow or knitted sweater. He has even gone to the extreme of dragging stuffed toys into the living room for a little midnight action. He seems to have some idea that this behavior is inappropriate since it occurs predominantly late at night when the house is quiet. This has been very embarrassing, since he howls loudly, thereby waking up everyone in the house, not to mention the difficulty of inviting guests to spend the night. I have tried to stop this behavior by putting all stuffed items on high shelves (which he still manages to knock down) or squirting him with water. Nothing seems to deter him from his amorous affairs with anything plush. Must I resign myself? I would greatly appreciate any suggestions you may have. — M.V., Washington, D.C.

DEAR M.V.: Since your cat has found a way to satisfy his sexual urges for 15 years, I think it would be cruel and unnecessary punishment to deprive him in his declining years of what is clearly an enjoyable and harmless activity. Many cats behave like yours, and some will also knead, suck and nurse on plush, fluffy objects as well. Try re-motivating him earlier in the evening with an old sock stuffed with a little fresh catnip. Put it in a plastic bag and keep it refrigerated to ensure that the herb — which many cats enjoy — stays fresh longer. And let cats be cats, coping as best as they can in an environment in which they have no contact with beings of their own kind.