Can Cats Be Sexually Attracted to Humans? Facts & FAQ

In humans, sexual and physical attraction are pretty clear feelings. Not only do we understand our own behaviors and feelings, but we also have a concept of the feelings and behaviors of other people. When it comes to animals, though, sexuality is less clear. The sexual behaviors of animals typically seem unusual to us, with some of the oddest behaviors coming from cats. Can cats be sexually attracted to humans, though? The good news is no, they cannot.

Why Can’t Cats Be Sexually Attracted to Humans?

The simple answer to this question is that cats don’t experience sexual attraction in the same way that humans do. While we may have instincts pointing us towards certain characteristics or behaviors in our partners, we aren’t necessarily attracted to them solely for the purpose of reproducing. In cats, though, they experience sexual attraction through instinct, hormones, and pheromones, all of which attract them to a mate for the purpose of reproducing.

While unneutered male cats are always in search of a mate, female cats will only search for or accept a mate when they are in estrus, or at the point in their hormonal cycle where they’re able to get pregnant.

Do Cats Show Sexual Behaviors Toward Humans?

In general, the answer to this question is no. Cats may be affectionate, vocal, cuddly, or needy, or they may spend a lot of time rubbing against a specific person, but these behaviors usually indicate that your cat is simply showing you love.

For intact female cats, when they enter estrus, they will begin to exhibit odd behaviors, like increased vocalizations, rolling around on the ground, and seeking out petting more than usual. Although these behaviors are related to sex hormones, they don’t equate sexual attraction to humans.

On some occasions, male cats may hump objects or even people. While this may be awkward, it doesn’t indicate that your cat is sexually attracted to you. Animals are simply doing what animals do, and sometimes hormonal shifts can lead to frustration that may cause a cat to feel the need to hump.

In Conclusion

When looking at the reproductive habits of cats and other animals, it’s important that we remember not to apply human sexuality to it. Humans have a complex sexual nature that is largely specific only to humans. Applying our knowledge of human behaviors and sexuality to cats will only lead to discomfort and confusing situations.

If you have a snuggly or affectionate cat, enjoy the time your cat wants to spend with you. They trust and love you, and they want to show you that they appreciate you. One way to reduce sexual behaviors in cats is to have them spayed or neutered. This takes away their primary sources of sex hormones, which greatly reduces their desire to participate in any sexual behaviors.