What is neutering?
Neutering, also known as castration, is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian to remove a male cat’s testicles and sterilize them so they can no longer reproduce. The medical term for neutering is orchiectomy (removal of the testes) [1]. The main purpose of neutering male cats is population control – by removing the testicles, the cat can no longer produce sperm or get a female cat pregnant. Neutering also has various health and behavioral benefits which will be discussed later.
Testosterone in male cats
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone in cats, and it serves several important functions. According to research, testosterone plays a key role in the reproductive system and influences certain behaviors in male cats (Koyasu 2023).
Specifically, testosterone is responsible for the development of male secondary sex characteristics, supporting sperm production, and regulating the sex drive. It also facilitates mating behaviors like roaming, spraying urine, and aggression towards other male cats. Studies show neutered male cats display less roaming, spraying, and inter-male aggression compared to intact males with normal testosterone levels (Millplainvet 2022).
In addition to reproductive functions, testosterone affects muscle and bone mass. It also plays a part in the metabolism and may influence the risk for certain illnesses later in life (Allaway 2016).
How neutering affects testosterone
The removal of a male cat’s testes through neutering stops the production of the hormone testosterone [1]. Once the testes are removed, there is no longer a source of testosterone in the body. Research shows that testosterone levels drop rapidly after a cat is neutered. Within just a few days after neutering surgery, testosterone levels are significantly reduced. Within 1-2 months after neutering, a male cat’s testosterone levels will fully bottom out to minimal residual levels [2].
Behavioral changes after neutering
Neutering leads to several positive behavioral changes in male cats. According to VCA Animal Hospital, the most notable changes are decreased aggression and roaming. After neutering, male cats are less likely to roam from home in search of females in heat. Their desire to roam and wander decreases significantly.
Neutering also reduces territorial behaviors like urine spraying and fighting. Intact male cats often spray urine to mark their territory and show dominance. They are also more likely to get into fights with other males. After neutering, cats are less compelled to spray urine or fight to protect their territory. Overall, neutered cats show less aggression and are calmer.
Other health effects of neutering
Neutering can have several other health impacts for male cats beyond affecting testosterone and related behaviors. According to the VCA, neutering significantly decreases the risk of certain cancers and diseases that intact male cats are prone to developing later in life.
For example, neutered cats have a much lower chance of getting testicular cancer or developing prostate issues. Neutering before sexual maturity also nearly eliminates the risk of testicular tumors. In addition, viruses like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are more common in intact male cats due to territorial fighting and are reduced with neutering.
However, one potential downside is that neutered cats may become obese without adjusting their diet, since their metabolism changes after the procedure. Owners should monitor their cat’s weight and feed an appropriate amount of food after neutering to prevent excessive weight gain, according to Hill’s Pet Nutrition.
Overall, most experts agree the reduced cancer risks outweigh the potential for obesity, making neutering an important preventative health measure for male cats.
Ideal Age for Neutering
There is some debate around the ideal age to neuter a male cat. Traditional guidance has recommended waiting until a cat is around 6 months old before neutering. However, some vets are now advising neutering kittens as young as 8 weeks old.
Neutering at a very young age, such as 8 weeks, can provide benefits like eliminating behaviors associated with sexual maturity like urine spraying and other aggression. However, there may also be risks with early neutering including slowed development and increased risk of some orthopedic problems. [1]
Many veterinarians still recommend waiting until a cat is around 6 months old before neutering. This allows kittens to develop properly while still neutering before sexual maturity and the behaviors that come with it. There are very few downsides to the traditional 6 month recommendation.[2]
In general, veterinarians agree neutering between 4-6 months provides a balance of health and behavior benefits for male cats. Kittens should be healthy and have received necessary vaccines before undergoing elective surgery. Discuss your specific cat’s needs with your veterinarian when choosing the ideal neutering age.
Risks and complications
As with any surgical procedure requiring anesthesia, there are some risks associated with neutering cats. According to VCA Animal Hospitals (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/neutering-in-cats), anesthesia risks include adverse reactions to the anesthesia drugs, breathing or heart problems during anesthesia, and abnormal body temperature. Careful screening by your veterinarian prior to surgery can help minimize these risks. Proper monitoring and use of suitable anesthetic agents customized for your cat are also important.
Potential post-operative complications may include infection, bleeding, inflammation, and swelling. Your vet will provide instructions on monitoring for excessive bleeding or swelling and caring for the incision site to promote healing and prevent infection. Lethargy, reduced appetite, nausea and vomiting are common after effects but typically resolve within a few days. More serious complications like urinary blockages are rare but can occur.
Overall, neutering is considered a very safe surgery for cats when performed by an experienced veterinarian. Carefully following all pre- and post-operative instructions can help minimize risks and support your cat through a smooth recovery.
Making the Decision
When deciding whether to neuter a male cat, owners should carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks. Some key considerations include:
Assessing the cat’s personality and lifestyle – More active, outgoing cats may benefit from neutering to curb roaming, aggression, and marking behaviors. Shy, inactive cats may experience fewer behavior changes after neutering. Understanding the cat’s personality can guide expectations.
Considering the owner’s preferences – Some owners strongly prefer to breed their cat or want to wait until the cat matures before neutering. Others prioritize health benefits or want to curb behaviors like spraying. Owners should reflect on their goals and values.
Discussing options with a veterinarian – A vet can provide guidance on ideal timing, health impacts, and risks specific to the individual cat. Vets can help owners make an informed decision aligned with the cat’s needs.
With careful consideration of personality, owner goals, and veterinary advice, owners can make the best neutering decision for their unique situation.
Aftercare and Recovery
After the neutering surgery, your cat will need proper aftercare and time to recover before returning to normal activity levels. Most male cats can go home the same day of their neutering surgery. It is important to follow any instructions from your veterinarian regarding care during recovery.
When you first bring your cat home, allow them to rest and limit their activity. Cats should be kept indoors where they can relax and recover from anesthesia and surgery. Provide a comfortable, safe space like a carrier lined with blankets or a small room where your cat can sleep and not be bothered by other pets or children. Limit jumping, running, and playing during the initial 24 hours after surgery.
Your vet will likely prescribe pain medication to help manage post-operative pain. Be sure to give all medications as directed. Signs your cat may be in pain include decreased appetite, vocalizing when touched near the incision site, restlessness, or aggression. If you notice these behaviors, contact your veterinarian.
Most cats require 7-10 days for surgical incisions to heal. Avoid licking or chewing at the incision site as this can cause infections. Your vet may prescribe an Elizabethan collar to prevent this behavior. Check the incision site daily for signs of redness, swelling or discharge which could indicate an infection. Contact your vet if you have any concerns over the incision.
With proper at-home care and pain management, most cats recover fully within 1-2 weeks after being neutered. Follow all aftercare instructions from your vet and monitor your cat closely during recovery to avoid complications.
Long-term impacts
Neutering causes long-term changes in male cat behavior and health. One of the most notable long-term impacts is on personality and temperament. According to research published in PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33269622/), neutering leads to a significant increase in luteinizing hormone (LH) concentrations in male cats. The elevated LH levels are associated with decreased aggression, roaming, and sexual behaviors after neutering.
Many cat owners report their male cats become more affectionate, playful and docile after neutering. The reductions in testosterone soften male cat personalities and curb the tendencies to roam, spray urine, or get into fights (https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-behavior-and-training-cat-neutering-and-behavior). So neutering can have long-term positive impacts on a male cat’s behavior and relationship with family members.
There are also potential health benefits associated with neutering. Neutered male cats have a lower lifelong risk for testicular cancer and certain prostate issues. Neutering eliminates the possibility for testicular cancer and greatly reduces the chance of prostate disease (https://pethelpful.com/cats/What-Are-the-Possible-Complications-of-Neutering-a-Cat). The procedure can also reduce the risk of perianal tumors later in life.