Neutering is the surgical procedure that removes a male or female cat’s reproductive organs. It is an important topic for cat owners to understand, as neutering provides health and behavioral benefits for cats. Approximately 85% of pet cats in the United States are neutered, according to a study by Alley Cat Allies (1). However, myths and misconceptions still persist surrounding neutering procedures and the effects on cats’ appearance and behavior. This article will examine whether neutered male cats look like females, as well as explore other physical and behavioral differences that may occur after neutering.
Physical Differences
On the surface, there are some noticeable physical differences between neutered male and female cats. While neutering does cause some physical changes in male cats, their bodies remain distinctly different from females.
Male cats, even after neutering, tend to be larger and more muscular than females. They have broader heads and necks and their bodies are stockier (1). The penis opening and anus on males are also spaced much further apart, usually more than half an inch in adult cats. On females, the vaginal opening and anus are very close together (2).
Additionally, male cats have larger paws than females, with thicker leg bones. Their voices also tend to be deeper and more resonant. Females usually have a softer, higher-pitched meow in comparison (1).
So while neutering does cause some changes like preventing full muscular development, the underlying physical characteristics of males remain noticeably distinct from females. The size, proportions, and spacing of genitalia continue to differentiate the sexes.
Behavioral Differences
There are some notable behavioral differences between neutered male cats and intact males or females. Neutered males tend to be calmer, friendlier, and more affectionate than intact males. They are less likely to roam, less territorial, and less aggressive towards other cats. Intact males exhibit mating behaviors like spraying urine to mark territory and may be more prone to fighting with other males. Neutered males have reduced testosterone levels so they are less driven by sexual instincts.
In comparison to female cats, neutered males may be more playful, active and social. According to The Wildest, male cats tend to follow their owners around more and bond closely with humans. Females can be more independent and aloof. However, these gender differences are not definitive for all cats – personality varies a lot between individuals regardless of sex.
Overall, neutering makes male cats better house pets by reducing troublesome behaviors driven by hormones. But it’s important to neuter at an appropriate age, as early neutering may affect physical development.
Health Benefits
Neutering provides several important health benefits for male cats. According to Hill’s Pet[1], neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and greatly reduces the chance of prostate disease. It also largely eliminates the possibility of perineal hernias, which can occur in older unneutered males when they strain to urinate. Additionally, Hill’s Pet notes that neutering can help prevent certain types of aggression as well as spraying and marking behaviors that are influenced by male hormones.
SpayUSA[2] elaborates on behavioral benefits, explaining that neutering reduces or eliminates the desire to roam and fight with other cats. This helps decrease the risk of injuries, abscesses, and exposure to infectious diseases resulting from these behaviors. SpayUSA also cites evidence that neutered cats live longer on average compared to intact cats.
Finally, an article from Advanced Pet Vet[3] highlights that neutering prevents sexually-driven behaviors like yowling, mounting, and urine spraying, making cats generally calmer and friendlier. It states that a neutered cat “won’t feel the need to mark territory or attract a mate.” Overall, neutering provides health and behavioral benefits that can improve quality of life.
Misconceptions
There are some common misconceptions about how neutering changes the appearance and behavior of male cats. Some people mistakenly believe that neutering a male cat will make them look and act more feminine. However, this is not the case.
Neutering simply prevents the production of male hormones like testosterone. It does not actually change a male cat’s gender or cause them to take on female physical characteristics. According to Burges Pet Care, neutered male cats “don’t suddenly become more feminine in looks or nature.”
A neutered male cat will still have the same masculine facial features, muscle tone, and body size as an intact male cat. Their behaviors may change slightly after neutering, such as becoming less territorial and aggressive. But neutered male cats do not behave like females in heat. Their core energy and playfulness remains intact after neutering.
So while neutering eliminates certain male-specific behaviors driven by hormones, it does not alter a male cat’s fundamental masculine appearance and personality. A neutered male cat still looks, acts, and identifies as a male cat. Neutering simply helps male cats live more harmoniously with other pets without the distractions of mating behaviors and urges.
When to Neuter
There are different recommendations for the best age to neuter a male cat. Here are some general guidelines:
- Kittens can be neutered as young as 8-12 weeks old. Neutering at an early age prevents unwanted litters and eliminates some problem behaviors associated with sexual maturity like spraying and roaming.
- Most veterinarians recommend neutering between 5-6 months old. This gives time for testicular development while still preventing behaviors associated with maturity.
- Some vets may recommend waiting until a male cat is 9-10 months old so hormones can play their developmental role. There is some evidence early neutering may slightly increase orthopedic issues.
- Adult male cats can be neutered at any age, but behavior issues may be established after sexual maturity. Neutering is still recommended to prevent breeding and disease transmission.
Talk to your veterinarian about the ideal time to neuter based on your cat’s breed, size, and individual health profile. The benefits typically outweigh any small risks.
Neutering Procedure
The neutering procedure for male cats, also called castration or orchidectomy, involves surgically removing the testicles. According to the Cornell Feline Health Center, it is “preferably performed at three to six months of age” and is “quicker and less complicated” than spaying female cats. [1]
The cat is placed under general anesthesia before the surgery begins. The scrotum is shaved and sterilized, and a small incision is made over each testicle to access them. The veterinarian then ties off the blood vessels and ducts before removing the testicles completely. The incisions are closed with dissolvable sutures, so no stitches need to be removed later.
The procedure typically takes less than 30 minutes from the initial anesthetic through recovery. Most cats can go home the same day as the surgery once they are awake, alert, and able to eat and drink.
Recovery
After a neuter procedure, most cats require 5-7 days for recovery (Millplainvet, 2022). It’s important to limit your cat’s activity during this time to allow the incision to heal properly. Your vet will send your cat home with instructions for care such as limiting food and water intake for the first 12 hours, administering any prescribed medications, and keeping the incision clean and dry. You may need to use an Elizabethan collar to prevent your cat from licking or biting the incision.
You should monitor your cat closely for any signs of infection around the incision like redness, swelling, discharge, or odor, and contact your vet if you notice anything concerning. Your cat may be tired, groggy, nauseous, or have a reduced appetite for the first 24-48 hours after surgery. This is normal, but if it persists or your cat is excessively lethargic, you should reach out to your vet.
Most cats will be back to their normal activity levels within 5-7 days after being neutered. However, it’s important to limit jumping and strenuous play during the recovery period. Your vet will likely schedule a recheck appointment about 10-14 days after surgery to examine the incision site and ensure your cat is healing properly (North Boulder Vet, 2022).
Costs
The cost of neutering a cat can vary significantly depending on your location, vet, and the age/size of your cat. However, neutering is generally an affordable procedure.
According to Lemonade, the typical cost of neutering a cat ranges from $50 to $500. Kittens and cats under 6 months old tend to be on the lower end of this range, usually between $50-150. Older and larger cats are more expensive, from $100-500.
There are many low-cost spay/neuter clinics and shelters that offer the procedure for under $100. For example, shelters like the ASPCA and Humane Society often hold clinics that neuter cats for free or for less than $50 (DailyPaws).
Some factors that influence cost are the cat’s age and size, your location, and the vet performing the surgery. But overall, neutering a cat is an affordable way to improve their health and behavior.
Conclusion
In summary, while neutered male cats may develop some physical differences that make them appear slightly more feminine, their core masculine behaviors and personalities remain intact. The decision of whether and when to neuter a male cat requires weighing factors like health, lifespan, roaming tendencies, aggression, and costs. For most pet owners, the potential health and behavioral benefits outweigh the risks. Neutering is a safe, routine procedure when performed by an experienced veterinarian. While myths persist about character changes, the vast majority of cats recover quickly and live long, healthy lives after neutering. For those concerned about their cat losing his masculinity, rest assured – he’ll still be the same beloved boy cat on the inside.