What are tomcat jowls?
Tomcat jowls refer to the folds of skin that develop on the cheeks and neck of unneutered male cats as they mature. Tomcats develop larger jowls than female cats or neutered males due to the effects of testosterone on their facial muscles and structure.
In particular, tomcat jowls form as the masseter muscles on the sides of the jaw become enlarged. The masseter muscles are used for biting and chewing, and become more pronounced in unneutered male cats as they reach sexual maturity around 6-18 months of age.
In addition to the masseter muscles increasing in size, the subcutaneous fat deposits around the head and neck will also expand as the tomcat ages. This combination of enlarged muscles and fatty deposits leads to the characteristic folds and flaps of skin that create the tomcat’s jowly appearance.
Do jowls go away after neutering?
Neutering stops the production of testosterone in male cats, which is responsible for the enlargement of jowls. So after neutering, a tomcat’s jowls often shrink somewhat in size since they are no longer being enlarged by testosterone.
However, while the jowls may become smaller after neutering, they do not completely go away. The skin and fat deposits that formed the jowls are still present on the cat’s face. While neutering prevents further enlargement, it cannot make existing jowls disappear entirely.
The degree of shrinkage after neutering varies from cat to cat. Cats neutered at an older age often have more substantial jowl tissue that may only shrink slightly compared to cats neutered earlier. In general, the earlier a cat is neutered, the less large and pronounced the jowls will become.
So in summary, while tomcat jowls may reduce in size post-neutering, owners cannot expect them to go away completely. The head shape and facial structure remains, just in a smaller and less exaggerated form after neutering stops testosterone enlargement.
When do tomcat jowls develop?
Tomcat jowls start to develop when male cats reach sexual maturity, which is generally around 6-10 months old. This is when their testosterone levels increase, which causes muscle and fat deposits to grow in the cheek area resulting in jowls or “stud jowls.”
According to one study, tomcat jowls were present in unneutered male cats by 12 months of age on average (https://cat-world.com/what-are-tomcat-jowls/). Some breeders report seeing jowls develop as early as 6 months. The exact timing can vary between individual cats, but the jowl growth coincides with finishing puberty and becoming capable of breeding.
Testosterone causes the formation of jowls by stimulating muscle and fat cell growth in the face and neck. It leads to a more muscular head and neck structure in male cats compared to females. The purpose of jowls is thought to be protective – extra fat and muscle cushion a tomcat’s face during territorial fights with other males.
What is the purpose of tomcat jowls?
Tomcat jowls serve an important biological purpose for intact male cats. The enlarged size of the jowls helps protect vulnerable areas like the throat and neck during fights with other males. Cats are territorial animals and intact males will often engage in aggressive battles to establish dominance and mating rights.
The jowls act as a form of natural shielding during cat fights. The loose skin and thick fur over the jaw and neck regions help absorb blows from the paws, teeth, and claws of an opposing tomcat. This protects vital blood vessels and the trachea from potentially deadly injuries during territorial disputes.
Additionally, the pronounced jowls are a visual signal to display dominance and intimidate competitor tomcats. The exaggerated size of the head and jowls makes a tomcat appear more formidable. This can help establish hierarchy and deter aggression from subordinate males.
So in summary, tomcat jowls serve the dual purpose of physical protection during fights and visual intimidation signals to other males. Their enlarged head and jowl structure provides cats with an evolutionary advantage for mating success.
Do female cats get jowls too?
While tomcat jowls are much more pronounced, female cats can develop small jowls as well. However, enlarged jowls are far less common in female cats compared to males.
The main reason tomcat jowls become so large is due to the effects of testosterone during puberty. Testosterone causes male cats’ jowl glands to enlarge and produce more pheromones. Since female cats do not experience these testosterone surges, their jowls generally remain small and petite.
However, there are some instances where female cats may develop slightly enlarged jowls:
- Older female cats – As cats age, their skin can lose elasticity. This can cause jowls to sag a bit in senior female cats.
- Overweight female cats – Excess fat deposits may contribute to slightly fuller jowls in overweight female cats.
- Underlying medical condition – In rare cases, an underlying health issue like a tumor on the jaw area can cause one-sided jowl enlargement in cats of either gender.
While tomcat jowls are an iconic and exaggerated male feature, female cats may have minimally enlarged jowls in some cases. But a pronounced, full jowl is primarily a trait of unneutered male cats.
Diet and weight loss for cats with jowls
Cats with excess skin and fat in their jowls may benefit from a weight loss program. Gradual weight loss through an appropriate calorie-controlled diet and exercise can help reduce the size of jowls over time.
To start a weight loss plan, consult with your veterinarian to determine your cat’s ideal weight range and daily caloric needs. The vet can recommend a good commercial weight control cat food or assist with developing a custom home-cooked diet for weight loss.
When reducing calories, it’s important not to drastically cut back on food, as rapid weight loss can be dangerous for cats. Aim for your cat to lose weight at a slow, steady rate of 1-2% of their body weight per week.
Feed several small meals throughout the day rather than one or two large meals. This helps cats feel satisfied while adhering to a calorie-restricted diet. Provide healthy, low-calorie treats like shrimp, whitefish, chicken breast, or commercial weight management treats in moderation.
Increasing exercise along with diet change will help your cat lose fat. Playtime using fishing pole toys that make your cat run and jump will burn the most calories. Just be mindful not to overtire your cat.
Sticking to a weight loss plan takes patience and perseverance, but can help reduce the size of jowls from excess fat over time. Monitoring your cat’s weight, adjusting calories as needed, and maintaining an exercise routine will help your cat get back to an ideal weight and body condition.
[source: https://blog.catbandit.com/why-do-cats-develop-jowls-an-exploration-of-the-causes-and-treatments/]
Grooming and cleaning tomcat jowls
Tomcat jowls can become matted and dirty over time. It’s important to regularly groom and clean your cat’s jowls to prevent infections and keep your cat comfortable.
Use a soft bristle brush and gently brush the hair on your cat’s jowls. This will help remove loose hair and debris. Be very gentle, as the skin on the jowls is sensitive.1 Brushing will also reduce matts and tangles that can form in the longer hair on the jowls.
It’s also a good idea to regularly wipe your cat’s jowls with a warm, damp cloth. Focus on the corners of the mouth where saliva and food debris can accumulate. Use a gentle pet-safe cleanser if needed.
Check the jowls frequently for any signs of irritation, infection or sores. Redness, swelling, discharge or a bad odor can indicate an infection that requires veterinary attention. Keeping the jowls clean and groomed will help prevent issues.
Surgical Reduction of Tomcat Jowls
Surgical removal of tomcat jowls is rarely performed and only considered for medical necessity. The risks associated with surgically reducing tomcat jowls are high and complications like infection, bleeding, and facial nerve damage can occur.
Reducing tomcat jowls is primarily a cosmetic procedure and does not provide any medical benefit to the cat. The jowls contain glands and fatty tissue that can regenerate over time. Most veterinarians advise against surgical jowl reduction unless absolutely medically necessary.
According to veterinarians, surgically removing tomcat jowls carries risks of:
– Facial nerve damage
– Excessive bleeding
– Infection at the incision site
– Recurrence of the jowls over time as tissue regrows
The surgery requires general anesthesia which also carries inherent risks to cats. The recovery period can be painful and may require antibiotics, pain medication, an e-collar, and wound care.
Owners considering surgical tomcat jowl reduction should have an in-depth consultation with their veterinarian and only proceed if the benefits clearly outweigh the risks and complications. Non-surgical options like weight loss or learning to accept the jowls are usually recommended over surgery.
Sources:
https://blog.catbandit.com/understanding-tomcat-jowls-what-every-cat-owner-should-know/
Caring for senior cats with jowls
As cats age, their jowls may become more pronounced. While some sagging of the facial skin is normal with age, you’ll want to pay close attention to keeping your senior cat’s jowls clean.
Gently wipe your cat’s jowls with a soft damp cloth daily to remove any food debris or saliva that can accumulate in the folds around their mouth. Check for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, odor, or discharge.
Monitor your elder cat’s teeth and gums closely as well. Senior cats are prone to dental disease like gingivitis or tooth resorption. Bad breath, difficulty eating, or excess drooling could indicate a painful dental issue that requires veterinary attention.
Your vet may recommend a dental cleaning to remove tartar and plaque from your senior cat’s teeth to improve their oral health. Be sure to provide wet food, as this is easier for cats with dental problems to eat.
With gentle daily cleaning and monitoring for dental issues, you can help keep your aging cat comfortable even as their jowls become more prominent.
Tomcat jowls frequently asked questions
There are some common questions and myths that come up around tomcat jowls. Here we’ll address some of the most frequently asked questions:
Do tomcat jowls go away after neutering? Tomcat jowls are caused by testosterone, so when a male cat is neutered the testosterone levels drop dramatically. This prevents any further growth of the jowls. However, any jowl growth that occurred prior to neutering will not completely disappear afterward. The existing jowls may shrink slightly after neutering due to decreased fat, but will not go away entirely. [Source]
At what age do cats get jowls? Tomcats will start to develop jowls as they reach sexual maturity, which is between 6-10 months old. The jowls will become more prominent as testosterone levels rise through adolescence and into adulthood. [Source]
Do female cats get jowls? No, only intact male cats develop jowls. This is because jowls are triggered by testosterone production, which is minimal in female cats. [Source]
Can jowls be surgically removed? Yes, in some cases tomcat jowls can be surgically reduced or removed. However this is generally only done for medical reasons, not for cosmetic reasons alone. Surgery for jowls may be considered if they obstruct vision or eating, or lead to skin fold infections. [Source]
The key point is that tomcat jowls are a natural result of testosterone in unneutered males. While jowls may be reduced through neutering or surgery, they cannot be completely eliminated once developed. Proper care and grooming can help managed jowls in senior cats.