Neutering, also known as spaying or castration, is a surgical procedure that involves removing a cat’s reproductive organs. Female cats have an ovariohysterectomy, where their ovaries and uterus are removed. Male cats undergo a castration, where their testicles are removed. Neutering is commonly performed on household pets for several reasons.
The primary reason cats are neutered is for population control. Cats can begin reproducing as early as 6 months old and have multiple litters per year. This leads to overpopulation issues if cats are not spayed or neutered. Neutering prevents unwanted litters and reduces the number of stray and feral cats.
Neutering also provides health and behavioral benefits for the individual cat. It can reduce the risks of certain cancers and diseases later in life. Neutering impacts a cat’s behavior as well, often decreasing roaming, aggression, and territorial marking. This allows cats to live more harmoniously with humans and other pets in the home.
Physical Changes
The most noticeable physical change after a cat is neutered or spayed is the lack of reproductive organs. Male cats have their testicles removed completely, while females have their ovaries and uterus removed. This eliminates the source of sex hormones, primarily testosterone in males and estrogen in females.
With the loss of testosterone, male cats will exhibit less “tomcat” behaviors. They often become less muscular, vocal, and aggressive. Male cats may gain weight after being neutered since their metabolism changes. Without testosterone, they tend to be less energetic and have decreased muscle mass.
Behavioral Changes
One of the most notable changes after neutering is a reduction in roaming behavior in male cats. According to The Wildest, neutering decreases the urge for males to roam in search of females, resulting in them staying closer to home.
Neutering also leads to decreased aggression and fighting in male cats. The testosterone surge during puberty triggers aggressive tendencies, so neutering before 6-8 months of age prevents fighting and aggression later on, according to VCA Animal Hospitals. This is because neutering eliminates the male cat’s desire to compete with other males.
Additionally, neutering stops urine spraying in 90% of male cats, according to Tracy Veterinarians. Spraying is a territorial behavior triggered by hormones, so eliminating those hormones through neutering removes the urge to spray.
Pain and Recovery
After the neuter surgery, most cats experience some pain and discomfort for 12-24 hours as the anesthesia wears off. The vet will provide pain medication, often an injectable that lasts for 1-3 days post-surgery. It’s important to give all medications as directed to keep your cat comfortable. The incision site may be slightly swollen and pink; signs of infection include discharge, excessive swelling, and redness 1.
Potential complications are rare but can include reaction to anesthesia, bleeding, swelling, infection, and slow healing. Monitor the incision site closely and contact your vet if you notice any concerning signs. Most cats are back to normal within 5-7 days after being neutered 2. Provide a quiet, comfortable recovery area and limit activity while your cat heals.
Eating and Activity
After being neutered, cats may experience an increased appetite for a period of about 2 weeks. This is due to the change in hormone levels that regulated metabolism and hunger prior to neutering. With lower testosterone levels, the metabolic rate decreases so cats don’t burn calories as quickly. Therefore, they feel hungrier more often (Source).
Owners should watch their cat’s caloric intake in the weeks following the procedure to avoid weight gain. Feeding smaller, more frequent meals can help meet increased hunger demands while controlling portion sizes. High protein, lower calorie foods designed for neutered cats can also help offset weight gain (Source).
Cats also tend to be less active and have less energy after being neutered, especially in the first few days. This is normal as they recover from anesthesia and the surgery. Owners should limit their cat’s activity initially and then gradually increase exercise levels once healing occurs. Interactive playtime is important to help cats maintain a healthy activity level after neutering.
Long-Term Health
Neutering provides significant long-term health benefits for cats. According to research cited at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, neutered male cats are 3 times less likely to develop prostate cancer compared to intact males. https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/benefits-of-neutering-a-cat.
Spaying female cats before their first heat cycle virtually eliminates the risk of mammary tumors, which are malignant breast cancers. According to the Animal League, spaying at an early age can increase a female cat’s life expectancy by 40%. The procedure prevents uterine infections and uterine cancer, which are life threatening conditions. https://www.animalleague.org/get-involved/spay-usa/benefits-spaying-or-neutering-pets/.
Overall, neutering helps cats live longer, healthier lives by reducing risks of several fatal diseases. The lifespan increase provides more years of companionship and quality time with pet owners.
Personality and Affection
Many cats become more affectionate and less aggressive after being neutered. The hormones that trigger territorial behaviors and aggression are reduced after neutering, allowing the cat’s naturally social and affectionate personality to emerge.
According to signs of un neutered cat, neutered cats are less likely to bite or scratch when playing or petted. They tend to be calmer and do not feel the need to guard their territory. Male cats in particular become much more loving and cuddly after neutering.
Overall, neutering allows a cat’s gentle temperament to shine through without the hormonal urges towards aggression or territoriality. The cat is more relaxed and comfortable showing affection to human family members after the stresses of sexual frustration and mating behaviors are removed.
Territorial Marking
One of the main reasons cats are neutered is to decrease territorial urine marking and roaming. Intact male cats will regularly spray urine to mark their territory and attract females. Neutering eliminates the production of male hormones that cause this behavior. According to VCA Hospitals, castration or neutering will change the odor of the urine and may reduce the cat’s motivation for spraying, but approximately 10% of neutered males may continue spraying after surgery.
Female cats can also spray, especially when in heat. According to Feliway, while cats of all types and genders can spray, neutering and spaying tends to greatly reduce this practice. So if your neutered cat continues to spray after surgery, it likely indicates anxiety or stress rather than a territorial motivation.
Heat Cycles
One of the primary reasons cats are spayed is to prevent them from going into heat cycles. When a female cat is spayed, the ovaries and uterus are completely removed, eliminating the ability to go into heat (source). Without functioning ovaries, the body no longer produces estrogen and progesterone, the hormones that trigger heat cycles and allow pregnancy.
After being spayed, female cats will no longer vocalize, spray urine, rub against objects, and exhibit other signs associated with being in heat. This eliminates the frustrating, disruptive behaviors that accompany heat cycles. Spaying also prevents “false pregnancies” that can occur after heat cycles without conception.
Overall, the surgery entirely stops female cats from going into heat, providing major behavioral benefits in addition to health perks. Cats spayed prior to puberty will never experience a heat cycle in their lifetimes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, neutering has several important impacts on cats. The surgery removes the reproductive organs and eliminates the ability to reproduce. This prevents unwanted litters and can reduce some problematic behaviors associated with hormones and mating instincts. While neutering is a major surgery, most cats recover fully within 1-2 weeks with minimal long-term side effects. Neutered cats may be calmer, less aggressive, and more affectionate. They are less likely to roam, fight with other cats, or spray urine in the house. Neutering also provides major health benefits by eliminating the risk of testicular and ovarian cancers and infections. While each cat is unique, neutering generally improves cats’ quality of life and prevents pet overpopulation problems. Overall, neutering is an effective way to control cat populations and create happy, healthy pets.