Territorial Behavior
One of the most common territorial behaviors exhibited by unneutered male cats is spraying urine to mark their territory (VCA Hospitals). Intact males will spray urine, which contains pheromones, around their territory to signal ownership and deter other cats from entering the area. Spraying is different from regular urination and is done by standing upright and releasing a small amount of urine backwards onto vertical surfaces.
Unneutered males are also more likely to roam farther from home in an attempt to patrol and protect a larger territory (ASPCA). The urge to roam and explore is stronger in cats who have not been neutered. This can put them at greater risk for getting lost, in fights with other cats, or being hit by vehicles.
Related to territory patrol, unaltered males often exhibit increased aggression and fighting with other male cats they encounter in their territory (Battersea). They are compelled to defend their turf from intruders. This can lead to serious injuries from cat fights as well as the spread of diseases like FIV through bites.
Mating Behaviors
Unneutered male cats can exhibit intense mating behaviors when they sense a female cat in heat nearby. These behaviors include:
Yowling and crying loudly: Male cats will loudly vocalize and yowl when they smell a female in heat. This is their way of signaling to the female cat that they are ready to mate. The yowling can become very loud and persistent as the male tries to get the female’s attention.
Restlessness and agitation: An unneutered male cat that senses a female in heat will act restless. He may pace around the home, be more vocal than usual, and have difficulty settling down. This agitation stems from the strong instinctual drive to find and mate with the female.
Increased nighttime activity: Unneutered males may become more active at night when females typically begin their estrus cycle. The male cat’s nighttime activity levels may increase as he tries to seek out females and mate.
Attempting to escape outdoors: The smell and sound of a female cat in heat can drive an unneutered male cat to desperately try escaping the home. His focus becomes singularly focused on pursuing the female, and he will try finding any way he can to get to her and mate.
According to Catster (https://www.catster.com/guides/neutered-vs-unneutered-male-cats/), the mating behaviors of an unneutered male cat stem from the strong biological urges triggered by sensing a female in heat nearby. Neutering can significantly reduce these unwanted mating behaviors.
Fighting
Unneutered male cats are more likely to get into aggressive fights with other cats, especially other unneutered males. This is due to the territorial behaviors exhibited by unneutered toms who are competing for mates and territory. According to the ASPCA, over 90% of non-pedigreed male cats will start spraying urine by 6 months of age to mark their territory.[1] Unneutered males will be especially aggressive towards other unneutered males entering their perceived territory.
These fights between male cats can lead to severe wounds and injuries. Cat fights often involve biting, scratching, and can lead to abscesses or infections in wounds. Unneutered males are at higher risk of contracting FeLV (feline leukemia virus) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) from these fight wounds with other cats.[2] Getting a male cat neutered significantly reduces their urge to roam, spray, and fight other cats.
Roaming
Unneutered male cats have a strong desire to escape outside and roam freely in search of a mate. According to the Human Society, “Allowing your cat to roam freely outdoors comes with risks. When outside, cats face dangers such as being hit by a car, being harmed by another animal or person.” [1] Unneutered males in particular want to venture outside their territory, leading to an increased chance of them becoming lost or injured in the process.
Since intact male cats are driven by their mating instincts to wander far from home, they have a much higher risk of accidents and injuries compared to neutered cats. Roaming freely puts them in danger of getting hit by vehicles, getting into fights with other animals, and contracting diseases. Keeping an unneutered male strictly indoors protects them and prevents unwanted litters of kittens.
Spraying
Unneutered male cats are much more likely to spray urine than neutered males. Spraying is a way for them to mark their territory and advertise their availability for mating. When an intact male sprays urine, it will have the characteristic “tom cat” odor that is strong and pungent. Castration or neutering will change the odor, and reduce the likelihood of spraying by 90% (1,2).
Spraying can occur both outdoors and indoors. When spraying indoors, cats usually target vertical surfaces like walls, doors, windows, and furniture. The urine leaves strong odors and can damage household items. Furniture and carpet soaked with cat urine may need to be replaced (3).
Sources:
(1) https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/cat-behavior-problems-marking-and-spraying-behavior
(3) https://www.quora.com/How-likely-is-an-unneutered-male-cat-to-spray-urine
Howling
Unneutered male cats are known for their loud, frequent yowling and howling, especially at night. This howling can become very disruptive to households as the cats make loud, repetitive vocalizations repeatedly throughout the night (https://www.quora.com/Why-is-my-unfixed-male-cat-yowling-at-night-now-He-is-strictly-indoors-which-is-why-he-isn-t-fixed-YET-but-he-accidentally-got-out-last-night-I-caught-him-this-morning-and-he-slept-all-day-long-and-it-s-11-at-night-1). The primary reason unneutered male cats howl so frequently is to signal and attract potential mates, especially when they can sense a female cat in heat nearby (https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/common-cat-behavior-issues/meowing-and-yowling). Their mating instincts drive them to vocalize repeatedly to advertise themselves to females.
Aggression
Unneutered male cats are more likely to show aggression towards family members compared to neutered cats [1]. This aggression can manifest as biting, swatting, scratching and other behaviors that cause stress and potential injury for both the cat and family members. One study found that unneutered male cats were 2.3 times more likely to bite family members than neutered males [2]. The aggressive behaviors are often linked to territoriality and sexual frustration in intact male cats.
The aggression and unpredictable biting/scratching from unneutered males can create major stress for families, especially those with small children. Children are at higher risk of injury from aggressive pets. Families may resort to declawing male cats or giving them up for adoption due to aggressive behaviors that started after puberty. Getting male cats neutered by 6 months of age can prevent most aggression issues from developing.
Restlessness
One of the most common behaviors exhibited by unneutered male cats is restlessness. Intact male cats tend to have a constant need for activity and stimulation. This can lead to pacing, difficulty settling down, and destructive behaviors resulting from boredom 1.
Unneutered male cats often seem unable to relax and may roam or wander aimlessly. The hormonal drives and urges intact males experience lead them to be in a constant state of seeking a mate. This creates agitation and makes it challenging for them to feel content and satisfied while lazing around the house. Without an outlet for their energy and instincts, they can become restless and even aggressive 2.
Providing appropriate outlets and environmental enrichment for an unneutered male cat’s energy can help curb destructive behaviors. However, the root cause of their restlessness is hormonal, and neutering is the best solution for helping them feel settled and calm 3.
Benefits of Neutering
There are many benefits to neutering male cats. One of the most notable benefits is the decrease in urine spraying and roaming behaviors that tend to diminish after neutering. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, neutering reduces roaming in male cats as the urge to find a mate is lowered. Intact males often roam while searching for females in heat, putting them at risk outdoors. After neutering, most male cats are content to stay closer to home.
Neutering also leads to less fighting and fewer injuries among male cats. Unneutered males frequently get into fights with other males, especially when competing for territory and mates, resulting in injuries like bite wounds and abscesses. According to Hill’s Pet Nutrition, neutering reduces aggressive and competitive instincts in male cats, leading to less fighting behavior. Overall, neutered males tend to be calmer and more mild-mannered.
In addition, neutered males often exhibit better behavior at home. They are less likely to urine spray to mark territory. Their mating behaviors like yowling, mounting, and restlessness are also reduced post-neutering. With lower testosterone levels, most neutered males become more affectionate, playful house cats.
When to Neuter
Most veterinarians recommend neutering your male cat between 5-6 months of age. According to the ASPCA, kittens as young as 8 weeks old can be neutered safely, but some vets prefer to wait until 6 months to allow cats to mature physically and socially. Neutering before 5-6 months provides health benefits like preventing testicular cancer and reducing spraying and aggression, but waiting until 6 months allows kittens to develop properly while minimizing risks from anesthesia.
After the neuter surgery, your cat will need to recover for 7-10 days. You’ll need to keep him quiet and limit activity during this time. He may have some pain or discomfort so follow your vet’s instructions for medication and care. Provide a comfortable space away from other pets and make sure he eats and drinks normally. Watch for signs of infection like swelling, and call your vet if you have any concerns. With proper recovery care, your cat should heal well and the benefits of neutering will start right away.