Neutering refers to the surgical procedure of removing a male cat’s testicles in order to sterilize him. There are several important reasons pet owners choose to neuter their male cats:
- To reduce mating behaviors like roaming, spraying, and aggression that can develop in intact male cats.
- To eliminate the ability to reproduce, helping control pet overpopulation.
- For potential health benefits like reduced prostate issues and cancer risks.
While neutering is a common procedure, owners should understand the effects it can have on a cat’s behavior and health. This article provides an overview of the key impacts of neutering male cats.
Reduced Urination & Spraying
Intact male cats will often urine mark or “spray” as a way to advertise their presence and mark their territory. This is driven by hormones like testosterone. Cats have scent glands near the base of their tail, and when a cat backs up to a vertical surface like a wall or furniture, it will raise its tail and spray urine. The spraying leaves visual marks as well as a strong odor that other cats can detect.
Neutering or castrating a male cat greatly reduces the production of testosterone and other hormones that trigger spraying behaviors. According to the ASPCA, 90% of neutered male cats will stop or significantly reduce spraying within 6 months after the surgery. The other 10% may continue spraying likely due to learned habit or other anxiety issues.1
However, neutering is most effective at preventing spraying if done at a young age, before spraying habits form. Kittens neutered before 6 months almost never develop urine spraying problems later in life.
Decreased Aggression
Intact male cats tend to be more aggressive due to high testosterone levels. They are extremely territorial and will often fight with other cats to defend their territory. According to Neutering a Cat: Everything You Need to Know, neutering significantly reduces a male cat’s testosterone production, which decreases territorial behaviors like urine marking and aggression. After neutering, male cats are less likely to roam, fight with other cats, and spray urine to mark their territory.
The territorial aggression displayed by intact toms is a result of the hormone testosterone. Neutering suppresses testosterone production and dramatically reduces that aggressive behavior in approximately 90% of cats, making them much calmer and friendly. According to Neutering Male Cats: Behavior and Recovery Guide, neutered cats are less likely to fight or bite, both with humans and other animals.
Roaming & Wandering
Intact male cats have a strong urge to roam and mate. The urge to roam may be particularly strong during mating season as tomcats seek out females in heat. According to VCA Animal Hospital, castration reduces roaming in approximately 90% of cases.
Neutering greatly reduces the urge for tom cats to wander in search of a mate. This in turn decreases the risk of them getting lost, injured in fights with other cats, or hit by vehicles.
While neutering reduces the urge to roam for mating purposes, some neutered cats may still want to go outside to explore, hunt, etc. But the overall motivation is significantly decreased after neutering (VCA Animal Hospital, 2022).
Research confirms that neutering alters cat territorial behavior, likely allowing for more freedom of movement between areas (Cafazzo et al., 2019).
Health Benefits
Neutering a tom cat can provide health benefits by reducing the risk of certain cancers and diseases. According to the Animal League (https://www.animalleague.org/get-involved/spay-usa/benefits-spaying-or-neutering-pets/), neutered males have a lower chance of developing prostate cancer and prostate disease later in life. Additionally, Hill’s Pet Nutrition (https://www.hillspet.com/cat-care/healthcare/benefits-of-neutering-a-cat) notes that neutering before a cat’s first heat cycle greatly reduces the risk of mammary cancer in female cats. Overall, neutering can help prevent certain hormonal cancers and diseases that intact male cats are prone to developing.
Overpopulation Control
Pet overpopulation is a serious issue. According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.2 million cats enter animal shelters nationwide every year. With limited shelter space and resources, many of these homeless cats are euthanized. Sadly, 70% of cats that enter shelters are killed there due to lack of space and adoptive homes [1].
By neutering tom cats, we prevent unwanted litters that contribute to this overpopulation crisis. An unaltered male cat can father numerous litters in his lifetime, quickly multiplying the homeless cat population. Getting your tom cat neutered stops this cycle of reproduction and prevents adding to the burden of cat overpopulation [2]. If all cat owners spayed and neutered their pets, we could humanely reduce the stray cat population over time.
When to Neuter
The typical recommended age range for neutering a male cat is between 4-6 months, though some vets may advise waiting until 6-9 months.[1] There are pros and cons to both earlier and later neutering.
Advantages of neutering between 4-6 months include:[2]
- Eliminating sexual behaviors like roaming, spraying, and aggression which develop as male cats reach sexual maturity.
- Health benefits like reducing the risks of some cancers and infections.
- Avoiding unwanted litters, as male cats can breed as early as 4-5 months.
Delaying neutering until 6 months or later can:[3]
- Allow a cat to reach full physical maturity and growth.
- Potentially reduce risks of some orthopedic issues associated with early neutering.
Overall the benefits tend to outweigh the risks for neutering between 4-6 months for most cats. Vets can advise on the ideal timing based on a cat’s breed, size, and individual health profile.
[1] https://www.petmd.com/cat/care/what-age-should-you-spay-or-neuter-your-cat
[2] https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/preventive-medicine/optimal-age-spay-neuter-cat/
[3] https://www.kayanimalhosp.com/site/blog/2022/08/12/cat-spay-neuter-age
The Neutering Procedure
Neutering a male cat is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian under general anesthesia. The cat is put fully under anesthesia so he does not feel any pain or discomfort during the surgery. The vet will shave and sterilize the scrotal area. Then a small incision is made and the testicles are removed. The vet may use dissolvable sutures to close the incision. According to Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the castration procedure is quick and uncomplicated, usually taking only 5 to 20 minutes depending on the vet’s experience.
After the surgery, the cat will need to recover under observation at the veterinary clinic for several hours until the effects of anesthesia wear off. Most cats can go home the same day as the neutering surgery. The incision site needs to be monitored for signs of infection, swelling or bleeding over the next 7-10 days during recovery. Any sutures will dissolve on their own during this time. It’s important to limit activity and prevent licking or biting of the incision area. Recovery time is typically very quick for neutering, with most cats back to normal behavior and activity levels within 3-5 days.
Potential Risks
Like any medical procedure requiring anesthesia, neutering a cat does come with some risks, though they are typically minor. The main risk is the anesthesia itself. According to VCA Hospitals, anesthesia-related deaths are rare and are estimated to occur in less than 0.2% of healthy cats.[1]
Other potential complications include minor bleeding, infection, and reactions to the stitches. According to PetHelpful, the risk of infection is quite low at around 1-2% when proper surgical protocols are followed.[2] Tracy Veterinarians notes it’s normal for cats to experience side effects like lethargy, lack of appetite, nausea, and vomiting for a day or two after being neutered.[3] With proper aftercare, most cats recover fully within 7-10 days.
[1] https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/neutering-in-cats
[2] https://pethelpful.com/cats/What-Are-the-Possible-Complications-of-Neutering-a-Cat
[3] https://www.tracyvets.com/site/blog/2022/04/29/neutering-male-cats-before-and-after
Conclusion
In summary, neutering provides several important benefits for male cats. The main advantages are reducing urine spraying and marking, decreasing aggressive and territorial behaviors, and limiting roaming and wandering tendencies. Neutering also provides important health benefits, including prevention of testicular cancer and prostatic disease. For pet owners and communities, neutering helps control overpopulation of unwanted cats.
Overall, neutering is highly recommended for most male cats not intended for breeding. The procedure is safe, effective, and helps cats live happier, healthier lives while reducing unwanted litters. By having your male cat neutered, you can enjoy his companionship without the frustrations of hormonally-driven behaviors. Neutering is a responsible choice for pet owners that benefits cats and communities alike.