Should I Neuter My Cat?
Fixing or Neutering Male Cats Can Improve Feline Health, Behavior
Jul 5, 2009
When adopting a cat or kitten, pet owners will ultimately have to decide if they will get the cat spayed or neutered. Neutering a cat has many health advantages and benefits in terms of the male cat's behavior, particularly if the cat is neutered before one year of age.
Across the board, veterinarians recommend "fixing" a cat as a way to limit the pet population, while also improving the cat's health and behavior.
Even show cats (who must be left intact for purposes of conformation) and male cats who will be used for breeding should be neutered once they retire from breeding or the show ring, according to Dr. Michael Levine, DVM, as this will enable the cat to enjoy some of the health benefits associated with neutering.
Benefits of Neutering a Cat
There are many benefits associated with neutering a cat.
- Neutered cats are generally healthier. A male cat who is left intact will have an increased risk of cancer and other diseases that may result from the higher levels of testosterone.
- A neutered cat will not "spray" and "mark." Unneutered male cats have higher testosterone levels; this makes the cat more prone to exhibit territorial behaviors like urine spraying and inappropriate clawing.
- Neutered indoor cats are less likely to run away from home. An intact male cat can detect when the neighborhood female cats go into heat. When this occurs, the cat will often try to escape the home in search of a mate.
- Neutered cats tend to be calmer and more affectionate. Many cat owners report that their male cats are more mellow and affectionate after neutering – a result of lower hormone levels.
- A neutered cat cannot add to the unwanted pet population. Thousands of homeless pets are euthanized each year. A "fixed" cat will not contribute to the overpopulation of companion animals.
The Surgery to Neuter a Cat
Surgery to "fix" a male cat has a lower risk of complications when compared to the operation to spay a female cat since neutering is less invasive; the procedure does not require the veterinary surgeon to penetrate the abdominal cavity.
The surgical operation associated with neutering a cat takes just a few minutes to perform and for a healthy cat, the risks associated with neutering surgery are minimal. Post surgery infection is always a possibility, so cat owners must monitor the cat's incision on a daily basis for signs of infection.
There are always risks associated with putting a cat under general anesthesia; this is why veterinarians will perform a pre-operative examination. Cat owners can opt for pre-anesthesia blood work, which will reveal any problems with organ function or unforeseen health problems that could put the cat at risk while under anesthesia.
Will the Cat Miss His Testicles?
Some pet owners fear that the cat will "miss" his testicles, but according to Dr. Levine, there's no evidence that male cats experience any negative psychological effects following a neutering.
But for cat owners who prefer the "intact" look, there are Neuticles®; testicular implants that can be inserted when the cat is neutered.
To learn more about Neuticles, read Neuticles Help Neutered Pets Look Intact.
Readers may also enjoy How to Care for Cats After Neutering Surgery and Should I Neuter My Dog?
Source: Email interview with Dr. Michael Levine, DVM on July 2, 2009.
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