Neutering a male cat: everything you need to know

Neutering, although a routine and widely recommended procedure, still raises many questions among cat owners. What exactly does the operation involve, why does it matter so much and when is the best time to have it done? The article below explains the key aspects of neutering, to help you make an informed decision in the interests of your pet’s health and wellbeing.

What is neutering and why is it worth doing?

Neutering is a surgical procedure that involves removing the testicles. This eliminates the source of testosterone, the hormone behind much of the behaviour typical of un-neutered tomcats.

The main reasons why veterinarians strongly recommend neutering are:

• An end to territorial marking: un-neutered tomcats have a strong territorial instinct and mark their patch with urine, both indoors and outside. That urine has a very pungent, unpleasant smell that is hard to get rid of. Neutering reliably puts a stop to this behaviour.
• Less aggression: high testosterone levels can lead to aggression towards other tomcats. Neutered cats are usually calmer and gentler, and get into fights less often.
• Fewer escapes: in search of a mate, an un-neutered tom may run away from home, which exposes him to many dangers such as road accidents, attacks by other animals or infectious diseases. Neutering reduces this drive and makes a cat much more of a homebody.
• Protecting health: although rare, testicular tumours and prostate problems can occur in tomcats. Neutering removes that risk entirely.

What happens before the operation?

Before a planned neutering, an initial consultation with a veterinarian is essential. Such a visit allows the animal’s general health and readiness for surgery to be assessed. To minimise the risks associated with anaesthesia, the veterinarian will usually recommend blood tests, including a full blood count and biochemistry. These can reveal any inflammation, anaemia or problems with kidney and liver function. In some cases, particularly in older cats or where heart disease is suspected, an echocardiogram (heart ultrasound) may also be needed. Only after a careful review of the results, and once satisfied that the cat is in optimal condition, does the veterinarian make the final decision to go ahead. This thorough diagnostic process gives your pet maximum safety during the operation.

When is it done and what does it involve?

Veterinarians most often recommend neutering before a tomcat reaches sexual maturity, that is at around 5 to 6 months of age. At that age the animal is developed enough to undergo the procedure safely, while unwanted behaviours have not yet had time to develop and become fixed.

The operation itself is simple and quick. It usually takes no more than 15 minutes and is carried out under general anaesthesia. The veterinarian makes small incisions in the scrotum, removes the testicles and in most cases does not place any sutures.

Recovery afterwards is usually very short. The cat may be drowsy for the rest of the day because of the anaesthetic, but normally returns to his usual self the next day. The owner should make sure the cat does not lick the surgical wound, though this is not usually much of a problem.

Aftercare and myth-busting

After neutering, a tomcat’s metabolism may slow down, which can lead to weight gain. The key to keeping him in good shape is adjusting his diet. Special foods for neutered cats, with a lower calorie content, are widely available. Regular play and physical activity will also help keep a cat in good form.

Neutering will not change your cat’s personality; it simply removes the troublesome behaviours driven by the reproductive instinct. Your tom will still be just as friendly, playful and gentle. Neutering is a safe and responsible step that gives him a better future and helps him avoid a great many problems.

Myths and facts about neutering a tomcat

A good many myths have grown up around neutering, and they often put owners off making this important decision. It is worth dispelling them so that you can approach the subject with clear eyes:

• Myth: “Neutering is cruel and robs a cat of his ‘masculinity’.”
  • Fact: the reproductive instinct is not a source of pleasure for cats but a biological compulsion, one that often ends in frustration, fights and escapes. Neutering removes that compulsion, leaving a tomcat calmer and more content.
• Myth: “After neutering a cat becomes lazy and fat.”
  • Fact: neutering does slow the metabolism, but obesity is the result of an unsuitable diet and too little exercise. By feeding a special food for neutered cats and encouraging your pet to play regularly, you can keep his weight normal without any trouble.
• Myth: “Neutering is unnecessary if the cat never goes outside.”
  • Fact: even indoor cats can mark their territory, and hormonal frustration can spill over into aggression. Remember that hormones still drive an animal’s behaviour even when it never meets another cat.