Differences Between Neutered & Un-Neutered Cats

Neutering is the term used to describe a routine veterinary procedure in which male cats and other animals are surgically altered through removal of their testicles. Upon completion of the procedure, male cats are no longer able to reproduce. Removal of the testicles leads to positive changes in behavior among male cats and can help improve their longevity. Un-neutered cats retain the ability to reproduce, and they're liable to exhibit behaviors that are undesirable to pet owners.

  1. Reproductive Ability

    • Neutered cats are unable to impregnate fertile female,s while un-neutered cats retain their reproductive abilities. Left unchecked, an un-neutered cat can conceivably be responsible for the existence of more than 780,000 cats in seven years, while a neutered cat produces none.

    Behavioral Differences

    • Neutered cats are not subject to male feline hormone surges, which encourage roaming and fighting with other males for the right to mate with fertile females. Because of this, neutered cats are less likely than un-neutered cats to stray far from home, become injured during fighting or be subjected to other dangerous outdoor elements, such as traffic, wild animals and accidental poisoning. Neutered cats are less likely to spray urine in a house to mark territory, while un-neutered cats can become territorial in homes and may cry continuously to go outside to find female companionship.

    Weight and Activity Levels

    • Neutered cats are less inclined to roam and may become more sedentary than their un-neutered counterparts. Because of this, you should keep a written record of the weight of neutered cats, and you should encourage regular activity and play. Un-neutered cats may exhibit very high energy levels and may be difficult to contain inside a house.

    Health

    • Health issues related to the testicles of un-neutered males are eliminated through neutering. Health problems that are potentially reduced as a result of neutering include cancer of the testicles, testicular infection, testicular torsion and prostate disorders.

    Lifespan

    • Neutered cats tend to live longer than un-neutered cats. Neutered cats show less aggression and a corresponding decrease in the instinct to fight with other cats. Un-neutered cats have a lower urge to follow their hormones, which can lead them into potentially dangerous locations such as woods, animal-trapping or hunting grounds, or busy streets and roads. Further, un-neutered cats are often seen as undesirable candidates for adoption, leading to a higher euthanasia rate among the feline population.