When Does a Male Cat Reach Puberty?

Kittens grow up quickly. It seems that in no time at all it is time to think about having it altered. If you are a first-time cat owner, however, you might not know exactly when to have this done. Puberty in male cats signals the beginning of a set of instinctive behaviors, as well as their ability and drive to mate. Knowing when to expect this helps you plan for having your male cat neutered.

  1. Male Cats Reach Puberty Around Six Months

    • Whether male or female, cats do not typically reach puberty before 6 months of age. However, you do not have to wait until they reach this age to have them neutered. They can be neutered as young as 8 weeks of age.

    Males Do Not Spray Before Puberty

    • Male cats do not spray, or mark their territory, until they reach puberty. "Spraying" and "marking territory" are the common terms for cats emitting strong, foul-smelling urine in places they are claiming as their territory. This is done instinctively to communicate to other cats that they have claimed the marked area.

    Neutering Prevents Undesirable Behavior

    • Having a male cat neutered prevents more than just unwanted litters of kittens. It also curbs your male cat's instinctive desire to roam in search of females and fight other males over them. It also reduces the risk of cancer of the reproductive organs significantly. All these things add up to a longer, healthier life for your male cat.

    Cryptorchidism

    • Cryptorchidism is the name for a developmental condition in which one or both of the testes remain inside a male cat's abdomen. It is a birth defect and is relatively common. Male cats with this condition do reach puberty, but they display the traits of a neutered male. They do not spray or mark their territory. They also gain weight as a neutered male often does. They are also naturally sterile.