Why to Neuter a Young Male Cat

Cat owners are often asked to consider neutering a young male cat. Though there are actual medical reasons behind the neutering, there are other benefits to neutering, including behavioral and territorial issues.

  1. Overpopulation

    • The primary benefit of neutering a young male cat is to prevent cat overpopulation. Even though a cat owner might think that her unneutered male isn't going outside, the cat might have other ideas. When the male hormones kick in, so does the male cat's desire to go out hook up with a female or two or 10--and it will do whatever it takes to get to the great outdoors.

    Sticking Close to Home

    • A neutered, young male cat usually sticks around its property more than an unneutered male. When a female cat in heat is nearby, the neutered cat isn't as tempted to go exploring, according to peteducation.com.

    Health

    • Neutering your young male cat eliminate the risk of testicular cancer, according to Hill's Pet Nutrition. In addition, neutered males will fight less, reducing the likelihood of infection caused by bites or scratches, as well as the transmission of feline leukemia.

    Territorial Issues

    • The primary reason that male cats fight is over territory. Neutered male cats are a lot less likely to have territorial issues. Without the testosterone running through its veins, a neutered male cat is seldom bothered by the presence of another male cat.

    Interaction

    • Neutered young males tend to want to be around people more than unneutered males. It has a more developed social structure that includes people, rather than wanting to be independent.

    Odors and Spraying

    • Neutered male cats usually have a much less offensive odor than unneutered males. A neutered male cat produces urine with a weaker ammonia scent because it doesn't need a strong scent marker--used in to warn away territorial intruders and attract female cats, according to Hill's Pet Nutrition. Neutered male cats spray their territory to a much lesser degree than unneutered males. In many cases, there is no spraying, once the cat has been neutered.

    Myths

    • Many people believe neutering young male cats will lead to a drastic personality change, making it lethargic and overweight. People also believe the cat will no longer be an effective hunter or playful. Nothing could be further from the truth, according to petwave.com. Neutering a young male cat doesn't result in any major behavioral changes, other than possibly causing the cat to be more affectionate.