How Does Neutering a Cat Effect Him?

There's more than one reason to neuter a male cat. While preventing unwanted kittens is important, there are other benefits to this simple surgery. Neutering your male cat won't make him feel less "male," but it will make him a better companion for you and your other animals.

  1. The Surgery

    • To neuter a male cat, the veterinarian makes an incision over each side of the scrotal sac so both testicles can be removed. External stitches are usually not necessary, and most cats can go home the same day.

    Male Hormones

    • It's the male hormones that cause unneutered male cats to roam far and wide, searching for a mate. They will spray urine to mark their territory and fight with other cats. With those hormones gone, even most outside cats stay close to home, spray less and feel little reason to fight.

    Health Benefits

    • Neutering a male cat eliminates the threat of testicular cancer and other testicular diseases. It's a myth that neutered male cats are at greater risk of urinary tract blockages.

    Better Companions

    • In a survey of 100 veterinarians, veterinarian and behaviorist Bruce Fogle found that neutered male cats are cleaner, friendlier to other cats, tolerate handling better and are more affectionate and playful than unneutered cats.

    No Real Alternatives

    • While a male cat can have a vasectomy, the procedure does not stop production of the hormones that cause roaming, fighting, spraying and the pungent smell of an unneutered cat's urine.