Neutering-cat

Neutering cat

There are many advantages to castrating your cat; however, there are many changes that happen to it internally, which is why a thorough evaluation of the process is necessary before deciding. Most people choose to go through with it because it will make the cat’s behaviour more predictable.

Some do it to stop it from making litters on litters with kittens born in unknown locations and living in the streets. The cat will also choose a shorter home range as it will not need to seek out female cats, and that way, your cat is more likely to stay closer to home. We have made an overview of the different pros and cons castration brings to help you decide the right choice for your feline family member.

Neutering cat gives way to a shorter home range

A male cat reeks of testosterone and is willing to go great lengths to find a partner. In other words, a tom with intact testicles chooses a vast territory to explore, so the chances of reproducing increase.

Often their territory will reach up to three square kilometres, which is a huge area for a vulnerable feline. Especially if you live in a populated city with a lot of trafficked roads. The more roads your cat crosses daily, the greater the chance is for it to get run over by a car.

It might make your cat fight less

Cats often have overlapping territories, and the further it ventures, the more territories they will run into. Male cats don’t usually fight unless it’s over a female.

Without the need to reproduce, it will not venture as far, which will stop it from running into challengers. However, the testosterone levels will be reduced, and the male will adapt a behaviour more similar to a female as the home range will lessen.

However, the chances of ending up in a fight will not completely vanish, as it will be more likely to fight with cats in its own neighbourhood. You will be more likely to witness your cat in a fight as it will occur closer to home.

Your cat will lead to fewer stray kittens

One thing is certain. Your cat won’t be able to reproduce. Female cats are fertile every third week in the autumn, summer and fall, which means there are plenty of opportunities to reproduce if possible. Often female cats will find a safe spot close to where they get fed and give birth to their kittens there. If that is three kilometres from where you live with your male cat, chances are you will never see those kittens anyway.

Changes in appetite and metabolism – prone to overweight

With a lessened urge to venture far to reproduce its need for physical activity will diminish. It will walk shorter ranges while its metabolism changes and the appetite will change too. Consider changing to a different brand of food, or your cat might become overweight.

Changes in urinary tracts

It’s common for castrated toms to get issues with their urinary tracts. They could get blocked. There is special cat food available for castrated cats that might be worth looking into.

When can a cat get neutered?

It’s not a bad idea to castrate it early on. However, the cat needs to be at least four weeks old and weigh more than 2,5 KG. If castrated too early, the risk for anaesthesia will increase.

In conclusion

Castrating your cat can be a wise choice if you know how it will affect it. Be prepared for it to change and be kind and patient towards it as it adjusts to its new lifestyle. Most veterinarians will recommend that you do castrate your cat as stray cats are an increasing problem in many parts of the world.