Daily Cat Care VIII

Getting Neutered

Neutering is a conscious option that many owners will need to consider when raising a cat. There are many benefits to the neutering process which will alter the behavior and temperament to lead a less aggressive lifestyle in males. It can also provide relief for female cats that will often go into heat with no partner to reciprocate. Less fighting over territory will help a male cat lead a more docile and perhaps domestic life. The need to mark their territory will drop significantly and even the pungent urine that once filled the air will be reduced dramatically.

The removal of genital parts in a cat will naturally result in a shift in hormones. The missing sex drive will shift the behavior of a cat significantly. Perhaps the big bully of the house will become the most affectionate and loving companion as neutered cats will often exhibit less hormonal fluctuations and seek deep bonds with their own household. This is a huge difference to an active tom who will seek dominance over anything and everything as it sets out on its life purpose of mass reproduction.

Neutering is a decision to be considered by owners without bias. Careful consideration of the long term benefits will need to be understood and even younger kittens that approach their next stage of life within a couple months can undertake the procedure without issue. Of course this is a permanent and life changing event, perhaps an owner would like to get to know the natural temperament of a growing cat before moving on to the neutering procedure. Vets also prefer that an older cat be sent in for operation due to the inconvenient lack of water and food post operation.

The removal of the genitals is relatively painless as everything is carried out under general anesthetic. Going under the knife is unavoidable for this process but the resulting wounds are minimal and will heal within a few days. Many rescue shelters will carry out the castration/desexing process before finding new homes specifically for the mentioned reasons relating to territory and sexual desire in toms. An adventurous cat is by no means a negative thing to have but those that will go out far, expanding territory risk greater exposure to a range of maladies. A household cat will live a much more tame and stable life and perhaps even healthier as a result.