Here are some common downsides to neutering cats. There are more likely to be obese, they may suffer pain after castration, and they are at (very slight) risk of complications from anesthesia during castration. Intact male cats also have a strikingly handsome, masculine appearance.
While it is normal for recently neutered cats to experience side effects such as lack of appetite, nausea, lethargy, and vomiting you should call your vet if these symptoms don't go away after 48 hours following their procedure.
The only behaviors affected by castration are those under the influence of male hormones (these are called sexually dimorphic behaviors). A cat's temperament, training, and personality are the result of genetics and upbringing, and are generally unaffected by the presence or absence of male hormones.
Spayed or neutered cats are better behaved. They will be less likely to roam, yowl, wail, bite, display aggressive behavior, or spray or mark their territory. Intact males will do just about anything they can to find mates, including escaping from your home, which puts them at risk of injury or fights with other males.
If your cat engages in too much activity too soon after surgery, scrotal hematomas can form. Scrotal hematomas are caused when increased blood pressure to the tissues around the surgery site creates swelling, and the area fills with blood. Increased activity can also lead to infection and discharge.
There are have been several viral pieces on the Internet over the past few weeks about whether or not spay/neutered pets may be depressed. In short – the answer is a resounding “NO!” I think.
Even though he is neutered, he may still feel it is necessary to defend his home turf and express his displeasure at intruders by vocalizing his complaints. Keeping him in at night is wise if there are other cats in the area that would start fights with him. If possible, keep the curtains or blinds drawn.
The neutered cat no longer feels the need to seek out and serenade females. He no longer has the stress of needing to mark his territory and urinate throughout the house and yard. Neutered cats are also easier to get along with. They tend to more gentle and affectionate.
When should you have your cat fixed? Each pet is unique and your vet will be able to offer advice on when you should have your cat spayed or neutered. However, we typically recommend spaying or neutering kittens at around five to six months old. Adult cats can also be spayed or neutered.
A Male Cat's Behavior
These changes can occur immediately or several weeks after their procedure. The age, breed, or environment of your kitty doesn't typically make any big effects on these changes.
After your cat has a neuter procedure, it usually takes about 5-7 days for them to recover. During this time, you should keep an eye out for any signs of trouble and contact your vet if you notice any lingering or worsening symptoms.
While they may be groggy from the anesthesia post-op, spayed or neutered pets won't know they've lost the ability to reproduce. They simply won't feel the desire, or have the capacity, to do so.
Ninety percent of male cats stop marking once they have been neutered. Reducing stress in the cat's environment may help, as well. Synthetic pheromone products are available from your veterinarian in spray or plug-in diffuser forms. These products have a calming effect on many cats.
You should start to look for signs of spraying when your kitten reaches maturity. For most cats, spraying tends to start when they are 6 to 7 months old, although male cats can reach maturity between 4 to 5 months.
However, if your cat is healthy, these procedures can be done at any point in their life. Therefore, it is never too late to spay or neuter your cat; even healthy cats who are in their teens can undergo this procedure without risk.
Benefits of Neutering (males):
Less desire to roam, therefore less likely to be injured in fights or auto accidents. Risk of testicular cancer is eliminated, and decreases incidence of prostate disease. Reduces number of unwanted cats/kittens/dogs/puppies. Decreases aggressive behavior, including dog bites.
Spayed female cats in the study lived 39% longer and neutered male cats lived 62% longer. The reduced lifespan of unaltered pets can, in part, be attributed to an increased urge to roam.
Once spayed or neutered, keep in mind that it may take up to one month after the surgery for the cat to exhibit appropriate behavior. Also note that cats spayed or neutered after 1-2 years of age may continue aggressive behavior.
Dogs will take different times for neuter surgery recovery. However, your pup should fully recover in about two weeks, the complete dog neutering recovery time.
In the first 24 hours after surgery, you'll notice your pet may act groggy and sleep a great deal, which is entirely normal. The impact of the anesthesia may cause your cat to act aggressive or agitated, so keep your distance and don't handle him unless necessary.
Despite being neutered, male cats may continue to yowl at night for a number of reasons. After ruling out boredom and anything too serious, it may be that your feline friend is continuing to defend their territory against other male cats.
Studies have shown that cats do show behavioural changes indicative of pain for 3 days or more after neutering,2 but we know that this species is less demonstrative and less likely to show overt signs of pain, such as vocalization.
In some cats, the remaining scrotum may fill up with fluid, as post castration there are no testicles to fill the space. If the swelling appears to be bigger than the testicles that were there before, call us for advice. Please prevent your cat from licking the procedure site as this can lead to infection.
It's medical
If your cat is fully potty trained and suddenly starts to pee on your bed, it could be that there's a medical problem to blame. Issues such as bladder infections, bladder stones, and urinary tract infections can cause your cat to pee outside of the litter box.