What are the signs that your cat needs to be neutered?

Neutering helps prevent unwanted breeding and overpopulation. Millions of cats are abandoned and enter shelters annually, with a significant number undergoing euthanasia, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).

Furthermore, neutering is often a benefit for your pet’s overall health. Some studies have indicated a correlation between neutering and increased longevity, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Neutering may also improve temperament and decrease unwanted behaviors found commonly in unneutered males.

Unneutered cats may exhibit these common behaviors when they are ready to mate:

• Spraying and territory marking. One of the most noticeable behaviors in unneutered male cats is urine spraying. This is done to mark their territory and signal availability to potential mates. This spray has a pungent odor that can be difficult to remove from furniture, carpets, or walls. Neutered cats can still spray but it is far less likely in cats that were neutered early, according to Cornell University.
• Desire to roam: Unneutered cats exhibit a desire to roam freely outside of your home. This can increase the chance of your cat getting into accidents or fighting, according to the North Shore Animal League America.
• Aggression: Male cats that have not been neutered can exhibit more aggressive behavior than their neutered counterparts, driving them to get into fights with other toms, which can lead to injury. This type of aggression is caused by hormones most commonly in male cats starting between the ages of two and four, according to the Cornell Feline Health Center.

Neutering your cat can help reduce the risk of injury and infection caused by the behaviors listed above. There are several other established health benefits, such as eliminating the risk of certain types of cancer, such as testicular cancer, and reducing the risk of developing enlarged prostate glands, according to Banfield Pet Hospital’s State of Pet Health report.

On the other hand, it’s important to remember that neutering your cat is considered a major surgical procedure. Because of this, there are some risks associated with neutering, such as anesthesia-related complications and a chance of infection in the surgical zone post-op, according to AVMA. That said, this is one of the most common procedures done on cats and the risk of complications are considered low.

Unneutered cats can exhibit certain patterns that may cause their owners frustration. Neutering is an option to try to modulate any negative symptoms. Some signs to watch for include the following.

Behavioral signs

1. Increased aggression towards other cats. If other male cats are around, your cat may be competing for dominance and female attention.
2. Frequent spraying or marking territory. Unneutered cats are likely to spray urine in certain areas outside of their litter boxes.
3. Restlessness and wandering behavior. Your cat may pace or show a desire to roam outdoors.
4. Excessive meowing. Your cat may meow excessively if it detects a female in heat nearby, according to the ASPCA.
5. More pungent urine. Intact male cats may have worse-smelling urine that can be tamped down through neutering, according to the Humane Society of Missouri.

Keep in mind that all cats are different and these signs may indicate other issues. It’s important to talk to your vet about any concerns you may have.

The consensus among many vets is to neuter your cat around five months old, ideally. For male cats living with female cats, it may make sense to neuter the male earlier. There is no upper age limit so long as your cat is healthy enough to undergo surgery, however, behavior changes (particularly spraying) may be more ingrained in older cats, according to AVMA. Make sure to talk to your vet to see what makes the most sense for your cat’s well-being.

When you schedule your cat to be neutered, your vet will give you explicit instructions to follow pre- and post-operation to help ensure that the procedure goes well and heals properly. Here are a few examples of what may be asked of you.

Before the operation

For the operation, your main goal is to ensure that your cat’s stomach is completely empty prior to the operation. This is to ensure that they do not choke while under anesthesia, which can be life-threatening. Water is fine. If you have an outdoor cat, it is best to bring them indoors so you can be certain that they do not eat anything while they are outdoors, explains Small Door Veterinary.

After the operation

You should prepare for your cat’s recovery ahead of time. Prepare a quiet, isolated area in your dwelling away from any pets where your cat can relax and heal. This area should include clean, dry bedding, food and water, and a clean litter box. You should also ensure that you have an e-collar or Elizabethan collar (cone) to help prevent your cat from agitating the surgical area, according to Small Door Veterinary.

The recovery time is typically two weeks. Be sure to talk to your vet about recommended prescription pain medications, if needed. Do not give your pet over-the-counter medications as these may be toxic to cats, explains Cornell.

The cost of a neuter can range depending on the cat’s age, health status and the type of clinic performing the surgery as well as geographic location, according to petMD – but typically it’ll run you between $300 and $500 at a private vet. The surgery may be more cost-effective than care for wounds or infection caused by aggressive behavior, as well as the cost of eliminating spraying odors in your home, according to the American Animal Hospital Association.

All in all, neutering your cat can help improve your cat’s longevity and health while reducing unwanted behaviors and overpopulation. Be sure to discuss the benefits and potential risks of cat neutering with your veterinarian.