Neutering in Cats

What is meant by castration or neutering?

Neutering (also known as castration) is the common term used to describe the surgical procedure known scientifically as orchidectomy or orchiectomy. In this procedure, both testicles are removed to sterilize (make infertile) a male cat.

Why should I have my cat neutered?

Once a male cat reaches puberty, which is typically between 4 and 12 months of age, he will develop several behavioral changes that will make him a less desirable pet. He will become territorial and start to mark areas, even inside the house, by spraying urine. This urine has a particularly offensive odor that is difficult to remove. As the tomcat reaches sexual maturity, he will start to enlarge his territory, straying ever farther from the house, particularly at night.

By increasing the size of his territory, he increases the likelihood that he will encounter other cats and get into fights for territorial dominance. The risk of wildlife encounters and other trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents, also increase. The longer a tomcat is allowed to spray and fight (i.e., is not neutered), the less likely neutering will stop these behaviors.

"The longer a tomcat is allowed to spray and fight (i.e., is not neutered), the less likely neutering will stop these behaviors."

Fight wounds can result in severe infections and abscesses. Diseases such as FIV and FeLV, which cause immunosuppression and AIDS-like syndromes, are spread through cat bites. These incurable diseases tend to be more common in non-neutered male cats. Last, but not least, humane societies and animal shelters are overrun with unwanted kittens and cats, and neutering decreases the number of needless deaths.

When should I have my cat neutered?

There are many different factors to weigh when determining the optimal time to neuter a kitten, including health, behavior, and your pet's environment. Typically, neutering is done before a male cat reaches puberty. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to neuter your pet.

What happens when my pet undergoes this surgery?

Your cat will be examined by a veterinarian and pre-anesthetic blood tests are often performed. If everything is acceptable, your cat will be anesthetized. Most cats have an intravenous catheter placed to administer anesthetics and other medications. Your cat may also receive fluid therapy through the catheter. 

After your pet is anesthetized, a breathing tube may be placed in the trachea to deliver oxygen and gas anesthetic directly into the lungs, although this may not always be needed, as feline neuter surgery is often short. Your veterinarian will decide what anesthetic protocol is best for your cat.

"Your veterinarian will advise you how long to withhold food before surgery."

You will need to withhold food prior to the procedure; your pet should have free access to water during the fasting period. Your veterinarian will advise you how long to withhold food before surgery.

During the surgery, both testicles are removed through small incisions in the scrotum. Since the incisions are very small, and since stitches may cause irritation of the sensitive skin of the scrotum, it is rare for the incisions to be sutured. Injectable pain medication and local anesthetics, as well as pain medication to go home, will keep your cat comfortable during his recovery.

What surgical complications could arise?

Complications are rare during castration surgery; however, as with all surgical procedures, there is always a small risk. Potential complications may include:

Anesthetic complications. Any cat can have an unexpected adverse reaction following the administration of any drug or anesthetic. Such cases are impossible to predict, but fortunately, are extremely rare. Protective measures can allow early detection and treatment of anesthetic complications should they arise (e.g., placing an IV catheter; monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure, oxygenation).

Another potential danger associated with anesthesia arises if the cat is not properly fasted prior to anesthesia. Anesthetized patients lose the normal reflex ability to swallow. During swallowing, the epiglottis, a cartilage flap at the entrance to the windpipe, closes and prevents food or water from entering the lungs. If there is food in the stomach, the cat could vomit while under anesthesia or in the early post-anesthetic period, allowing the food to enter the lungs and cause aspiration pneumonia, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Illness will increase the risks associated with anesthesia. Pre-operative blood work is a useful screening test that may detect pre-existing problems that could interfere with the pet's ability to handle anesthetic drugs. If there are any signs of illness including sneezing, eye discharge, vomiting, or diarrhea, the procedure should be postponed until your cat has recovered.

To minimize the risks to your cat, it is essential that all pre-operative instructions are strictly followed and that you report any signs of illness to your veterinarian prior to an operation.

Post-operative infection. This may rarely occur internally or around the incision wound. In most cases, the infection can be controlled with antibiotics.

What adverse effects might castration have on my cat?

In most cats, no adverse effects are noted following neutering. In certain cats, notably the Siamese breed, the hair that grows back over an operation site may be noticeably darker, believed to be due to a difference in the skin temperature. This darker patch usually grows out with the following molt as the hair is naturally replaced.

Does castration cause my cat to get fat?

Neutering decreases your cat’s metabolism and may lead to a more sedentary lifestyle, which may cause your cat to put on weight; however, if you monitor their body condition and make appropriate adjustments to their nutrition and lifestyle – including regular exercise time – you can prevent this weight gain.