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Prosser Animal Hospital

460 Wine Country Rd, Prosser, WA, 99350

Phone: (509) 786-1393

Fax: (509) 786-7084

Email: contact@prosservet.com

Website: www.prosseranimalhospital.com

Neutering in Cats

What is meant by castration or neutering?

Neutering and castration are the common terms used to describe the

surgical procedure known scientifically as orchidectomy or orchiectomy.

In this procedure, both testicles are removed in order to sterilize a male

cat.

Why should I have my cat neutered?

Once a male cat reaches puberty, he will develop a number of 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.

"The longer a tomcat sprays and fights, the less likely

neutering will stop these behaviors."

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 longer a tomcat sprays and fights, 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.

Neutering in

When should I have my cat neutered?

In most cases, it is recommended to neuter your cat before the onset of

puberty. Puberty normally begins between six and ten months of age. Many

veterinarians recommend castration at around four to six months of age.

Though, it is not uncommon for some humane shelters to neuter at a much

earlier age, which does not appear to have any detrimental affect on the cat.

What does the operation involve?

In male cats, both of the testicles are removed through small incisions in the

scrotum under general anesthesia. Since the incisions are very small, and since stitches may cause

irritation to the sensitive skin of the scrotum, it is rare for the incisions to be sutured.

What surgical complications could arise?

In general, complications are rare during a castration surgery. However, as with any anesthetic procedure,

there is always risk of serious complications, including death. With advances in monitoring equipment,

anesthetic drugs, and pre-anesthetic blood work, complication are even more uncommon. 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 occur internally or around the incision wound. In most cases, the infection can be controlled with

antibiotics. Watch for swelling and/or drainage at the surgical site as well as lethargy, vomiting or

prolonged inappetance.

What adverse effects might castration have on my cat?

"No adverse effects are noted following neutering."

In the vast majority of 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.

This client information sheet is based on material written by: Ernest Ward, DVM