Neutering male cats
If you don't plan to breed from your male cat, neutering is a good idea. Neutering a male cat is a relatively simple procedure. Your cat will be sedated or anaesthetised, and the vet will make two small incisions – one over each testicle. The blood vessels supplying the testicles are tied off. The incisions in the scrotum are left open to heal, and no stitches are needed.
There are many benefits to neutering your male cat. Most importantly, it prevents unwanted and unplanned kittens. Neutering also reduces your cat's sexual drive and the behaviours associated with it. Your cat may become calmer, more playful, more even-tempered, and more affectionate. Neutering can also contribute to a longer life, as he's likely to stay closer to home, be calmer, and less prone to fighting.
It's best to neuter your cat when he's between 5-6 months old or weighs at least 2kg. If you're planning to neuter your male cat, it's advisable to do it early, as the habit of marking territory by urinating indoors doesn't always disappear after neutering.
It's uncommon, but sometimes a male cat may have one or both testicles located in the groin or abdomen instead of the scrotum. These testicles are often smaller than usual. In these cases, neutering is a more complex procedure, similar to that in a female cat. Even if the testicles aren't fertile, the cat might still exhibit behaviours associated with fertility, so neutering is still recommended.
After neutering, your cat may feel tired, so it's important to keep him indoors for a few days. Letting him rest in a quiet, dark room can aid his recovery. Male cats usually don't lick their wounds, but if yours does, use a protective collar when you can't supervise him. Check the wound daily to minimise the risk of infection.
Chemical neutering is sometimes requested for male cats that might be used for breeding later in life. However, there's currently no preparation with a guaranteed effect, nor any certainty that fertility will be restored. For these reasons, many owners opt against chemical neutering.
There's no law requiring you to neuter your cat. However, in line with current regulations, cats that spend time outdoors should be neutered to prevent unplanned or unwanted mating. If your male cat goes outside, you should therefore consider neutering him.
