Kittens are undeniably cute, but it’s a sad fact that many of them will later become unwanted adult cats.
Cats are prolific breeders – a female can have up to 18 kittens a year – so unexpected pregnancies can quickly result in large numbers of offspring.
Neutering is the most effective way to control numbers and can also help cats lead healthier, happier lives, says Sarah Elliott, Central Veterinary Officer for Cats Protection.
What are the benefits of neutering?
Neutering has many benefits for your cat, you and the wider community. For cats, it has health benefits and also helps keeps them safe.
Owners will have the peace of mind that neutered cats are less likely to develop illnesses or injuries which can be upsetting and expensive to treat.
Neutering is also important for cat welfare in general, helping to reduce the stray population, ease the strain on rehoming centres and prevent numbers of cats spiralling out of control.
Neutering has many health benefits to female cats in general – reducing the risk of womb infections and the chance of developing tumours and some cancers. In fact, neutering female cats before they’re six months old cuts their risk of getting mammary cancer by over 90 percent.
Why do I need to get my male cat neutered?
If they’re not neutered, male cats may roam further from home to find a mate, increasing the risk of them getting lost, injured or killed in a car accident.
They’re also more likely to fight with other males, which can spread infectious diseases like the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).
As well as this increased risk of illness and injury, male cats who are not neutered may develop unwelcome behaviours like spraying in the house.
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Do I have to neuter my female cat, even if she doesn’t go far?
Some people mistakenly think that because their female cat does not venture far from home, she will not come into contact with males. But it’s important to remember that being in heat will cause behaviour changes designed to attract males.
By calling and spraying, she’ll be sending out signals to unneutered male cats which can be detected from long distances. She may also wander further herself, putting her at risk of getting lost or injured.
Do indoor cats need to be neutered?
Yes – neutering is important for all cats. Remember, cats have an extraordinary sense of smell and males can detect a female in heat from some distance. He’ll go to great lengths to reach her, even squeezing through a small window opening.
Likewise, a female cat in heat may be determined to find an escape route so she can find a mate. Unneutered cats may also develop unwelcome behaviours around the home like excessive calling and spraying.
When should I have my cat neutered?
You can have your cat neutered at any age, so it’s never too late. However, it’s ideal for kittens to be neutered at around four months old, as this is when they can start breeding.
When it comes to mates, cats are not selective and will breed with siblings – so it you’re taking on a brother and sister, make sure they’re booked in for neutering as soon as they’re old enough.
What’s the difference between spaying and castrating?
Neutering is the word that most people use to describe the operation which stops cats from breeding. In female cats, this procedure is sometimes called ‘spaying’ while in males it can also be referred to as ‘castrating’.
How does a vet neuter a cat and is it safe?
Neutering is a simple and routine operation which can be carried out by a vet. It is normally fairly quick and it’s likely you will be able to take your cat home later the same day. Neutering is performed under general anaesthetic, so your vet will tell you when to stop feeding your cat in the hours before the operation.
In male cats, the testicles are removed and in female cats the uterus and ovaries are removed during the procedure. Your vet will give your cat painkilling medication and advice on caring for your cat when you get home.
How can I look after my cat after neutering?
Most cats recover quickly from neutering and your vet will give you information about aftercare. Female cats will have a small, shaved patch on her side or tummy and some stitches.
In male cat, stitches aren’t used and the wounds tend to heal quickly. You should check your cat’s wound each day for redness, swelling or discharge and if you have any concerns, contact your vet.
Once they’re recovered, neutered cats may need less food as their bodies have less work to do. Keep an eye on your cat to make sure they’re not putting on too much weight and speak to your vet if you are concerned.
Should cats have kittens before they’re neutered?
There is no benefit in allowing a cat to have a litter of kittens or go into heat before she is neutered. In fact, the opposite can be true – because cats can become pregnant so young, it can be harmful for them to carry a pregnancy, especially if they are still developing themselves.
How long are cats pregnant? - check out our guide.
For more information about cat neutering or cat health in general, visit cats.org.uk
Love cats? Check out our pets section for advice on cat care, from what is catnip and what does catnip do to cats? to how to stop cats scratching furniture and even how to stop cats pooping in your garden
Cats Protection is the UK's largest cat welfare charity and have experts in all aspects of feline welfare. They help around 200,000 cats and kittens every year thanks in no small part to their network of over 230 volunteer-run branches and over 30 centres.