{"id":2894,"date":"2023-08-02T11:31:45","date_gmt":"2023-08-02T11:31:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/?p=2894"},"modified":"2025-11-01T07:59:55","modified_gmt":"2025-11-01T07:59:55","slug":"spaying-and-neutering-cats-the-benefits-and-disadvantages-of-neutering","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-care\/spaying-and-neutering-cats-the-benefits-and-disadvantages-of-neutering\/","title":{"rendered":"Spaying and Neutering Cats: The Benefits and Disadvantages of Neutering"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cShould I be neutering my cat? But he\u2019s male, he\u2019ll not give birth,\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cShould I spay my female kitten, but she hasn\u2019t mated or given birth even once?!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u201cIsn\u2019t my cat too young to be spayed\/neutered?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">These are some very justifiable concerns and doubts that cat parents go through during the early stages of cat parenthood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, is there a correct answer to all of these questions? Let\u2019s find out what our veterinarians have to say about spaying and neutering cats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<div class=\"penci_video_shortcode video-align-center\" style=\"max-width: 480px\"><iframe title=\"Should I Neuter My Cat | Answered by Veterinary Surgeon\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KI4uKn1uBko?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The biggest reason for confusion and doubt among all cat owners regarding sterilization of their kittens is the age of neutering. While dogs are typically not <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-health\/spaying-and-neutering-dogs-the-importance-and-benefits-of-sterilisation\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">neutered or spayed early<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in their puppy years, most cats can be spayed even when they have kitten-like features and behaviours.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>What is spaying and nutering cats?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sterilization is the gender-neutral term for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dailypaws.com\/dogs-puppies\/health-care\/dog-neutering-spaying\/spay-vs-neuter\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spaying female cats &amp; neutering male cats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Spaying of female cats is the complete surgical removal of ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes under anesthesia. Spaying in male cats is the complete surgical removal of testicles under anesthesia.<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2901\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/2.jpg\" alt=\"Two orange tabby kittens lying side by side. One is licking the other. they are each around 3 months old. They will reach sexual maturity within another 30-45 days and 4 to 6 months may be the ideal time for neutering cats\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Is your cat in heat (ready to mate)?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most cats reach sexual maturity between the ages of 4 and 6 months. Whether you have a male or female cat, you will notice certain changes in their behaviour when they are in heat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some common behavioural traits that signify <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cats.org.uk\/help-and-advice\/pregnancy-and-kitten-care\/cat-reproduction\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">sexual maturity in cats<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> include &#8211;<\/span><\/p>\n<ol style=\"text-align: left;\">\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Increased restlessness<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spraying on walls, furniture, and even on humans to mark their scent<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequent and loud vocalizations\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The tendency to venture outdoors\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Excessive grooming (especially, belly and genital areas)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A spontaneous low crawl from time to time<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Demanding extra affection\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Seeking more attention and pets than usual<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Becoming agitated easily<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting into fights with other cats (often of the same gender) in a multicat household<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trying to mount other cats (irrespective of their gender)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some cats will also roll over to expose their belly (IT\u2019s A TRAP!!)<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2897\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/4.jpg\" alt=\"Short-medium coat ginger cat laying on his side receiving neck and chest scratches from a woman. Cats often show more affection when sexually mature and not neutered.\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of these signs such as vocalisation, mounting and sprays are more common in male cats as compared to the more demure females.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s often challenging to determine if female cats are in heat. So, it\u2019s better to stay in touch with the vet during the first 6 months of your kitty\u2019s life to understand their growth and development process.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>When should you neuter\/spay your cat?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is NO ONE PERFECT time for all cats. Although sterilisation is the most common elective surgery among pets, your veterinarian will consider multiple factors before recommending a suitable age for spaying or neutering your cat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your cat needs to be completely vaccinated and dewormed before the procedure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They should also be 100% healthy for the operation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hence, the veterinary surgeon will advise multiple blood and biochemistry tests once you decide that your fur baby is ready for the sterilization surgery.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Veterinarians advise against neutering cats when they are in heat. You may have to wait for 5 to 7 days until your cat is no longer showing signs of heat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/cat-consultation-near-me\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">take your cat to the veterinarian<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to become sure about their health status and eligibility for a sterilisation surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>What are the benefits of spaying and neutering cats?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As a cat parent, it is only natural for you to be cautious and concerned. Hence, you should know all about the advantages of neutering and spaying cats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>1. Reduced aggressiveness<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2900\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/1.jpg\" alt=\"A grey and black mackerel cat hissing at someone outside the photo. only a hand holding the cat gently is visible. not neutering cats can result in unwarranted aggressive behaviors\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Male cats (even female cats) get into frequent fights when they are in heat. These fights are often over territories, food and potential mates.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neutered male cats have significantly reduced territorial behaviour which reduces their tendency to fight to zero.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you have more than one cat (irrespective of their gender), neutering and spaying will reduce the number of fights and resulting injuries.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>2. ZERO Spraying at Home<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Intact mature cats often mark their territory inside the house by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/pet-care\/why-is-my-cat-not-using-the-litter-box\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spraying urine<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It is true for most male cats and some female cats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The urine of a mature cat in heat has a distinct smell that is impossible to ignore or drown out using room fresheners.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, the habit of storing urine and spraying can lead to urinary tract infections in both male and female cats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sterilization at the right time can reduce the risks of UTIs in your cat.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>3. <\/b><b>Prevention of Diseases<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sadly, a number of diseases in cats can be transmitted through bites, allo-grooming and sexual intercourse. These diseases include FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus, which is very similar to HIV) and FeLV (Feline Leukaemia Virus).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neutering and spaying cats can reduce the chances of acquiring these viruses through sexual contact and fights.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At the same time, removing the reproductive organs from both male cats and female cats reduces the risk of tumours and cancers of the primary and secondary reproductive organs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many veterinarians recommend early sterilisation of cats to reduce the risk of the development of any cancer or tumours within the first year of their lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>4. Decreases risks of escape and roaming<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-2896\" src=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/3.jpg\" alt=\"Patched print cat with white muzzle, chest and paws roaming freely outdoors. Neutering cats can prevent unwanted roaming.\" width=\"1890\" height=\"1063\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cats are curious creatures and even completely indoor cats often leave home in search of mates when they are in heat. And this behaviour is apparent in both males and females.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roaming can result in fights, road accidents, and missing cats. To prevent such mishaps and heartbreaks, you should sterilise your cat on time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Neutering and spaying will reduce the \u201cneed\u201d for your cat to venture outside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Disadvantages of Sterilisation of Cats<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One of the disadvantages of neutering or spaying cats is their possibility to gain weight rapidly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"penci_video_shortcode video-align-center\" style=\"max-width: 480px\"><iframe title=\"How to Care for Cats After Neutering | Veterinarian Answers Pet Parent Questions\" width=\"1170\" height=\"658\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xwzt0H53t9M?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most cats need <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/cats\/can-my-cat-be-vegetarian-understanding-cat-diet-and-nutrition\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">proper diet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> regulation after spaying surgery. The recommended functional foods for sterilized cats are ideal for all neutered and spayed cats.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your cat is younger than 12 years, you should continue with the kitten food they are having. You can also speak to your veterinarian about the portion control of the regular food your cat or kitten eats right now.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: left;\"><b>Conclusion<\/b><\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is completely up to you whether or not you want to get your cat sterilised. However, remember that neutering and spaying cats has a positive effect on their behaviour, health and well-being.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should speak to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/vetic.in\/pet-consultation-near-me\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">veterinarian near you<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to learn more about sterilisation of cats, in person.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visit Vetic to learn more about the pros, cons, cost and post-operative care of cat sterilisation.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>\u201cShould I be neutering my cat? But he\u2019s male, he\u2019ll not give birth,\u201d\u00a0 \u201cShould I spay my female kitten, but she hasn\u2019t mated or given birth even once?!\u201d\u00a0 \u201cIsn\u2019t my&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2899,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[65],"tags":[9,120,102,116,156],"class_list":["post-2894","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pet-care","tag-cat","tag-cat-behaviour","tag-cat-surgery","tag-neutering","tag-preventive-healthcare"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2894","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2894"}],"version-history":[{"count":9,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2894\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6731,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2894\/revisions\/6731"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2899"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2894"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2894"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vetic.in\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2894"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}