Neutering procedures are commonly performed for male cats to prevent unwanted litters, prevent certain health issues, and even help control some unwanted behaviors. In today's post, our Los Angeles vets explain what you can expect before and after neutering your male cat, including behaviors and a typical recovery timeline.
Neutering Your Male Cat
Owners of male cats must decide whether to neuter their felines. Your veterinarian can provide the information you'll need to make your decision.
During a neutering procedure, a male cat's testicles (which produce most of its testosterone) are removed. A male cat's testosterone drives their sexual behavior, which includes roaming to search for females to mate with, aggression toward other males, and spraying (marking territory).
By having your male cat neutered, you can prevent or reduce these behaviors, along with the birth of unwanted kittens and your cat's risk for developing a number of serious health issues.
Your Male Cat's Behavior After Neutering
As stated above, having your male cat neutered helps to prevent or limit undesirable testosterone-related behaviors. These changes may take place immediately or within several weeks after the procedure. Your four-legged companion's age, breed, or environment typically have little impact on these changes.
By reducing or eliminating your cat's desire to roam, you'll reduce the risk of them getting into a wandering-related incident such as becoming injured in a fight with another animal or getting hit by a car. Since their aggression toward other male cats will decrease, they are less likely to be bitten or scratched by other cats, which can leave your cat at risk of contracting diseases.
Neutering your cat may also reduce his desire to spray and mark his territory. However, this behavior may not be entirely eliminated because cats tend to do this when they are nervous. That said, the odor of a neutered cat's urine is usually weaker than that of an intact cat's.
Many misconceptions about how neutering affects male cats' behavior abound. Neutering your cat will not make him lazy or overweight if you feed him a healthy diet and ensure he gets regular exercise. However, neutering does slightly slow your male cat's metabolism, so you may need to reduce the number of calories you need them and give them more time to play.
Your cat's hunting ability and any other non-hormonal behaviors will not be affected.
A Male Cat's Recovery After Neutering
Male cats typically experience some side effects as a result of the anesthesia and the neutering procedure itself. These can include discomfort, lethargy, nausea, and vomiting. For this reason, it's important to follow your vet's post-operative care instructions carefully so your cat can recover as safely and quickly as possible.
When you first bring your cat home after their neutering operation, keep them in a quiet, dark room because your cat's eyes may be sensitive due to the protective ointment your vet may have applied to them. Cats may experience discomfort that can make them temporarily aggressive, so keep other pets and people away from your kitty while they recover.
Here are some other precautions you should take to help your cat recover from this surgery smoothly:
- During the first 24 hours give your cat a small amount of water to sip on, and only a quarter or half portion of their food to limit vomiting
- Keep a clean litter box close to their resting area, so they don't need to walk far to relieve themselves
- Use shredded paper instead of kitty litter for the first week to prevent dust and dirt from getting stuck in the incision site
- Don't let your cat run, jump, climb stairs, or go outside for the first seven days after their procedure because it could slow their healing, we recommend keeping them in a crate or secure room during this time
If after 48 hours, your cat is still vomiting, lethargic, having diarrhea, or their appetite isn't returning, call your vet immediately or bring them to the closest emergency veterinarian.
How long will it take for a male cat to recover from neutering?
Your cat will typically recover from neuter procedures in five to seven days. Monitor for any of the above symptoms and contact your veterinarian if they persist or worsen. While they are healing, do not allow your cat to run, jump, or play with other animals. It is crucial that they rest.
When your cat reaches one week post-op, you can gradually allow them to resume their normal activity. If your cat is used to being outside, they can start going outside again after seven days.
What To Watch for After Neutering Your Cat
As previously stated, it is normal for cats to experience side effects such as lethargy, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting after being neutered, and you should contact your veterinarian if these symptoms do not resolve within 48 hours.
Your cat may also be unable to urinate or defecate normally for the first 24 to 48 hours after their procedure; if 72 hours have passed and they still cannot relieve themselves normally, you should seek veterinary care.
You should also keep a close eye on your cat's incision site for any bleeding. It is normal for there to be some blood around the incision site for the first 24 hours after the procedure, but if you continue to see blood after this time, contact your veterinarian.
As expected, neutered cats will feel uncomfortable and in pain for about 36 hours after being neutered, which is why your veterinarian will administer long-term pain medications in the form of an injection to help manage your cat's pain. If you believe your cat requires additional pain medication while at home, contact your veterinarian. Do not give your cat pain medications designed for humans or any medications without first consulting your veterinarian, as many medications can be toxic to cats, resulting in serious health complications and, in severe cases, death.
You should also contact your veterinarian immediately if you notice your cat exhibiting any of the following symptoms after being neutered:
- The incision site has reopened
- Pus or discharge coming from the incision site
- Your cat hasn't urinated in 24 hours
- Refusing to eat
- Swelling or redness at the incision site
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.