My male kitten and his brother recently underwent their neuter surgeries. They both bounced back quickly and did very well. Neutering has a number of lasting benefits for your cat and is a very common surgery.
Neutering is the removal of the testicles from a male cat. Neutering is also known medically as castration. Male cats may be neutered at the age of 6 months or older.
Benefits of Neuter Surgery
- Neutering prevents reproduction. Your male cat will not be able to impregnate a female cat after neutering.
- Neutering reduces behaviors that are caused by testosterone including urine marking, aggression, and roaming.
- Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer, reduces prostate issues, and helps treat anal tumors.
Overview of a Feline Neuter Surgery
Your cat may need to have pre-operative blood tests to determine that he is healthy enough for anesthesia and surgery.
The day/night before the surgery, you will be asked to restrict food and water from your cat. Ask your veterinarian for specific instructions about what time to restrict the food and water. This reduces the likelihood of your cat vomiting during surgery.
Your cat will be given anesthesia, which will keep him unmoving, asleep, and pain free during the surgery.
The area surrounding your cat’s testicles may be shaved or clipped, and will be cleaned.
A small incision is made in the scrotum, through which both testicles are removed and blood vessels are closed off. Stitches are not commonly used during a neuter surgery. The incision will likely be left to heal without stitches.
Most cats are allowed to return home the same day after a neuter surgery. After surgery your cat will be groggy. Provide him with a quiet place to rest and recover, including water, food, and a litter box. The quiet place should be apart from other animals, so that they cannot bother your recovering pet.
Your veterinarian will provide you with specific instructions on caring for your cat after his neuter surgery. Ask the vet any questions you have before and after the surgery.
Jennifer Kean is a writer and pet-lover who owns two rescue kittens (lifetime cat owner too!) and has a 40 gallon fish tank!
