by Brenda Nelson

Created on: May 04, 2009   Last Updated: June 17, 2009

Neutering refers to the removal of the testicles of a male cat, it is typically done to end their reproductive ability. It is commonly done to male cats, between six and ten months of age, but can be done to older animals as well. I will mention that some veterinarians will neuter kittens younger than six months, but many suggest waiting until the testicles have fully descended before neutering. Some people have reported urinary tract health complications possibly brought on by an early neuter. An intact male cat is often called a "tomcat".

Reasons to Neuter your Male Cat

1. Neutering reduces, or stops, a cats unwanted spraying, or marking of territory with their urine.

2. Neutered cats tend to wander less.

3. Neutering removes the chance of the cat developing testicular cancer.

4. A Neutered cat has reduced chances of prostate cancer.

5. Neutering reduces aggressive tomcat behavior, towards people, and other cats.

6. Neutering may result in a friendlier, less aloof, cat.

7. A cat who is not breeding, will not catch any feline sexually transmitted diseases.

8. In some areas where licensing of cats is required, the fees are often lower if a cat is neutered.

9. Neutered cats generally have longer lifespans.

10. Neutering reduces the tendency for a male cat to get into fights, these fights often result in infections or spreading disease.

11. The cat will not contribute to the large number of unwanted kittens (see more below).

12. Neutered cats are far more likely to find homes if for some reason you have to give it up, than do unfixed adult male cats.


Some people claim that neutering a cat will make it fat or lazy. Actually cats settle down more at about the same age they get fixed at, so other than to eliminate wandering, neutering does not make the cat lazy. You must remember cats naturally sleep many hours of the day. As far as a cat getting fat, this is generally more the result of poor food, one with lots of fillers, or gravy, rather than from being neutered.

People do not realize the contributions one cat can make to the population. In one year an intact male may father many litters with an average of four or five kittens each. If there are enough females around, he could father hundreds of kittens in a year. In the unlikely event all of these kittens find homes, but only half get spayed, in the second year, it is possible that the cat population would have increased by several hundred cats. One must remember that every kitten born which finds a home, takes a home away from another kitten, who will not be so lucky. In the United States alone, the number of cats euthanized every year numbers in the millions.

If a person cannot afford to get a pet altered, they should not get a pet. Alternatively, they can select to start with a cat that was already fixed, or should keep their pet indoors only, something that can be difficult. Ultimately the number one thing a pet owner can do is be responsible. Yes, your cat is undoubtedly wonderful, handsome beyond a doubt, and would have cute kittens, but there are already millions of cute kittens waiting for homes, many of whom will not find one.

As mentioned neutering your cat will also make his life better and longer. This reason alone, should be reason enough to neuter your male cat.

Learn more about this author, Brenda Nelson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.