Neutering your cat

What is cat neutering?

Neutering is a surgery that prevents your cat from being able to breed. In male cats, neutering is called castration. In female cats, it’s called spaying.

• Castration – if your male cat is being castrated, your vet will remove both testicles, which takes away the main source of the male hormone, testosterone
• Spaying – if your female cat is being spayed, your vet will remove her ovaries and uterus, to prevent her from being able to become pregnant

What is involved when my cat is neutered?

Your cat will be given general anaesthetic and painkillers to make sure they do not feel anything during the operation. Your vet will also clip the hair around where an incision (cut) needs to be made.

If your female cat is being spayed, your vet will make an incision in their flank (side) area or underneath on their abdomen (belly). The ovaries, and often the womb, will be removed.

If your male cat is being castrated, your vet will make a two small incisions to remove their testicles.
While every surgical procedure has some risk, modern techniques are very safe. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns about your cat's surgery.

After the surgery, your cat will be given some medication to control any discomfort. Most cats are up and moving around just a few hours after they have had their operation.

How much does it cost to neuter a cat?

Costs can vary depending on the sex of your cat and the individual vet practice. Contact your local vet practice to find out how much it would cost to neuter your cat.

What age can cats be neutered?

To prevent unwanted pregnancies, cats should be neutered at around four months old, once they have completed their primary vaccinations. Female cats can breed from the age of four months and male cats become sexually active from the age of six or seven months, so it's important to neuter your cat before this time. It is also safe to neuter older cats.

Some vets recommend spaying at four months old, but there are lots of factors that might affect the best time to neuter your cat. Your vet will be able to recommend when is best.

Why should I get my cat neutered?

Cats can breed from a very young age and there are often thousands of unwanted cats but not enough homes. Neutering your cat helps to prevent more unwanted litters.

There are also lots of other benefits to neutering for both you and your cat.

Benefits of neutering your male cat

• Neutering reduces your cat's urge to roam and fight, so they are less likely to go missing, get into traffic accidents, or get hurt by another cat. Cats who fight are also more at risk of catching feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) – an incurable disease that can be spread through bite wounds.
• Even if your male cat lives indoors, the urge to find a mate is very strong so they are likely to try and find any escape regularly once sexually mature – this includes open windows on upper floors, which can result in serious injury

Benefits of neutering your female cat

• Neutering your female cat, especially while young, greatly reduces the risk of breast cancer and prevents pyometra (infection of the womb). Both of these conditions can be fatal.
• There are likely to be many feral and unneutered cats on the street, making it likely that your cat could become pregnant. Neutering prevents this, along with the risks than can come from pregnancy and birth.
• Indoor female cats will still want to roam and find a mate, making them likely to find any escape route. Neutering prevents this and any accidents that can come from attempting to escape from open windows on upper floors.
• Like male cats, neutering your female also reduces the risk of catching the incurable disease, FIV

Benefits to you

• On average a female cat can produce four to six kittens (sometimes more), three times a year and it can be very stressful trying to make sure your cat doesn’t get pregnant. If anything goes wrong, it can be costly and put your cat's health at risk. You will also need to find good homes for the kittens.
• Female cats that are not neutered often come into season over and over again, meaning they can be almost continuously in heat. You will need to keep them away from male cats, which can be exhausting for you and your cat. Neutering also prevents cat 'calling' behaviours.
• Unneutered male cats tend to urine-mark their home with a powerful and unpleasant scented urine – neutering can prevent this
• Unneutered cats are more at risk of straying or roaming while looking for a mate, making them more likely to go missing or get hit by a car. This can be highly stressful for both you and your cat.

Will neutering change my cat's personality?

You may be worried that your cat’s personality will change after neutering. While this is not true, you might see a fall in certain behaviours such as roaming, mounting, fighting or spraying urine. Female cats will also no longer come into season.

Will neutering my cat cause them to get fat?

Neutering can affect how your cat gains weight. Because of this, they may be more prone to putting on weight.

Ask your vet about how much food you should be feeding your cat. They may advise changing to a food designed for neutered cats. You should also weigh your cat regularly.