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Neutering an Adult Cat
Hi all, I'm a lurker around here, and you guys seem to have some great advice, so I thought I would reach out with a question.
I was adopted by a stray tomcat a couple years ago, he just showed up at my apartment, and never left. He was in pretty rough shape, really underweight (about half the weight the vet estimated he should be at), intestinal problems, dull coat and eyes - but he was such a big love bug I couldn't give him to the shelter.
In the two years that he has been with me, he has just blossomed. He is at his ideal weight, shiny coat, playful (he used to just lay around listless, so this kitten playfulness is awesome), so loving and gentle (has never scratched anyone ever!).
He has all of his shots, and is current on his rabies. I did not get him neutered when I first took him to the vet because of the added stress on his system, so I just put it off/forgot about it - he doesn't spray or urinate outside the box, he's exclusively indoors, so he doesn't roam - so I really just forgot about it.
I have his wellness exam tomorrow, and I know that the vet will bring it up (new vet, so they don't know the rough shape he was in). I know that it is probably the best decision to get him neutered, but I have absolutely no experience with having an adult cat neutered.
I guess my main worries are stress on his system, pain, and any other side effects (like personality changes - I feel like I am just getting to know his awesome personality, and I would hate for it to change!)
If anyone has any experience getting an adult cat neutered please let me know any tips or insight you might have.
Sorry this is so long, thanks in advance!!
Re: Neutering an Adult Cat
Well, I do have a bit of experience that may help.
Here is our big kitty's backstory: He was found by the shelter "in the wild", and they approximated his age to be 8yrs. As is their procedure, he was neutered. He was at the shelter a few months when we found him and adopted him. We have had him for about a year and a half.
Funny story--every other male cat I have had was neutered very young, and so when I saw this guy's--ahem--male part--I was really surprised! I have never seen a cat penis before, so I looked up late-in-life neutering for more information and to make sure that was normal.
Everything I found online says that older neutering totally fine, and can even make them more friendly. Of course we never knew ours before neutering, but he is a big lovebug now.
I have also read that neutering is a really simple procedure compared to a lot of other surgeries (one site said it is just about the simplest), so I don't think recovery is that big of an issue. Your vet would know more, I'm sure. I am sure it is possible his personality might change, but like I said, everything that I've read says that if anything, it just makes them friendlier.
Good luck with whatever you decide!
There's some good info here:
http://www.catbehaviorassociates.com/why-you-should-spay-or-neuter-your-cat/
One point being, "Intact males are at risk of developing certain cancers later in life."
Another point... your cat may not spray now, but that could change. A neighborhood cat could start spraying outside your house, and your cat could suddenly start spraying inside to defend his territory.
Get him neutered. It's the right thing to do.
Good luck and thanks for rescuing your sweet kitty!
I know what you mean about their male parts! Like you the only male cats I have been in contact with we're neutered young. I guess that's why I am freaking out a little, I have zero experience with this. Thanks for the advice, I am going to talk to my vet more about the actual surgery and and special care tips I need. Just worried about risks to him, I would hate for him to have another health decline or any personality issues.
Thanks again!
It is a super easy procedure even for an older cat. I do recommend getting bloodwork done before anesthesia to reduce risks of anesthesia.
And pp is right if your male cat sees a neighborhood cat through a window (or smells it) ,being intact will make it more likely to start spraying.
Thanks! I really want to do what is best for him. Now that he is more stable health wise, I feel comfortable talking with the vet about it.
Thanks for the website, and the pictures in your siggy are so sweet!
I will definitely talk to the vet about blood work, thanks for the tip!
I am sure he just hasn't been too exposed to other cats living in an apartment complex, but my DH and I are planning on buying a house soon, so that's another reason I am looking into this now, I would hate for him to get out and start roaming - potentially fathering kittens. I am just concerned about risks with the procedure, he has come so far, I would hate for him to have another health set back.
Neutering does not remove the penis. It is done by surgical removal of the testicles (most common) or non-surgical sterilization by injection.
The penis is retracted except when stimulated. A neutered male can still become stimulated, though if they are neutered before sexual experience they seem to be less likely to get stimulated or act out sexually.
BFP 11.8.12 * EDD 7.17.13 * MC 12.20.12
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot, over!
True story above.
I have one cat who likes to show off his red rocket. In all my years with cats it is the first I had ever seen! Ew!!