Neutering is a standard procedure that removes a male cat’s testicle so they can’t father kittens. Many vets and animal welfare groups recommend the procedure to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Also, to reduce the number of stray and homeless cats, and improve the well-being and behavior of males. But suppose you have doubts or concerns about the risks of this operation—are they good reasons not to neuter your cat?
In this article, we’ll explore seven reasons pet owners may choose not to neuter their cats and weigh the rationality of each concern.
1. Is Neutering Unnatural and Cruel?
Some might say that neutering is an unnatural and cruel intervention that deprives a cat of its instincts and abilities. They may think that castration alters an animal’s personality, makes him less masculine or happy, or violates his rights as a living being.
But fear of cruelty is an unjustified reason not to neuter your cat. This argument follows anthropomorphic assumptions that project human emotions and values onto animals. Because cats don’t have a sense of identity or morality, they won’t suffer from any psychological distress after the surgery.
An Act of Kindness
Perhaps we should consider sterilization as an act of kindness instead.
- It can reduce stress and anxiety by eliminating the hormonal drive to mate and compete with other males.
- It can also prevent physical pain and suffering caused by injuries from fights, infections from bites, or diseases transmitted through sexual contact.
Think of it this way: castration is not a mutilation or punishment but a preventive measure that can improve a male cat’s quality of life. The safe and routine procedure is performed under anesthesia and has minimal complications. Most cats recover quickly and resume their normal activities within a few days.
2. Does Neutering Causes Health Problems?
Another reason we might hesitate to neuter our cats is fear that the after-effects may cause health problems or increase the risk of certain diseases. Some of the common health issues associated with this procedure are:
- Obesity: “Fixed” cats tend to have lower metabolic rates and activity levels than intact ones, which can trigger weight gain unless managed properly. Being overweight can lead to diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and urinary problems.
- Urinary tract problems: Reducing the urethra’s size (the tube carrying urine from the bladder outside) is a potential side effect of sterilizing males at a young age; it may increase the likelihood of blockages, infections, incontinence, and stone formation.
- Cancer: Some studies suggest that fixing a cat may increase the risk of certain types of cancer, such as bone, prostate, or lymphoma. However, these studies are inconclusive and controversial, and the overall incidence of these cancers is very low.
Preventing and Managing the Risks
We shouldn’t ignore these real health risks, but they are not unavoidable. Proper nutrition, exercise, regular veterinary check-ups, and early detection can prevent or manage many uncertainties.
Moreover, neutering offers the opportunity to safeguard male cats from other health problems that are more common and severe, such as testicular cancer, prostate enlargement or infection, and perianal tumors.
3. Does Neutering Reduce Hunting Skills?
It’s natural to have concerns that neutering might reduce a cat’s hunting skills or instincts. Many pet owners value their cat’s ability to catch mice, rats, birds, or other prey and fear sterilization may make them less agile, alert, or motivated to hunt.
What the Experts Say
However, experts do not support this view. The act of “fixing” does not influence physical abilities or senses essential for hunting, such as vision, hearing, smell, or reflexes. Nor does it diminish the innate drive to hunt (which is not related to reproduction but to survival and stimulation.)
Some cats even pursue hunting more often afterward, because they do not waste energy on mating or territorial behaviors.
4. Does Neutering Change Behavior and Personality?
Most of us love our cats’ personalities and temperaments the way they are, and some fear that neutering will change them for the worse. Suppose you enjoy their playfulness, affection, intelligence, or independence and worry that lowering their testosterone levels will make them less lively, loving, intelligent, or self-reliant.
This concern might be alleviated by better understanding what to expect after neutering your cat. The surgery does not change a feline’s core personality or traits but merely modifies some of the behaviors influenced by hormones. Instead, the process can enhance their personality by reducing undesirable or problematic behaviors.
Examples of Modified Behavior
- Aggression: Intact males tend to be more aggressive and dominant than neutered ones because testosterone drives the competition for mates. They may fight with other animals, attack humans or objects, or show frustration or irritability. Afterward, cats tend to calm down and become more sociable and friendly.
- Spraying: Intact cats mark their territory with strong-smelling and hard-to-remove urine spray. They may spray indoors or outdoors on furniture, walls, plants, or other items. This behavior can be decreased or eradicated by lowering the urge to claim territory or attract females.
- Roaming: Unneutered males walk far and wide in search of females or rivals. They may wander away from home for days or weeks, exposing themselves to dangers such as traffic, predators, traps, poisons, or human cruelty. Neutering helps to keep them closer to home and safer by decreasing their interest in mating or fighting.
5. Is Neutering Expensive?
Some may feel that the procedure is too pricey and not worth the cost. It can sometimes be tricky to prioritize pets’ health care over other daily expenses when on a tight budget. Some might also argue that neutering is a one-time expense with no long-term benefits.
Let’s say we look at this point from a different perspective. The procedure is not as expensive as it may seem because it can save money in the long run by preventing future costs and complications.
How Neutering Can Save You Money
- Lower veterinary bills: Neutered cats have lower chances of developing health problems that require veterinary treatment, such as testicular cancer, prostate enlargement or infection, perianal tumors, abscesses, or wounds from fights. There may also be a lesser need for vaccinations, medications, or supplements.
- Lower cost pet care: You might enjoy lower maintenance and grooming costs than with an intact cat because fixed ones do not produce urine spray, which can stain and damage furniture, carpets, curtains, or clothes. Perhaps you won’t need to purchase as much litter, toys, or treats that keep intact felines content and stimulated.
- No worry of reproduction bills: There becomes no risk of producing unwanted litters of kittens, which can be costly and time-consuming to care for, feed, vaccinate, deworm, spay/neuter, or find homes for. You also avoid fees or fines from local authorities or animal shelters for having unneutered cats.
By addressing the concern this way, you might view spaying or neutering as a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership that provides long-term benefits for your companion’s health, making it an affordable investment.
6. Is Neutering Irreversible?
Some pet owners may regret neutering their cats and wish to undo it. Perhaps they change their mind about wanting to breed or feel guilty or sad about taking away their chance to reproduce or experience parenthood.
This concern is often based on emotional attachments and unrealistic expectations rather than the actual needs and desires of the animal. While cats form bonds with their owners and other felines, they do not have the same passion for parenthood or familial responsibility as humans.
Getting It Right First Time
When considering whether or not to go through with the surgery, it makes sense to approach the decision rationally and thoughtfully. Rather than being influenced by external pressures, isn’t it more logical to weigh the facts and benefits and to make a decision that aligns with your personal choices, and the cat’s well-being?
Ultimately, neutering is a decision that should be accepted and appreciated rather than regretted or reversed.
7. Is Neutering Unnecessary?
You might wonder if the whole process of neutering is unnecessary and avoidable. Perhaps if we can control our pets’ behavior or reproduction without surgery, is that a good enough reason not to neuter your cat? What if we use alternative methods such as training, supervision, confinement, separation, medication, or contraception?
The Simplest Solution
I’ve yet to learn of a method as effective, reliable, simple, or convenient as neutering to prevent unwanted pregnancies, reduce unwanted behaviors, and manage a cat’s health and welfare.
For most pet owners, neutering is a responsible decision that helps prevent many problems and complications; it also presents various advantages and opportunities to improve your bond.
Would you like to spend more time with your cat?
A study found that neutering can extend a cat’s life by 62%! It offers protection against many health problems, infections, injuries, and diseases. By neutering, you show your love and care and prevent unwanted pregnancies and overpopulation. Giving an animal the chance to live a longer, healthier, and happier life with you is a beautiful reason to neuter your cat.
Final Thoughts
Most concerns about neutering cats are not convincing enough to outweigh the numerous advantages of this widely accepted and recommended procedure. The risks of not sterilizing a cat far outweigh the benefits, and the cost is a small price to pay for the long-term benefits.
While some may have personal or ethical reasons for not wanting to neuter their cat, the priority is to consider the animal’s health and well-being. If you’re still unsure, your veterinarian can help you make an informed decision that is right for you and your pet.
Sources and Further Reading
- Banfield Pet Hospital State of Pet Health | Humane Society
The lifespan of a dog or cat can be impacted by various factors including genetics, whether or not they are spayed or neutered, the amount of preventive veterinary care received and, of course, breed type and size. - How Much Does It Cost to Spay or Neuter a Cat? | Daily Paws
When you’re budgeting to adopt a cat, don’t forget to include the cost of a spay or neuter procedure. This one-time expense is important for your kitty’s health and happiness, and to prevent overpopulation. - Neutering – The Negative Side | Niles Animal Hospital
Some cats gain weight after neutering. Cutting back on his food or increasing his activity can help reduce the weight gain. - Feline Castrate | Vet Centre Marlborough
Cats are night-hunters by nature and while castration will stop the tendency to compete for females, it will usually not diminish the cat’s natural tendency to hunt. - The Ethical Philosophy Of Trap-Neuter-Return | Faunalytics
A new paper argues that TNR can be justified through ethical philosophy because of its positive impact on cat populations.
