Neutering is an operation carried out by a vet to prevent cats from breeding or having kittens. Neutering provides a range of benefits for both you and your cat. And it’s an important part of keeping them happy and healthy. Here’s all you need to know about neutering cats.

What is neutering and what’s involved?

Castration in male cats:

• Preparation: Involves premedication and anaesthetic. The vet gives your cat an injection to send them off to sleep, keeping them relaxed and pain-free. 
• Surgery: The vet makes a small cut and removes the cat’s testicles. Testes are the parts that produce sperm and some male hormones.
• Recovery: The cut is very small, so it doesn’t need stitches.  After having a painkiller injection, your cat gradually wakes up. They usually go home on the same day.
• Back home: A light meal and rest. Your cat should stay indoors for at least 24 hours after an anaesthetic.

Spaying female cats:

• Preparation: Premedication and anaesthetic  The vet gives your cat an injection to make them feel sleepy and relaxed. Then they go to sleep with a second injection for a general anaesthetic.
• Surgery: The vet makes a small cut in the cat’s side or tummy. They carefully remove the ovaries and womb. These are the parts that produce eggs and female hormones, and where kittens would grow.
• Recovery: The vet stitches the cut back together in 2 layers. The stitches may be buried under the surface of the skin, so you don’t see them. Most cats will go home the same day but will need to rest and heal for longer.
• Home care: Offer your cat light, healthy meals. Keep the cat flap closed for 7 days while they recover or until their stitches come out. Give them the pain relief from your vet for as long as advised. Don’t let them jump and try not to let them lick or chew the stitches.

Are there alternatives to an operation for neutering cats?

There are no effective long-term alternatives to an operation.  For temporary control of fertility, there is an implant that is licensed for male cats and can suppress male hormones and male behaviours for around 20 months. 

What are the benefits of neutering cats?

Worldwide, the most important benefit of neutering is population control, reducing the number of homeless and abandoned cats. 

150,000 cats and kittens find themselves in rehoming and rescue centres every year. And they’re the lucky ones. They’re safe and have the chance of finding a new home. A quarter of a million cats and kittens may be living as homeless strays in UK towns and cities.

Individual benefits of neutering cats

The individual benefits of neutering will depend on your cat’s sex (boy or girl), their lifestyle and how old they are when they’re neutered. As well as any health concerns they might have.

Male cats:

• Reduces fighting with other cats: fewer injuries, cat bite abscesses and costly trips to the vet.
• Reduces the risk of unwanted pregnancies
• Reduces roaming driven by the drive to mate with female cats in season (heat). Reducing the risk of getting hit by a car, hurt by other animals or getting lost or trapped.
• Reduces the risk of getting Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV): this nasty, incurable illness spreads through fighting and cat bites.
• Increases life expectancy: research has shown that neutered male cats live between 14 and 60% longer than unneutered ones.
• Reduces antisocial behaviour: like spraying in the house. Once this behaviour starts, it can be very hard to stop!

Female cats:

• Prevents unwanted pregnancies
• Prevents harassment and injury by unneutered male cats
• Stops ‘in heat’ behaviours, like meowing all hours of the day and night and trying to escape.  
• Reduces the risk of mammary tumours by around 85% in cats neutered before 1 year old. Cats may be less likely to get mammary tumours than dogs. But 85-93% are malignant (cancerous). In over 80% of cases, the cancer will have spread to other organs before it’s discovered.
• Prevents pyometra: a life-threatening womb infection.
• Reduces roaming: looking for a mate
• Increases life expectancy: neutered females live up to 39% longer than unneutered females.

What’s the best age to neuter cats?

Cats reach sexual maturity between 4 and 6 months old. Vets usually recommend spaying kittens around 5-6 months old, once they’ve settled at home and had their vaccinations. There may be exceptions, depending on the size,  breed and lifestyle of your cat. Talk to a vet for individual advice. 

Facts and Myths

• Fact: Your female kitten can be pregnant by 5 months old if she escapes the house or lives with an unneutered male cat.
• Myth: ”Brothers and sisters won’t mate.” Any unneutered male cat will mate with any unneutered female cat and vice versa.
• Fact: One female cat can produce 18 kittens per year. A lot of new mouths to feed and find homes for. And a huge drain on your female cat’s wellbeing.
• Myth: “Female kittens should have at least one litter before they are neutered.” There is no scientific basis to support this. Quite the reverse (read on). 
• Fact: Your cat can be pregnant again 2 weeks after giving birth and while still nursing kittens. Keep new mums indoors with their kittens for 8 weeks while the kittens grow. Having her neutered before she goes out again will prevent further pregnancies.

What are the risks associated with neutering cats?

Neutering is the most common operation carried out in vet practices. And the risks are very small. Nevertheless, all operations carry a small risk for humans as well as cats.

• Anaesthetic complications: range from sickness to unexpected death. The risk of not surviving an anaesthetic in cats is around 1 in 1000. To put this in perspective, over 230,000 cats die on UK roads every year. That’s around 640 every day. Cats driven by mating instincts pay little attention to road safety.
• Stitch reactions and breakdown: occasionally cats have an allergic reaction to their stitches. Any time from days to weeks after the operation.
• Wound infections: usually caused by licking. Cats’ mouths are full of nasty bacteria!

How to reduce risks

• Keep your cat slim with a healthy body condition. Obesity increases health and operation risks. 
• Follow your vet’s instructions carefully, before and after the operation. 
• Use a cone/doughnut collar or a special body suit to protect the wound from licking or biting.
• Call a vet if the wound looks red, swollen or weeping. Or if you have any concerns about your cat’s recovery in the days or weeks after an operation.

Do cats gain weight after neutering?

Yes, it’s true that many cats gain weight after neutering. This happens for 2 reasons:

• Increased appetite, may start within 2 days of neutering
• Burning up less energy

Obesity (being 20% or more over ideal weight) is one of the most common health problems in cats. Between 39 and 52% of UK cats are overweight or obese. And obesity contributes to serious diseases such as diabetes and even cancer.

No, it is not unavoidable!

• As owners and pet parents, we have the option and responsibility to keep cats at a healthy weight and body condition. 
• Feed a balanced complete diet. Diets for ‘sterilised’ or ‘neutered’ cats are less calorie-dense to combat weight gain.
• Check your cat’s weight and body condition score at least once a month.
• Work with your vet or practice weight clinic for ongoing health and weight management.

How much does it cost to neuter a cat?

The cost of spaying or neutering a cat in the UK varies depending on where you live and the type of procedure needed. If you adopt a cat from a reputable rescue centre, they will be neutered, vaccinated and vet checked already. It’s part of the adoption fee, which also goes to help other cats in need. Animal charities and some local councils may also offer vouchers or discount schemes to support neutering.

Neutering is part of the preventive care that aims to keep your cat happy and healthy at home. All cats and homes are individual. So talk to a vet for advice about what’s best for your cat .

Experienced Joii vets are available online 24/7, 365 days a year for helpful and friendly advice.