To neuter or not to neuter a cat is a doubt that permeates the minds of many guardians, and it is not for less: this attitude can bring many changes in the lives of felines. For those who cannot afford a litter, castration is the most effective way to prevent cat pregnancy, especially if it is unwanted. This helps to control the excess of homeless kittens and, consequently, abandonment. BesidesIn addition, castration has several health benefits for the animal and can even improve some behaviors.

How does cat neutering affect the animal's behavior?

Cat castration surgery consists of animal sterilization by removing the testicles, in the case of males, and the ovaries and uterus, in the case of females. As a result, there is a decrease in the production of sex hormones that act as a kind of "trigger" for various attitudes taken by felines. Thus, the lack of these hormones leads to very noticeable changes in the body.behavior of these animals, mainly linked to sexual issues.

When they are not neutered, males often mark their territory with urine and may get involved in street fights with other cats. The cat in heat, on the other hand, becomes very agitated and the instinct to reproduce will make her try to escape to the street in any way. On the other hand, she will be very needy and will vocalize more often, especially at night.

And what are the most noticeable changes after castration? Cat becoming less territorial and less aggressive are the main ones. In addition, the famous "escapes" from home also stop happening, since there is no longer a need for crossing. The tendency is for neutered cats to adopt a more peaceful, calm and docile behavior. Many guardians may think that this is caused by aloss of personality, but it is actually a purely hormonal issue.

Will neutered cats breed? Myth or truth?

Castration is able to eliminate several sexual behaviors of felines, but it is not a guarantee that the animal will never cross again. In fact, this will depend a lot on the circumstance in which the animal lives. If a neutered cat lives with an unneutered cat that is in heat, for example, the crossing may occur, but the egg will not be fertilized, since the male is not able to produce it.But if the cat does not have any contact with an animal that has not been neutered, the chances of any crossbreeding happening decrease considerably.

Does a neutered cat go into heat?

Cat neutering also affects her behavior, making her more stable and less agitated. If your cat shows signs that she is in heat, you need to be vigilant. It is not common for this to happen, since sterilization stops the production of the hormones progesterone and estrogen, but it may be that she is a carrier of a disease called remnant ovary syndrome. In such cases, it is essential toconsult a veterinarian, who will correctly diagnose and indicate the best treatment for the feline.

Does the diet change? What is the best food for neutered cats?

After castration, care with food is essential to avoid obesity problems. The cat tends to have less energy for physical activities after undergoing the surgical procedure. The lack of an adequate diet can end up bringing a few extra pounds to the feline. Therefore, the change to the food indicated for castrated cats is extremely important forThese foods are more balanced than regular pet food and provide the necessary nutrients for this new phase of your kitten's life.