Castration of a male cat brings several benefits to the animal and the guardian, from avoiding unwanted procreation to preventing diseases. Despite so many advantages, many guardians are afraid to take their pet to perform the surgery for fear of the procedure. But the truth is that castrating a male cat is an extremely safe process that does not bring any problems to your pet. Paws of the House explains what male cat neutering is like and what should be done before, during and after surgery.

When and where can I neuter a male cat?

A very common question is from what age can castration be performed. Male or female cats around six months of age can already be castrated. It is worth talking to the veterinarian to assess the development of your kitten's body and be sure when is the best time for him. Many people think that male cat castration surgery is expensive. However, nowadays castrating male catcan be done at very affordable rates and even for free in NGOs, popular clinics and local government initiatives.

How is the preparation before male cat neutering?

Before performing male cat neutering surgery it is essential to talk to the veterinarian to answer your questions. Usually the cat goes through a battery of tests to make sure that the body is not facing any illness, which can impair recovery. If everything is right, the surgery will be scheduled. To prepare for sterilization, the cat needs to spend 12h fastingIn the preoperative period, the area where the incision will be made will be shaved. Then, the cat is sedated to begin the procedure. Anesthesia can be inhaled or intravenous, and this will be determined by the doctor in charge of the surgery. Male cat castration surgery is quick and very safe, since throughout the process the animal will be monitored by devices that show the results of the surgery.pet's vital signs.

What is male cat neutering surgery like?

Castration of a male cat is technically called orchiectomy. It is a very simple and routine surgery for veterinarians. An incision is made through which the surgeon will remove the cat's testicles. These organs are responsible for the production of testosterone - the male sex hormone. When the testicles are removed, testosterone production virtually ceases. Thus, the cat becomes a male sex hormone.In addition, some typical heat behaviors disappear in the neutered cat, such as territory marking and aggressiveness. The male cat castration surgery is very fast and usually lasts about 10 minutes, unlike the female cat that can last a little longer, since the uterus and ovary are removed.

Castrated male cat: what is the post-operative care?

Usually, the neutered male cat is released on the same day of surgery. Only if any complications arise, the veterinarian may ask the animal to stay longer under observation or hospitalized. Some precautions should be taken in the postoperative period of male cat castration surgery. Usually the veterinarian prescribes some medications, such as anti-inflammatory and antibiotics, to help with the treatment.In addition, the doctor will also advise the guardian to clean the incision with antiseptics at least twice a day.

The cat will need to wear an Elizabethan collar or a surgical garment, which prevents the kitten from moving, biting or licking the stitches before they are removed. At home, it is important that the environment is always clean to avoid contamination by bacteria - the litter box needs special care. A calm environment also helps to keep your kitten calm. The guardian needs tokeep an eye on possible swelling, secretions or bleeding in the area where the cut was made. If any of these situations occur, take the pet to the veterinarian.

What are the advantages of neutering a male cat?

After castration, the male cat will no longer be able to reproduce. This prevents him from mating with a female cat, generating unwanted kittens. In addition to controlling procreation, as the testicles are removed and, consequently, the production of testosterone is interrupted, the typical behaviours of the cat in heat decrease. The castrated male cat has the sexual desire avoidedand thus no longer have the need to mark territory and leave the house in search of partners. This also helps to avoid being run over and contact with possible diseases on the streets.

In addition, the cat's temperament changes. The neutered male cat is calmer, quieter, with less aggression and stress. With this, the chance of getting involved in fights with other cats is much less. The procedure also has another great benefit: it prevents the development of tumors and problems in the testicles and prostate. Castration in male cat increases the quality and length of lifeof the animal: while an unregistered domestic cat usually has an expectancy of 10 years, a neutered male cat can live for 15 to 17 years.