On Fri, 16 Nov 2007 03:10:24 -0600, "-Lost"
wrote:

Are there any proven health risks associated with NOT neutering?

I just really want to be informed and cover all bases. All the
information I have gathered or articles that I have read thus far do
not claim that any particular risk is 100% guaranteed if you do not
neuter your cat.

The only real problems I have heard that beckon neutering are
testosterone and spraying -- that it calms aggression and lessens
marking their territory.

Am I not reading the right stuff or is there no REAL danger in not
neutering?


Intact males tend to be more agressive and get into fights if not
neutered. They will try to escape. If you let them outside, they will
end up n more fights, so you can expect more vet expenses associated
with those injuries.

Intact males are also harder to keep at a good weight and good coat.
They tend to be skinnier, and they can get a condition called stud
tail which means that they release a lot of a hormone just above the
tail, making it really greasy.

They definitely require more work, and they can be a real pain in
terms of behavior and mess.

We had an intact male for about 2 years before we neutered him. He was
horrible. He attacked the other cats and dogs anytime they tried to
get on his person's lap. He sprayed all over the place. We didn't have
outdoor cats before him, but with all the damage, we let him go out
during the day to spray outside instead. Our neighbor stole him and
gave him back. He also attacked raccoons (they backed down from him).
I think he must have gone into their territory, because he disappeared
when he was about 4 years old. We never found him. I think his life
would have been a lot different if we had just neutered him.
Unfortunately, at that time, my mom was a backyard breeder and wanted
to keep him intact. (She did quit after his first litter.)


Intact females will eventually go in heat all the time, which can
drive a person insane. They are also more likely to get cancer. And
they will also try to escape more, especially if there are males
hanging around outside, trying to get at her.


If you are planning to breed him please have him tested for diseases
that can be present even if they don't show. Which tests will depend
on the breed. Just about any cat should have thir heart checked. Many
breeds have genetic testing that can show the likliehood of heart and
kidney problems.