Dr Brooks wrote:
Neutering a male is a procedure known as castration. It involves
complete removal of the testes via two small surgical incisions over
the scrotum. The scrotal wound is usually left open to heal up by
itself. Cats do not have vasectomies like humans do as they are
neutered for other reasons in addition to birth control. There have
been several occasions where owners have been unaware of this fact
until the operation has been done, causing resentment in some cases.
The pros and cons of castration will be discussed shortly.

Neutering a female is a procedure known as spaying. It usually involves
an ovariohysterectomy, removal of the ovaries and uterus via a surgical
incision over the belly button or left flank. However some vets prefer
to carry out an ovariectomy alone, leaving the uterus in place. Note
how this differs with the equivalent human procedure, a hysterectomy,
where only the uterus is removed.

Why should I neuter my cat?

For males, the reasons in favor of castration a

1. Birth control. If you also own a female cat that has not been
spayed, this will prevent unwanted pregnancies.
2. Stopping territorial behavior such as urine marking or spraying in
the house.
3. Reducing aggression and making the cat less fractious.
4. Making the cat less likely to wander in search of mates, and
therefore less likely to suffer a road traffic accident.
5. Reducing the number of fights the cat gets into as a result of
territorial disputes, and therefore reducing the chance of injuries
such as abscesses, and reducing the probability of the cat contracting
Feline Aids or Leukaemia virus.

The arguments against castration in male cats a

1. The anesthetic risk. With every general anesthetic there is a risk,
but in a young cat that risk is very, very low.
2. Other potential complications. These are very rare and usually
easily resolved and include infection, bleeding into the scrotum and
herniation.
3. The cost. This will vary hugely between clinics, and can be from $10
to $50

For female cats, the reasons in favor of spaying a

1. Birth control. Unwanted pregnancies are a hassle, if they occur you
have the responsibility of terminating the pregnancy (this can be done
via a pregnant ovariohysterectomy), paying for any complications with
the birth (Caesarian sections are expensive) or finding loving homes
for the kittens.
2. Stopping the cat from wanting to wander around the neighborhood
looking for tom cats to mate with.
3. Stopping erratic behavior associated with being on heat.
4. Eliminating the risk of ovarian or uterine cancer and other rare
diseases such as infection of the uterus.

The argument against spaying in females a

1. The anesthetic risk. With every general anesthetic there is a risk,
but in a young healthy cat that risk is very, very low.
2. Other potential complications. There include infection, breakdown of
the abdominal wound and internal bleeding. These are very rare and
usually easy to resolve.
3. The cost. This will vary hugely between clinics, but is usually
around $50-$100

When should I neuter my cat?

The answer is the same for males and females, 6 months of age.

Cats can and are neutered safely as young as 8 weeks. They merely have
to be big enough to handle the anesthetic. Early Spay and Neuter is
routinely performed on cats that are 2 lbs or more. There is no need
to wait 6 months! Find a vet who practices early S/N and prevent
unwanted pregnancy!

-L.