Male Cat Behaviour After Neutering

If you’ve scheduled your male cat to be neutered, you may be wondering what to expect before and after their neutering procedure. Our vets in Voorhees offer some tips to help your four-legged friend recover from their surgery and list complications to watch for.

Neutering Your Male Cat

Millions of cats enter US animal shelters every year. The absolute best way to help reduce the number of unwanted cats in Voorhees area animal shelters is with neutering. Getting your kitten fixed could also help to curb many undesirable cat behaviors and help to reduce the risk of your cat developing many serious health conditions.

Neutering Male Cats is Recommend

Cat owners may feel reluctant to have their cats fixed, especially when it comes to indoor cats. Nonetheless, there are some very good reasons why your cat should be sterilized regardless of whether they spend their time indoors or outdoors:

• Can Help Protect Against Disease - Fixing male cats eliminates the chances of testicular cancer and lowers the risk of prostate problems. Generally, sterilized cats live healthier, longer, and happier lives.
• Can Be More Cost-Effective - Treating cancers of the reproductive system, caring for newborn kittens, and veterinary care for injuries sustained through cat fights can be costly. Neutering can help to reduce these costs.
• Often Curbs Undesirable Behaviors - Sterilized cats will be less likely to roam, yowl, wail, bite, display aggressive behavior, or spray or mark their territory. Intact males often escape to find females, putting them at risk of injury or fights with other males. Roaming can also expose your cat to dangerous diseases, including feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.
• A More Content Cat - It is believed that fixed cats live longer because they are less likely to wander away from home, become involved in road accidents ,and fight with other male cats.
• Fight Overpopulation - An estimated 60 million homeless cats are living in the U.S. - getting your male cat neutered can help control the cat overpopulation crisis.
   

What To Expect With Your Cat's Neutering Surgery

Leading up to your cat's surgery, you may begin to feel anxious. Knowing how to provide your cat with the care and attention they need will help your pet get back to their regular self as soon as possible.

Your veterinarian will provide you with detailed instructions about how to care for your kitty and help them recover at home. You must follow these instructions carefully. If there are any steps you are unsure about, follow up with your vet for clarification. Once you return home, if you realize you've forgotten something regarding your cat's aftercare, don't hesitate to contact your vet to clarify.

General Anesthetic

We use general anesthetic during our surgical procedures to render your cat unconscious and to prevent them from feeling any pain during the operation. It takes time for the effects to wear off after the procedure is completed.

Your cat may be drowsy or shaky on their feet as a result of undergoing general anesthetic. These after-effects are quite normal and should fade with rest. A temporary lack of appetite is also quite common in cats who are recovering from the effects of general anesthesia.

Male Cat Neutering Recovery

Usually, when a male cat is neutered, the testicles are removed to prevent the production of sperm. This means they will no longer be able to get a female cat pregnant.

After these surgeries, your pet will need some extra love and attention to make sure they recover well. Male cat behavior after neutering can look different for each pet so make sure you are keeping a close eye on them as they heal.

The Incision Site

Following the surgery, you must try to prevent your cat from licking or chewing the incision site. Male cats will have two incisions, one on either side of the scrotum. Your vet may recommend an e-collar or recovery suit to prevent your cat from being able to reach the area.

It is very important to check your cat's incision site daily. There should be no sign of redness or oozing liquids, and there should be minimal swelling. In some cases, males may appear as if they still have testicles because of the swelling. This swelling is normal and should gradually reduce throughout the recovery period.

If you see any signs of infection contact your vet for further instructions.

Sutures

Your cat will most likely have absorbable internal sutures that will dissolve over time. The outer layer of your cat's skin will be held together with water-soluble surgical glue. Do not wash the area, or apply any ointments. Follow the post-op instructions provided by your vet and reach out to them if you have any questions about your male cat after neutering.

If your cat happens to have external sutures or staples, these will need to be removed at the end of the recovery period. When you pick your cat up on surgery day, it's a good idea to book a follow-up appointment.

Activity

It's important to limit your cat's activity for about 14 days following their surgery. Every cat is different and some are more energetic than others so this may be more challenging for some pet owners. 

Stretching and strenuous activity could cause the wound to open so ensure your pet is resting. Disrupting the healing process could lead to infection. This means no running, jumping or playing. Your cat should also be kept inside. Baths are also not allowed during this 14-day recovery period.

Feeding

Your pet animal will be given general anesthesia as part of the surgical process. When your cat first comes out of surgery the after-effects of general anesthesia can leave them feeling a little nauseous and lethargic. Expect your male cat to gradually recover their normal appetite about 24 hours after surgery. Begin by offering smaller portions at first before moving to full-size meals. If after 24 hours your cat is still lethargic or has symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea, contact our Voorhees vets.

Signs of Potential Complications

While neutering surgery is a standard and relatively safe procedure, complications can occur. Some symptoms and male cat neutering side effects that you should monitor closely are:

How Long for a Male Cat to Recover From Neutering?

Every cat is a little different and your cat's recovery time will depend upon their age, size, and overall health. Usually, your cat will be able to resume their normal activities after about two weeks of recovery time. Your vet may recommend a follow-up appointment before allowing your four-legged comapnion to resume strenuous activity.

Be sure to follow the post-op instructions provided by your vet and contact our Voorhees vets if your cat is taking longer than expected to recover from their surgery.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.