Features: Magazine | Literary Review | Life | Metro Plus | Open Page | Education Plus | Book Review | Business | SciTech | Friday Review | Young World | Property Plus | Quest | Folio |

A safe procedure

Neutering has many benefits, particularly in male cats. Read on

Neutering is a routine operation performed by vets to remove the cat's reproductive organs. This procedure stops the production of hormones that are responsible for the animal's sexual behaviour and reproduction.

Most pet owners are aware that pets should be neutered, but only some know the reasons why the process is beneficial, particularly in male cats. Following puberty, at approximately six or eight months, the male cat develops a number of `undesirable' behavioural changes.

Marking territory

He will become territorial and start to mark areas, often in the house, by spraying urine, which would by now have developed a particularly strong odour. He will start to enlarge his territory by straying ever further from the house, particularly at night. It is for this reason that many cats involved in road traffic accidents are `entire' males.

Neutering also greatly reduces the chances of the cat spraying in the home. Besides being unsanitary, the urine odour and stains are extremely difficult to remove.

Neutering reducing stress for the owners and increases the cat's chances of being a loved and wanted family member. Many owners bring the cat for neutering because they are unable to withstand this `unattractive' male cat behaviour.

Also, un-neutered `toms' roam in search of a female in heat. This search can take them far and wide and across roads regardless of the volume of traffic and the associated dangers. A tom can detect and follow the scent of a female for over seven miles and the chances of him becoming injured on his trek, not only from traffic but also from other males, are high.

Another consequence of male cat behaviour is that the `tom' can easily become lost. Meeting other male cats often means fights break out.

Bite wounds to intact male cats can develop into abscesses that require veterinary care, sometimes these wounds can become infected with viral diseases that prove fatal to the animal. Neutering reduces this instinct to roam in the male cats.

Male cats that are un-neutered often pay little attention to grooming, showing an unkempt appearance and often, a matted coat. Neutered male cats will keep themselves clean and are better turned out.

Neutering cuts out the risk of testicular cancer and decreases the incidence of prostate and anal tumours. It does not alter the basic personality of your cat.

He doesn't suffer any kind of emotional reaction or identity crisis when neutered.

On the other hand, he will become more loving and contented and will be an affectionate animal companion.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail