Cat neutering
A short procedure to remove the testicles of a male cat, under general anaesthesia with monitoring. It reduces urine marking, roaming and fighting; the cat goes home the same day.
What it involves
Neutering a male cat involves removing both testicles through two small incisions in the scrotum. The wounds are so small that they usually need no stitches — they heal on their own within a few days. After the procedure testosterone production stops.
In practice, for the owner this means the disappearance or marked reduction of strong-smelling urine marking, less urge to roam and fight with other tomcats, and hence a lower risk of bite wounds and infections spread in fights (FIV, FeLV).
Neutering is a surgical procedure, so we carry it out to the same standard as any operation: pre-anaesthetic assessment, monitoring of vital signs, pain management and written instructions.
When it is used
We perform the procedure in male cats from 6–7 months of age, ideally before sexual maturity is reached and the marking habit becomes established. In cats that go outdoors, neutering is one of the most effective ways of reducing fights and accidental litters.
In adult cats we perform the procedure at any age — after appropriate pre-anaesthetic assessment, with a blood test in seniors.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- The cat has started marking walls, furniture or doors with urine.
- A tomcat runs away from home and comes back injured from fights.
- The cat yowls, is restless and demands to go out, especially in spring.
- There is an unspayed female cat at home and you do not plan a litter.
- One or both testicles have not descended into the scrotum (cryptorchidism).
- An outdoor cat you want to protect from FIV and FeLV infection.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
Before the procedure a young, healthy cat has a clinical examination: listening to the chest, assessment of the mucous membranes, temperature, and checking that both testicles are present in the scrotum. That is enough for ASA I classification.
In cats over 7 years old, underweight cats, or those with signs of illness, we perform a blood test on site. If there is a heart murmur — echocardiography, because cardiomyopathy in cats can be asymptomatic.
How it proceeds
The cat arrives fasted, in a carrier. After the examination and the signing of consent we give premedication with a painkiller, followed by anaesthesia. Male cats are usually neutered under injectable or inhalation anaesthesia, always with monitoring of saturation, heart rate and temperature (STD-02).
The procedure itself takes about 10–15 minutes. Afterwards the cat wakes up in a heated recovery area — cats lose body heat easily, so temperature control is especially important in them.
Collection is usually after 2–4 hours, once the cat is alert and keeping its balance.
Aftercare
For the first 24 hours the cat should stay in a quiet room, with no going outdoors. For a few days it is worth using shredded paper instead of litter, so that granules do not get into the small wounds. We fit a collar only if the cat licks the scrotum excessively.
Give painkillers as instructed, usually for 2–3 days. Call if the scrotum is badly swollen, the cat does not pass urine for a day, or it does not eat for more than 24 hours.
Frequently asked questions
Will my cat stop marking after neutering?
In most cats the marking stops within a few weeks. The longer the habit has been established, the greater the risk that some of the behaviour will remain — which is why we recommend the procedure before sexual maturity.
Does the cat have to be fasted?
Yes, about 8–12 hours without food; water may be available until you set off. We will give exact guidance when booking.
When can the cat go outside?
Not before 7–10 days have passed, once the small wounds have healed. Going out earlier risks the wounds getting dirty and fights.
Does neutering affect appetite?
Yes — energy requirements fall. We recommend food for neutered cats or smaller portions, to avoid excess weight.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Questions about cat neutering?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.