Castrating cats offers many health and behavioural benefits, including preventing unwanted breeding, reducing aggression, and limiting roaming. The procedure also reduces territorial spraying, sparing owners from the pungent odours and property damage associated with this behaviour. It is a safe and common routine surgical procedure widely recommended by veterinarians.

Castration is a surgical procedure that removes the testicles from a male cat. This surgery is typically recommended for cats between the ages of 4 and 7 months. It can also be called neutering or surgical sterilisation. Castration does not cause a change in personality, intelligence, playfulness, or affection. It's important to keep your cat calm and stop them from licking the wound after surgery.

Why is this procedure recommended?

Your vet may recommend this surgery for your male cat for the following reasons:

• Removing the chance of testicular cancer (tumours) and other testicular diseases.

• Helping to control the stray cat population.

• Can reduce behaviours such as spraying, roaming, cat fights, and aggression.

• It weakens the smell of the urine.

How is the surgery performed?

The operation is performed under a general anesthetic so your cat remains asleep and comfortable throughout.

• The skin of the scrotum is cleaned and sometimes shaved

• An incision is made over each testicle

• Followed by the removal of the testicles

• The incision is small and heals quickly so stitches are not needed

What happens on the day of the castration surgery?

Before the surgery day:

• Your vet may recommend keeping your cat indoors the night before the operation, to avoid any escapes

• Your vet will give you guidance on when to remove food before the operation

• Your cat should have had a pre-neuter check with a vet or a nurse to check their heart, lungs and other important factors before the anaesthesia

On the surgery day:

• A vet or a nurse will admit your cat

• The vet will examine your cat carefully to make sure it’s safe and appropriate for the operation to go ahead.

• When necessary, pre-anaesthetic blood tests will be performed

• Then a sedative and pain relief (pre-anaesthetic) will be given

• While the pre-anaesthetic is working, your cat will be kept in a calm, warm kennel

• Once ready, your cat will be put under general anaesthetic

• The surgical area is clipped and cleaned while your cat is closely monitored

• Surgery will begin

After surgery:

• After your cat wakes up from the anaesthesia, they will be placed in a warm, comfortable kennel to recover

• Usually, your cat can go home a few hours after their operation. If they take longer to recover from anaesthesia, they may need to be monitored for longer

• Your cat may be a bit quieter than usual or seem a little groggy when they get home, this should settle by the next day

• Your cat will have a pain relief injection during their operation, so they won't usually need to come home with additional painkillers (but talk to your vet if you have any concerns once home)

What are the costs for castration surgery in cats?

Cost depend on:

• Geographic location of the vet practice

• The type of clinic

• Whether you opt for additional measures like blood tests and intravenous fluids

• In the UK, costs often start around £100+

What are the potential downsides and limitations of castration in cats?

Potential disadvantages include:

• Castration slows your cat's metabolism (how quickly they burn up food) and may make them prone to obesity if their diet isn’t adjusted.

  • Obesity is the result of overfeeding and a lack of physical activity. By regulating your cat’s diet, as well as ensuring daily exercise, you can prevent obesity. Speak to a vet if you need help.

• If your cat has behaviour problems driven by testosterone, it can take up to several weeks for the hormone levels to drop and the behaviour to decrease or stop.

• In adult cats, some behaviours become "learned" and won't improve with castration

  • It is best to neuter cats as kittens, but the procedure still offers benefits for adult males. Castration will still usually result in a calmer, less aggressive pet.

Are there any risks associated with surgery?

Even though it’s a routine day at the clinic, we know surgery is a big deal for you and your cat. While all anaesthesia carries a small risk, today’s advanced equipment and specialised medications mean your pet is monitored every second of the way, making the procedure incredibly safe and smooth.

Mild complications with the surgical wound or scrotum include:

• Bruising

• Swelling

• Infection

Severe complications are very rare, such as:

• Anaesthetic risks (higher if your cat has any other medical issues)

• Bleeding (haemorrhage)

When is the best time to have your cat castrated?

It is recommended to have a developmental check up or a pre-neuter check at 4-6 months old. At this check, your vet will discuss the best time to perform the surgery. Castration can be done at a later age if necessary.

How to care for your castrated cat

The recovery period for a routine castration is generally 7 days. This period may be longer depending on your pet's age, other health issues, or surgical complications.

Aftercare includes:

• Keeping your cat indoors and calm for a period of around a week.

• In some cases, your vet may dispense a buster collar to prevent licking the wound.

• Male cats tend to only have one check-up afterwards, or they may not need one at all if they are doing well.

When to worry after castration?

Seek urgent vet care if your cat is:

• Bleeding or has other discharge from the surgical wounds

• Collapsed

• Breathing abnormally

• Weak (lethargic) for more than 24 hours after coming home

• In a lot of pain

Joii can help if:

• There is bruising around the incisions

• Your cat has a swollen scrotum

• If you cannot keep your cat calm

• If your cat can lick or chew at the incision

• If you have difficulty administering prescribed medication