My cat seems to sleep all the time. :(
2006-09-23 13:39:23 · 20 answers · asked by songbird 6 in Pets ➔ Cats
Some do, some don't. Part of the difference is that most male critters get neutered at around six months up to a year of age, which is a time that they are no longer kittens but not mature yet. They are outgrowing that kitten hyperness, so many just naturally start to calm down. It is just a coincidence that they also get neutered at that time, making it seem that the neutering is to blame.
That said, it does of course have some effect. As others have mentioned, there is a severe drop in the amount of testosterone in the males body now (there is still some produced by the adrenal glands). This generally decreases aggressiveness and sex drive. (In an older animal, neutering has less effect because aggressiveness and other behavior has become a habit).
However, I have a male cat who is about a year and a half old who was neutered at six months. He's still very playful and active. It's just his personality. He sneaks outside every chance he can get. But I had another neutered cat who hated to move at all.
It is normal for an adult cat to sleep 16 to 18 hours every day (must be nice, huh?). Thus it is important to try to make sure that the cat has some activity during the short time he's awake--plenty of toys and personal interaction with you. Also, if you feed free-choice (dry food out all day) try to feed the cat twice a day instead. Look on the bag of food to see how much he should eat in a day. Measure it with a proper measuring cup and give him half in the morning and half at night, or whatever works with your schedule. You might want to try an indoor or weight control formula if he's a bit chubby.
Another thing I do sometimes is hide food or treats in toys or under pillows, so they have to work a little bit for it. They enjoy the fun. I do the same thing for my dogs to help alleviate boredom.
Good luck!
2006-09-23 14:58:46 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I just got my first male cat and having him neutered hasn't changed a thing. He was a little sluggish after the surgery because we had him declawed at the same time. I would say within 2 weeks he was back to normal. He just turned a year and has calmed some with age, but not a lot.
2006-09-23 21:49:22 · answer #2 · answered by Phil's Brat 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Neither of my boys did. How old is he? They get slower as they get older. If he's not 5 or 6 years old at least, talk to your vet. There may have been some neurological damage. Or he could be very annoyed with you. My youngest took 3 weeks to speak to me again after his neutering. He didn't, however, sleep! Just the opposite. He roared around the house yelling at the top of his siamese voice!
2006-09-23 20:43:27 · answer #3 · answered by Baby'sMom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No they no longer have the hormonal drive to be "looking for love" all the time so they have much more time to do other things.
Like sleep.
They do not get fat unless you over feed them and not gove them enough exercise.
With cats it is harder to make the exercise as they are not good at going for a walk. I have one of those wands toys with a feather on it and my cat chases it a cople of times a day fro about 10 minutes or so each time. It helps.
2006-09-23 20:46:40 · answer #4 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yeah actually they do but in my cats case, it was a good thing. He was spraying my house and whenever he got out would attack the livin daylights outta you if you tried to pick him up. He was a regular terror. Since he got fixed, he has calmed down considerably and even grooms the kittens I brought in...in fact they cuddle up next to him often and fall asleep...yeah it is cute! I guess they are not producing as much testosterone and just do not feel the need to be as aggressive or active.
2006-09-23 21:18:46 · answer #5 · answered by tigerlily_catmom 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, what do you want him to do? Take out the trash and wash the car? Dance and sing? He has nothing else to do. People have this weird misconception that animals are lazy. But they have nothing to do, for crying out loud! They don't have to hunt for food. So, if you don't play with him and provide some sort of entertainment for him, then let him sleep. Or get yourself a nap. You deserve it.
2006-09-23 20:49:28 · answer #6 · answered by ravin_lunatic 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In general, yes. Animals are more driven by their instinctive needs than people are. Your cat now has all the food, water and shelter he could ever want, provided by you. He doesn't have to worry about predators. And now, he has no drive to find a mate. Basically, he has no more motivation to be active, so he isn't.
2006-09-23 20:41:58 · answer #7 · answered by juicy_wishun 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Is your cat an indoor cat or outdoor cat? That makes a difference. Also, once a cat is inside, it sleeps more.
2006-09-23 20:47:08 · answer #8 · answered by poet_by_nature 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes they settle down guite a bit. they dont feel the need that they will ever have a chance with another female so there is no need to fight off the other males. so they can sit around and get fat some get happier after bein clipped.
2006-09-23 22:36:33 · answer #9 · answered by redneckgirl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my girl kitten was just spayed and she is incredibly lazy, all she does is sleep and she wont eat... 2 1/2 days after surgery too. she will come around... think of how you would feel after having a major surgery.... all you want to do is sleep....
2006-09-23 20:44:06 · answer #10 · answered by geisy08 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋