First time cat owner need some advice!!!?

Question

Ok, I have a male kitty. He is an indoor cat. Do I really need to get him fixed. Is it that important?

Answer 1

Neutering will keep him calm, hopefully keep him from spraying and marking his territory and eliminate the possibility of testicular cancers (as well as other cancers).

It's not that expensive and once done, you'll never have to worry about it again.

Answer 2

The cat owns you - you don't own the cat. Remember that, and you'll go far.

Cats are very different from dogs. They can be very loving, but they will not be forced to do anything. They want things on their terms, and are very independent.

If you don't want a male to spray, you can lessen the chances by having him neuteured early. Keep the litter box clean if you don't want your cat to use the bathroom elsewhere - and this means not only scooping but also completely changing the litter often, because cats can smell even after you scoop. Also - don't have the litter box anywhere near his food - cats instinctually do not like to be able to smell the litter box near their food, and will stop using the box if they can't get away from the smell when eating.

Feed your cat a quality diet - cat food, NOT dog food. Dog food does not have taurine - a nutrient that a cat needs, without it, the cat can go blind.

Spend time with your cat and socialize it well. If you have other animals, introduce the kitten to the other animals (and to small children, as well) under supervision. Make sure that the other animals do not harm the kitten.

Take the kitten to the vet as soom as possible. It will be checked for worms, skin problems, and ear mites. It will be given rounds of shots (it'll take a few visits at certain intervals) for FIV (Feline version of HIV), Feline Leukemia, rabies, and a few others. Keep up with the shots, and also with heart worm prevention. This process of health care is very much similar to a dog's.

Some cats will handle baths well. If you would like to be able to bathe your cat, then you should start when it is a kitten and keep a regular schedule in order to acclimate the cat. There are some that will not ever tolerate it, but I've never had problems getting my cats used to it. It helps to be able to bathe a cat when there is a need - and there almost always will be at some point. Just be gentle, use warm water, talk to and praise the cat through the process, and take your time. Make sure that you dry the kitten well - small animals will get cold easily. You can wrap him in a towel and cuddle until he's dry. That will also help him to know that you are trustworthy - kind of like "making up."

Cats love to play, and some love catnip - try it out. You can find many toys at a pet store that are made for cats. You will also need a scratching post - otherwise, they will use your furniture and carpet.

Best of luck - a cat is definitely a like a friend where a dog is more like a child.

Answer 3

it isnt necasary to do right away but its a good have done.Seeing as hes an indoor kitty it shouldnt be too big of an issue. But when he starts to spray it is time. There is places that will give u cheaper rates when it comes to that. I cant remeber what it is called. Concerned citizens for pets?...something like that... they made it so we only paid like 25 bucks for a male and 50ish for females. Other wise it can be rather expensive. Youll have to wait for the certificate to come in the mail and then u go to your vets and theyll give you the discount.

Answer 4

Male cats have a need to mark their territory, spray, and neutering helps rid them of that need. Yes, if he is going to be an indoor cat, get him fixed.

Answer 5

Even if he's an indoor cat there is no assurance that he won't ever get out. You don't ever need to get a cat fixed, but you might want to seriously consider doing so.

Answer 6

Male cat's will start to spray urine as they mature. Getting them neutered should quell that. Neutering will also help calm them down some. I would highly recomend neutering your pet no matter what. Cat's can get out and there are way too many unwanted pets in the world.

Answer 7

YES, manely because, as he starts to get older he WILL want to go outside, wether or not he's ever even been out there, and it will save ur house from being sparyed all the time, cause once they start that, it is very hard to get them to stop.
PLUS, it will calm him down. Trust me, male kitties have a tendency to b more hyper than females.

Answer 8

You should have any pet fixed. If he should ever get out and get with a female he could impregnate her and make the already high volume of unwanted kittens go up. The local SPCA or Humane Society does the procedures at a minimal cost to you. Think about it.

Answer 9

I would get him fixed. Male cats can be very territorial, and they use their urine to mark their turf. A male cat spraying can mark a big spot and leave an even bigger mess. It does calm them down as well...just watch how much you feed him after so he doesn't blimp out!

Answer 10

Just to offer you the other side to this, I personally don't believe in altering animals if it can be avoided. It can change their personality forever. With that said I have girl cats so I don't have to worry about the spraying. I can understand how that would be a big issue. As for the people who said that the cat will want to go outside eventually, that is not necessarily true. I've had my unaltered cat for 3 years and she has no desire to go outside. I think she is afraid of the outside to be honest with you. I hate to think of her as afraid to be outdoors but she is allergic to everything so she can't go out. If your still not sure check with your vet about the pros and cons.