What are some real negative effects of neutering a male cat?

Question

I have a male unneutered cat who is 2 years old. He doesn't whine, fight, spray, breed (entirely indoor and likes it that way) and is the most affectionate cat I've encountered. Honestly, I know all there is to know about why I SHOULD neuter my cat so I ask that no one tell me about that, I promise I've done my homework. What I haven't found are any reasons not to and that worries me more than it comforts me. I know there are negative effects to having a major hormone-producing organ surgically removed, but no one will admit to any of them. The only thing I've heard is that cats may gain weight after being neutered because they won't be spending as much energy on humping and fighting and their personalities may change...they'll be more friendly. Yay. Those are backhanded answers. When a human goes in for any surgery there is a 3 page handout that covers all of the possible side-effects even for tonsilechtomies. All I want is similar information for my cat so I can be fully informed.

Answer 1

Since your cat is indoors only and is not exhibiting typical unneutered male behavior, I see no particular reason to put him under the knife.

That being said, I've never noticed any particular changes in male cats after they've been fixed, other than weight gain, sluggishness, and the elimination of some behavioral problems (namely aggression, wanderlust, and spraying). If there are other changes, I haven't noticed them.

Since your cat is two years old and has undergone puberty already, any changes brought on by neutering would be particularly minimal. This is one reason vets opt to neuter pets while they are still kittens or puppies.

This site lists some pros and cons, if you're interested: http://www.petplace.com/cats/pros-and-cons-of-spaying-and-neutering-in-cats/page1.aspx

Answer 2

Aside from the reasons you mentioned above (breeding, fighting, spraying, roaming, etc.), a big plus I see to having your indoor male cat neutered is the smell. Tom cat urine stinks to high heaven, I don't know how you tolerate it indoors. I worked in a vet clinic for 2+ years, and dealt with all kinds of smells, but tom cat urine clears the room every time. We'd literally have to air the place out if we had a tom cat hospitalized. We'd empty his litter pan immediately after he used it and take the litter outside, but the entire office would stink. The only smell I ever encountered wose than tom cat is Parvo in dogs, and I wouldn't wish that on anyone either. If your unneutered cat isn't stinking up your house, I wonder if he has some sort of problem--perhaps undescended/underdeveloped testicles that are not producing enough hormones to cause the odor.

Answer 3

No negatives, all positives. They are healthier and live longer when they are neutered. Weigh gain can be controled with diet, so don't let that stop you. I have a neutered Mainecoon who is 8 years old. He is active and a very happy cat and not overweight. He never runs off, even if the goes outside for a breath of fresh air, he has no reason to seek out the female cats in heat. So we have helped with the "unwanted cat" population. I truly believe in spaying and neutering. I hope this helps.

Answer 4

I think the main drawback is usually the weight gain, and sometimes a neutered male will also have urinary problems. I would say that if you have none of the usual problems with your un-neutered male, then don't have him neutered. The only thing would be if he were to get out, he could end up in a fight, as well as possibly fathering more unwanted kittens. Good luck to you.

Answer 5

Sounds like to me that if your cat is happy and you don't have any reason to do so,Why do it then.I have a dog thats indoors and not neutered and hes like 11 yrs old.Had a cat that is 7 yrs old had him neutered cause he was always roaming .He now is happy to stay right around the house and have not had any health issues ever.So, guess it's your choice.Hope you make the best one for everyone.

Answer 6

Sounds to me like you've done your homework! Honestly if you're fine with keeping all his "parts" then do so - but ONLY if there is no threat of him getting loose and increasing the cat population. I work as a volunteer taking care of cats and kittens that need homes with loving people and it breaks my heart each time a kid is dropped off because of the over-population. So please - if there is a chance of your little boy getting loose, don't risk it - have him neutered to keep the pet population down. Your one little snip may not seem like much, but it really is! God bless you for checking so thoroughly too! You sound like the kind of owner that many cats need to find more often!! :)

Answer 7

I don't know about the negative effects... as I am like you... I did not do it... because I would not like it done to me.

Unlike you... my cat goes outside... spray and fight. He does not spray inside... only outside.

The reason that yours does not spray is because he has not come into contact with another cat. If he could smell another cat outside your house or flat... he would start spraying to establish his territory.

What I know is that the main reason people neuter their cat is to stop them spraying. What I also know is that unless you neuter them at an early age before they get into fights... it won't work anymore. Once they developed the taste for fighting... they will keep on fighting after they are neutered.

What I don't understand... is why anyone would want to buy a male cat... and then neuter him. It seem to defeat the logic.

Answer 8

i;ve never seen negative things happen to a cat ;after it was neutered or spayed;.the cats that i seen including my 3are the same except that they won;t be having litters every 4months...they are not fat and lazy either..one thing is different ;that they don;t stand at the door ;and wine and cry 24/7,,there all the same even more happy now,,,,

Answer 9

he will hate you for the rest of his life. wouldn't you hate someone that did that to you, too?