Desexing for male cats

 

Desexing in male cats is usually performed at 4-6 months of age, but can be performed later in life. Desexing involves completely removing the testes. A desexed cat cannot father kittens and the absence of the hormone testosterone will influence some behaviours.   

 

The absence of testosterone will:

•      Reduce the urge to mark territory by spraying (urinating on objects). This may include objects indoors as well as outside objects such as cars;

•      Reduce the urge to escape or wander looking for a mate. Roaming can cause a lot of stress for the pet’s family. It can also result in pet injury (most commonly from traffic accidents and fighting with other animals). Roaming animals can also incur hefty council fines;

•      Reduce aggression toward other animals.

 

(The influence desexing has on behavior may not be as great in animals desexed at an older age because behavious performed over a long period of time become a habit).

 

Health benefits of desexing include:

•        Reduced risk of contracting diseases spread through fighting or mating such as feline AIDS and Leukaemia.

 

Cost benefits and ethical reasons to desex include:

•       Reduced potential costs associated with injury through roaming, fighting and traffic accidents;

•       Council registration is in most cases, cheaper for desexed animals;

•       Not contributing to the unwanted kitten problem (remember there are already thousands of animals without homes in animal shelters across Australia).

 

Feeding:

• Desexing does result in a reduced energy requirement. As with any animal, if they are fed more than they require they are at risk of becoming overweight. Desexed cats require less food than undesexed cats and therefore their diet needs to be adjusted accordingly.

 

Desexing is a day procedure that we perform routinely under a general anaesthetic. Your pet does need to be fasted prior to the surgery. We will also provide a pain relief injection at the time of the surgery. Most male cats do not require any stitches after being desexed. To discuss desexing further or to make an appointment please call us.