Neutering not only protects against unwanted offspring, but also has many advantages.
When are cats sexually mature?
In general, it should be noted that it is impossible to determine exactly when a cat is sexually mature. This is because the onset of sexual maturity and thus the possibility of producing offspring depends on several factors. Firstly, there are differences between cats and males: Females reach sexual maturity somewhat earlier, on average at six to nine months. Male cats, on the other hand, are not sexually mature until they are eight to ten months old. There are also breed differences: Abyssinian, Siamese and Birman cats are considered precocious and can be sexually mature at five months. In long-haired cats, the process often takes considerably longer and can take up to a year.
How do I recognize sexual maturity?
Sexual maturity is noticeable in cats through changes in behavior. Cats start to mark. Both female cats and male cats deposit urine in various places. Cats show that they are ready to mate by meowing and whining loudly. In the case of female cats, this is also referred to as "heat". Rolling on the floor and intensive rubbing against furniture or people are further signs. If the mating posture is assumed - the cat lays its head flat on the floor and raises its rump - the readiness to mate is at its peak. If you have indoor cats, you must have doors and windows closed or secured. With outdoor cats, it is not unusual for their forays to last longer and for them to come home with scratches from territorial fights. It is also not unusual for cats to suddenly have less appetite and appear restless.
Should cats be neutered?
If you don't want to breed and have an outdoor cat, you should have it neutered. In some municipalities, this is even required by law in order to curb the uncontrolled reproduction of cats. Find out about the regulations in your home town. Even if there is no obligation, neutering - in consultation with your vet - is always recommended as it has many benefits. A significantly longer life expectancy speaks in favor of neutering. Neutered cats live twice as long as non-neutered cats due to a lower risk of infection during competitive fights or mating. In addition, the transmission of "cat AIDS", leukemia or feline epidemics must be expected. In addition, the risk of accidents is higher in unneutered cats, as their forays are longer and they sometimes "blindly" follow a trail.
Neutering has advantages not only for the cats, but also for the owner. Although offspring is nice, animal shelters are full and therefore kittens should only be planned if there are suitable buyers. Neutering should be considered, especially for outdoor cats, as otherwise kittens can easily be born twice a year.
When is the right time to neuter a cat?
As soon as you notice conspicuous changes in your young cat's behavior, it's time for a visit to the vet. This is because there is a high probability that the first sexual maturity is imminent. However, the date should be agreed individually with the vet, as there is no such thing as the perfect moment.
Castration or sterilization
Interestingly, the rumour persists to this day that a cat is sterilized and a tomcat neutered. However, this is wrong. Regardless of gender, these are two different surgical procedures. Sterilization merely involves ligating the fallopian tubes or interrupting the vas deferens. Nothing changes in the animals' cycle or behavior. They are merely infertile.
In veterinary practices, castration is usually carried out, in which the ovaries or testicles are removed. Although this procedure is more extensive, it is standard. The clear advantage of castration over sterilization is that cats no longer come into heat - with all the associated side effects - and male cats stop marking.
What needs to be considered after neutering?
Neutering is carried out under general anesthetic. Discuss with your vet when you can pick up your cat again and what you need to take care of at home. Rest is particularly important in the first few hours after neutering. It is perfectly possible to wear a collar or bodysuit. The vet will usually want to check the wound two to three days after the operation. After 10 days the wound has healed and the stitches have dissolved or are removed.
Nutrition after neutering
Cats and cats develop a greater appetite after neutering. Unfortunately, the energy requirement also decreases after the operation, as the hormone balance changes. After neutering, sex hormones are no longer produced, male cats no longer go on the "mating season" and female cats become calmer. For this reason, weight should be monitored after neutering and food should be portioned exactly. If your cat continues to eat the usual amount, your cat may put on weight.