Do male cats necessarily need to be neutered?

Male cats do not necessarily need to be neutered, but cats that are not neutered require more tolerance and care from their owners. During their mating season, unneutered male cats may exhibit behaviors such as spraying urine inappropriately, becoming more aggressive, losing weight, and having mixed fur colors. Unneutered cats that are notbred normally are more likely to develop reproductive system diseases in their senior years. If normal breeding is desired, these issues can be avoided, and neutering is not necessarily the best option.

Benefits of Neutering Male Cats

Neutering can reduce howling behavior, running away from home, and random urination during mating season. The most direct benefit is the reduction of reproductive system diseases such as testicular cancer. It can also indirectly extend a cat's lifespan and make them more affectionate. However, due to hormonal changes after neutering, cats are prone to putting on weight, so it is necessary to adjust their diet to maintain a balanced intake of food.

Drawbacks of Neutering Male Cats

Neutering generally refers to physical castration, which means surgically removing the cat's reproductive organs. In male cats, this involves removing the testicles. There is also a chemical castration method, but it is rarely used. The testicles, as reproductive organs, produce sperm cells, store them, and produce various physiological hormones to regulate endocrine and promote secondary sexual characteristics. After removing the testicles, male cats cannot produce sperm cells anymore, achieving the purpose of neutering. After removing the testicles, male cats cannot produce sperm cells and important physiological hormones such as testosterone. These hormones play a vital role in the cat's growth, and their removal may affect the cat's immunity and personality.

How Long Does It Take for a Male Cat to Recover from Neutering?

After surgery, a cat can recover from normal mental and dietary status within 1-2 days for the fast recovery or 3-8 days for the slower recovery. The wound usually heals within 1-2 weeks after the operation. It is recommended that the owner give the cat an anti-inflammatory injection for three consecutive days after neutering and put an Elizabeth collar on the cat to prevent it from licking the wound and causing infection.