When should I consider neutering?

From around the age of 5 to 8 months, kittens reach sexual maturity and are therefore capable of breeding and producing kittens themselves! Most veterinary surgeries would advise that the best time to have your cats neutered is between 5-6 months. It is advisable to keep your cats in until they are neutered, as they may be able to get pregnant slightly before this age.

Why neuter?
The benefit of having cats neutered far outweighs the consequences and is a very responsible thing for a cat owner to do.
Neutering a cat - castration in the male (removal of the testes), and spaying the female (removal of the ovaries and uterus), not only prevents unwanted pregnancies occurring, but also curbs unwanted behavioural patterns associated with sexual maturity. It also reduces the risk of certain diseases and reduces the risk of female cats possibly developing a uterine infection. An unspayed female cat can have up to three litters each year, with up to six kittens in each litter. In five years she could have over 20,000 descendants.
Once sexual maturity is reached, the cat will begin to come into season or 'call'. Cycles of sexual activity typically occur every three weeks and will only stop once your cat is spayed. Signs may include rolling around on the floor, yowling or calling, increased appetite and restlessness.

How can I tell if my cat is pregnant?
If you do not get your cat spayed, they cat may become pregnant. You will not be able to tell if your cat is pregnant until the 2nd or 3rd week of the pregnancy. The pregnancy will last 63 days. Signs may include enlarged nipples (may change colour & harden to prepare for lactation) and a swollen belly from around 4-5 weeks.
We would recommend taking your cat to the vets for a check up to confirm pregnancy. Once there, the vet should be able to advise the best course of action.

What changes can I expect after neutering?
In the male, you may find that your cat does not stray as much and therefore is at less risk of being involved in possible road traffic accidents and being involved in fights with other cats. The aggressive behaviour puts an uncastrated male at much higher risk of serious infectious diseases that are transmitted through cat bites. It may also stop him from starting to 'spray' or mark his territory around your home.
Cats usually recover from the neutering operation remarkably quickly. They may be a little drowsy for a few hours, but by the next day they are usually very lively again.
It is important to remember that once a cat has been neutered, there is a stronger tendency for it to become obese. This is because it may become less physically active due to no longer feeling the urge to roam around looking for a mate. You may therefore need to adjust the amount of food you provide should your cat start to put on too much weight.