One of the first changes you may notice in a neutered male cat is that he is much less active. Before neutering, your male cat had large amounts of testosterone flowing through his blood, which promotes increased muscle mass and activity. It also helps create a strong urge to mate and is linked to aggression.
Meowing less
A male cat’s behavior after neutering should be monitored. Some cats will have side effects, including lethargy, vomiting, and discomfort. Your veterinarian will give you a prescription for pain medications that will help your cat recover from the procedure. Your new cat should be kept in a quiet room for the first 24 hours. If your cat does not stop meowing after this time, you should call your vet to see if your cat is having problems with his neutering.
Neutering a male cat reduces the urge to meow. However, some male cats will still meow after the surgery. This may be caused by underlying medical conditions or boredom.
Spraying less
Male cat behavior after neutering involves less spraying, which can be a great relief for cat lovers. However, spraying is not always sexually related and can also be caused by other problems. The scent of a previous marking or stress can trigger the behavior. In these cases, a veterinarian may recommend behavioral modification programs or other solutions to teach your cat where to pee. No matter which solution you choose, it will require patience and plenty of TLC.
Neutering also decreases aggressive behavior, which is a testosterone-dependent behavior. This may be related to the contextual decrease in submissive behavior that also follows neutering. Neutering may affect all types of cats and may have similar effects on female cats and males.
Aggression less
Neutered male cats show less aggression toward other cats, compared to those that are not neutered. The study also showed that neutered cats spend less time in close proximity to other cats. This may be related to hormonal changes, which reduce male motivation to maintain proximity relationships with females. Although affiliative behaviors are rare after neutering, neutered cats appear to have less aggression toward other cats than their unneutered counterparts.
Although neutered male cats are less aggressive, it is important to remember that they can still get into fights with other cats, even after they have been neutered. Most interactive aggression between male cats is due to competition and the size of their territory. In some cases, punctures from fights can lead to abscesses. Neutering male cats reduce fighting and the risk of abscesses. Neutered male cats are also less likely to roam, which is especially important during mating season.
Calmer
After neutering, male cats are calmer and more affectionate. This is an advantage for families with children or for those who want to have a cat as a pet. Neutered male cats are also less territorial. As a result, they are much less likely to spray urine on the house or fight with other male cats.
While many cats are not affectionate with humans, unneutered males are known for being more aggressive. Their aggressive behavior is usually motivated by hormonal factors. They may engage in territorial marking, loud yowling to a queen, and restless behavior.
Sleeping longer
After neutering, your male cat may sleep more than normal. The surgery may reduce the amount of testosterone in his body, so he may be less active. Sleeping longer after neutering may be a normal reaction to surgery, but your cat will likely return to his normal sleep patterns within a week.
In addition to sleeping longer, neutering may reduce your male cat’s aggressiveness and sexual urges. It may also be less aggressive for the rest of your cat’s life. However, before you decide to neuter your male cat, make sure your veterinarian has checked for signs of pain or discomfort.