Overview
If you have a cat or kitten, then at some point, you'll have to decide whether to have them neutered. Neutering is the surgical process of preventing your pet being able to reproduce. If you don't want your cat to have kittens or don't plan on breeding from them, then neutering is recommended.
Brief summary
Neutering cats can have several benefits, including preventing unwanted pregnancies, reducing undesirable behaviors, and preventing some medical conditions
For male cats, neutering can reduce urine spraying and marking behaviors, prevent testicular and prostate cancer, reduce aggression and fighting, decrease the likelihood of wandering, and prevent infectious diseases
For female cats, spaying can prevent unwanted pregnancies and phantom pregnancies, prevent pyometra, stop heat cycles, prevent mammary, ovarian, and uterine cancer
Before neutering, the vet will check the cat's health and ask you to restrict food overnight
The surgery involves general anesthesia and the removal of the reproductive organs
The ideal age for neutering is four months old, and it is recommended for outdoor cats before they are allowed to road
What is cat neutering?
Why should you neuter your cat?
What age to neuter a cat
What happens during cat neutering?
Preparing for the neutering procedure
Recovery from neutering
Side effects of cat neutering
How much to neuter a cat
Common questions on neutering cats
Studies into neutering your cat
Join the club today
Get regular health checks, vaccinations, and more, all included in your plan.
Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens, BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS
Published on 27/11/2018 • Reviewed on 02/02/2026