119, FAQ cat neutering

Jul 1, 2010 at 4:02 PM, ...@yahoo.com.sg> wrote:

Dear Judy,

I chanced upon a blog with your posting and email address. Pardon me for the abrupt email. I need help.

My male cat is about 1yr and 2 mths old. He is not neutered as I can't bring myself to see him go thru the pain. He has been a good cat all along. Very well toilet trained and will never poo or pee anywhere except his litter tray. However, 2 weeks ago, I realised he pee-ed on my couch! That was a 1 time off thing. It did not happen again after that. I've read about male cats spraying pee around the house if not neutered. Besides this, he also starts meowing pitifully at the door hoping to take a stroll outside. He is a 98% strictly indoor cat. The remaining 2% is only strictly for him to walk around the corridor outside my house. He has no contacts with other cats unless he is out for grooming or to the vet.

I have booked an appointment to have him neutered this coming Saturday. But, I am still in a dilemma. Should I neuter him? Is it necessary to neuter? Will he become depressed after the neuter? Will he be in great pain? Does he need to wear a cone after the neuter? (He hates wearing cone.) Is it very cruel of me to neuter him?

Sigh... Please help me!

Regards,
Name of Owner



E-MAIL REPLY FROM DR SING DATED JUL 2, 2010

I am Dr Sing Kong Yuen from Toa Payoh Vets, www.toapayohvets.com. In reply to your following questions:

Should I neuter him? Is it necessary to neuter? Will he become depressed after the neuter? Will he be in great pain? Does he need to wear a cone after the neuter? (He hates wearing cone.) Is it very cruel of me to neuter him?


1. Neutering a male cat or spay a female cat is perceived by many younger generation as cruel. So, it is a matter of choice for you.

2. Neutering is not necessary in the sense that it does not mean death if the surgery is not done. However, neutering at a young age (6 months of age) does help to stop, reduce and/or prevent your cat's male territorial marking (peeing on the couch) and mate-seeking behaviour (meowing loudly wanting to go out to find a mate, NOT to go for a stroll as you wrote).

3. After less than 14 days post-surgery, the cat does not feel the pain and is not "depressed" after the neuter.

4. After 2-3 days of poor appetite in most cases, the cat will start to eat. In any case, painkillers are given after surgery and for the next 4 days.

5. No need to wear the e-collar (cone) after neutering.

6. It is not cruel to neuter the male or female cat if the cat can has a better quality of life. A cat after 6 months of age has matured and though kept indoors, can still hear the meows and cries of outdoor cats fighting or looking for mates.

Caterwauling the whole night is a noise nuisance to everybody and is the main reason that owners start to get the cat neutered or spayed. The adult cat can't help himself or herself as he or she has heard the meows of other cats outdoors and want to go out to find the mates. Some make such loud noises at night that neighbours think that the cats are being beaten up by the owners. Neutering will prevent such sexual behaviours.

Please let me know if you have more queries.