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You are here: Home > Cat care > FAQs > Neutering

Neutering

  • When can a female cat start reproducing?Vet with cat
  • Is there financial assistance available if I can't afford the operation?
  • Can I get financial help with neutering a feral colony?
  • What if I have a large group of cats that need neutering?
  • How can I tell if my kitten is male or female?
  • What behavioural signs does an unneutered tom display?

    Did you know that...

    Neutering has multiple benefits for both males and females.

    Males will be less inclined to fight, roam and spray thus lessening the risk of catching diseases spread through bites. Also neutering reduces the risk of a cat being involved in a road traffic accident.
    Females won't have to endure the painful mating process, will be less likely to contract diseases that are spread through bites or reproductive activity and, of course, there will be less unwanted kittens. Unneutered female cats are at greater risk of developing mammary cancer.

    Please note:     If you have any concerns about your cat’s health or behaviour please contact your vet as soon as possible.

    When can a female cat start reproducing?

    Puberty usually occurs around five to eight months in cats, although it can happen as early as four months depending on the breed of cats. Cats Protection recommends neutering both male and female cats from four months of age. However, it is important to note that the vet responsible for your cat will specify when they are prepared to carry out the neutering operation (usually between four and six months of age). Your vet will consider each case on its own merits.

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    Is there financial assistance available if I can't afford the operation?

    Cats Protection offers financial assistance to help with the cost of neutering the cats of people on means tested benefits. Click here to find out more

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    Can I get financial help with neutering a feral colony?

    CP may be able to offer financial assistance to help neuter feral colonies providing their subsequent well-being is assured. Click here to find out more about feral neutering

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    What if I have a large group of cats that need neutering?

    CP may be able to offer financial assistance to help neuter groups of six or more cats in a household. Click here to find out more

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    How can I tell if my kitten is male or female?

    To tell if your kitten is male or female, you will need to lift the tail and look at the back end. Both sexes will have two holes but on a female the holes will be fairly close together, whereas on a male there will be a space where the testicles will develop.

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    What behavioural signs does an unneutered tom display?

    Unneutered toms tend to be larger and generally more confident than neutered males. They tend to maintain a large territory area, as they will cover a large area looking for females that are coming into season. Because it is so important for toms to maintain a large territory to reproduce, they are more likely to fight with other cats and leave urine spray marks inside or outside.

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