General information
To understand why the castrato does not stop his love affairs, you need to imagine the meaning and essence of castration. Contrary to popular belief, it does not in all cases involve the physical removal of the testes (testicles).
The following types of castration exist:
- Surgical castration. The simplest, cheapest, and therefore the most common method. It involves surgical excision of the testes, i.e. complete removal of the gonads.
- Chemical sterilization. This method is not very popular in our country, but has a number of important advantages. In particular, these include the absence of the need for general anesthesia and the low traumatic nature of the operation. In fact, the whole procedure boils down to the introduction of sclerotizing agents into the thickness of the testes. These are substances due to which the testicle is completely replaced by connective tissue.
- Radiation castration. The name is scary, but there is no need to worry: the testes are irradiated with a directed beam of gamma radiation, after which their tissue completely dies. Fast, reliable, the likelihood of side effects is reduced to the minimum possible. No anesthesia is required, the cat only needs to be restrained. But the fixation must be reliable: if the radiation beam “processes” the insides of the cat, the consequences will be extremely sad. The method, however, cannot be considered cheap.
- Drug-induced infertility. One of the most controversial methods. In this case, an implant is sewn under the animal’s skin, releasing medications (usually hormonal in origin) that suppress the pet’s libido. The testicles also remain intact. Moreover, after removal of the implant or due to the depletion of the supply of medications in it, after some time the cat’s sexual function is completely restored. The problem is that the constant effect of hormonal drugs on an animal’s body is extremely risky. Today, veterinarians believe that the risk of cancer and diseases of the endocrine glands increases significantly.
There is also a vasectomy. This procedure is a cross between full castration and medical infertility. The essence of the method is to ligate the vas deferens, as a result of which sperm is not released during ejaculation, but all other features of the cat’s sexual behavior remain. That is, the animal will run after cats, fight with its relatives, etc. Let us immediately note that in this case you should not be surprised by the characteristic “stomping”: in front of you is an absolutely “normal” cat, with fully preserved instincts and a set of sex hormones in the blood.
Sexual urges after castration
One of the main reasons why cat owners choose to neuter their cat—besides the obvious benefit of preventing unwanted reproduction—is to eliminate unwanted sexual behavior in general. In fact, mating and other expressions of your cat's sexual desire can be problematic and can be a source of real frustration. However, while castration can help with this, it is not a foolproof solution to the problem.
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Neutered cats tend to lose most of their sexual drive, but some cats may continue to show signs of sexual desire; ranging from collisions with inanimate objects and ending with a cat. If your cat falls into this category, it can be quite a shock and you may even wonder if the procedure worked. The good news is that persistence of sexual desires is quite common and does not mean that castration has failed.
So why do some cats retain sexual desires even after spaying or neutering??
In the early stages, the most likely explanation is that sex hormones remain in your cat's body for some time after surgery. In fact, it can take up to 12 weeks for all the hormones to disappear . Therefore, if your cat has been neutered within the last 12 weeks, this is most likely the reason for this behavior. On the other hand, most behaviors should gradually decrease over this three-month period.
Additionally, your cat's age at the time of spaying may also play a role, and is the most likely explanation for situations where sexual behavior continues even after the first 12 weeks after surgery. Simply put, the later in your cat's life the procedure is performed, the more likely she is to retain some of her mating instincts. This becomes especially likely if you spayed your cat after one year of age.
There are many reasons for this. By one year, your cat has already reached sexual maturity and may even have first-hand sexual experience. Meanwhile, some sex hormone-related behaviors, such as hormonal movement, are more difficult to completely eliminate because by this point they will become habitual behaviors. Of course, the sterilization process can reduce this behavior, even if it is not completely eradicated.
In the most extreme circumstances, your cat may even retain enough sexual urges to try to mate with the cat. Fortunately, as a result of sterilization, he will not be able to produce offspring.
Physiological problems during mating
If the mating is not successful, the cat will need to be examined by a veterinarian
An endless number of diseases can serve as a barrier to fertilization: inflammation of the ovaries, tubal obstruction, infectious diseases, taking sedatives during previous estrus, changes in hormonal levels, lack of progesterone and many others. It often turns out that basic obesity or lack of weight becomes an obstacle to the reproduction of offspring.
Only a doctor can determine the exact cause by conducting the necessary examinations. Self-medication can lead to the death of your pet.
Can a neutered cat require mating with a female cat?
If a cat was neutered at a young age and has no experience with a female, he will most likely not require mating with a female cat.
Sometimes, even after castration, someone behaves like a full-fledged male and continues to behave as before the operation. Why is this happening? Many experts explain this by the fact that the adrenal glands of animals produce an excess of the male hormone testosterone. It is this hormone that is responsible for sexual desire and, if there is too much of it in the cat’s body, it will, as before, demand mating with the cat.
The behavior of a neutered cat may also be affected by the age at which he underwent surgery.
If a cat, before castration, has repeatedly had sexual contact with a person of the opposite sex, therefore, he remembers how this happened, then even after the operation he can try to perform sexual intercourse with the cat.
Even young castrated cats may still have hormones in their bodies that are responsible for sexual desire for several months, as a result of which they may also show interest in females.
If there are cats in the apartment?
In some cases, there are several cats of the opposite sex in an apartment. If females are not spayed, it is quite natural that they have periods of estrus, and male cats may show increased interest in cats and try to mate with them. There can only be one way out of this situation - to isolate the male from the female for some time.
Cryptorchidism in a cat
It is very rare, but it also happens that a castrated cat requires a female due to a congenital defect, when one of his testicles did not descend, but remained in the abdominal cavity. This phenomenon is scientifically called cryptorchidism.
During castration, many veterinarians, either through inattention or lack of practice, do not cut it out, as a result of which a sex hormone is present in the body. In this case, repeated surgery will be required to completely remove the testicle.
Sometimes a neutered cat may require a cat due to stress or a surge in hormones. Usually this condition of the pet does not last long and goes away within a few days.
A little about castration of cats
There are 2 sterilization options:
- complete removal of the testes (orchiectomy);
- ligation (vasoresection) or cutting of the spermatic cords (vasectomy).
In the second case, the testicles continue to produce testosterone. This hormone is responsible for sexual desire. The animal is infertile, but shows interest in females, continues to walk and look for a partner for mating.
After an orchiectomy, the cat becomes a good-natured homebody. Urine stops emitting a sharp, specific odor, and nightly serenades and territory markings stop.
Castration eliminates hormonal surges and reduces the likelihood of inflammatory diseases and malignant neoplasms of the genitourinary system. Reduces the risk of injury and infection from contact with stray animals.
Why are pets neutered?
True pet lovers wonder why they should castrate or neuter their furry household members and violate their natural instincts. However, the other half of loving owners believe that it is much more humane to use surgical intervention than to keep their furry friend locked up and tolerate his negative behavior.
In this case, the animal does not cause mischief in the apartment and does not cause discomfort, since, if necessary, it can mate and cope with sexual needs. If we are talking about pets, you should not refuse the castration procedure.
Castration and attraction to the opposite sex
Thanks to the procedure of removing the gonads, animals cease to be interested in the opposite sex. However, after the operation, many owners complain that practically nothing has changed in the pet’s behavior.
He remains partial to females, although not as pronounced as before.
Why does this happen? This is due to the fact that pets have previously been sexually active, whether once or repeatedly. In this case, the pets constantly released sex hormones
This is why the pet remembers instincts from life before surgery, as a result of which the cat wants a cat after castration.
How to determine that a male wants an individual of the opposite sex
Determining what your cat still wants after castration is not that difficult. This can be understood by the following signs:
- The pet constantly lives near the front door or by the window. At any opportunity, the animal tries to escape from the house.
- The furry friend continues to mark his territory. He mainly marks the edges of sofas, the owners' shoes, doors and even walls. The smell is different from cat urine, it is more pronounced and difficult to get rid of.
- Constantly calling the opposite sex with a loud meow. Animals are especially active in the evening.
- The animal becomes aggressive and angry. Trying to pet a cat often results in scratched hands.
When to perform the operation
To ensure that after surgery the animal ceases to have interest in females, cats should be castrated before the age of one year. The best option is 7 - 8 months, during which time the pet’s body has time to finally form and get stronger. In addition, at this age pets do not have a sexual instinct. It is strictly not recommended to castrate a cat too early, since the animal has not reached puberty. In this case, the surgical procedure may be pointless.
How is the operation performed?
For your furry friend, the operation is completely painless. During the operation, the pet is under anesthesia.
Meanwhile, the veterinarian removes hair from around the genitals, carefully cuts the scrotum and removes the testes. The procedure lasts no more than half an hour. After the procedure is completed, the animal comes to its senses; recovery usually takes a day. During this period of time, the pet needs to be provided with physical rest and a comfortable sleeping place should be prepared.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_yQiNNpKIXc
Nuances of postoperative care
After castration, the cat needs to be properly cared for. The owner’s task includes not only treating the wound and preparing the correct diet, but also other equally important responsibilities on which the recovery process of the pet cat will depend.
Can a cat lick a wound?
The cat should not be allowed to lick the operated area. This can lead to sutures coming apart, bleeding, and wound infection. That is why it is recommended to wear a special collar, which can only be removed during meals under the watchful supervision of the owner.
Why can't you jump after castration?
In the first hours after the operation, the owner should monitor every movement of the cat, which has not yet recovered from anesthesia. The effect of anesthesia disrupts coordination of movement and disorients in space. Jumping from a height should not be allowed; the cat may not calculate the distance and trajectory of the jump, which will lead to a fall and injury to the operated area.
After surgery, if possible, the animal should be prevented from jumping from heights and active play for the entire period of rehabilitation, until the wound is completely healed.
When can you wash your pet?
Experts do not recommend bathing a cat during the first month after castration. Bath procedures should be avoided for at least 10-14 days after surgery until the wound heals. In case of urgent need, you can clean the fur from dirt using special products or wet wipes.
What else can and cannot be done after surgery
Let's consider what other rules of care should be followed in the postoperative period and what is unacceptable to do after castration of a pet.
Recommendations for caring for a cat after castration:
1. Upon returning home after the procedure, the cat should be placed in a special carrier or placed on the floor where there are no drafts.
Do not place the carrier on high places or near heating appliances. 2. Place a tray and a bowl of water next to the cat’s bed. 3. In the first days after surgery, you need to monitor the cat’s body temperature and monitor the condition of the wound. 4. You should not let your pet outside in the first week after surgery. 5. If necessary, if the cat experiences pain after castration, you can give him painkillers as prescribed by the veterinarian. 6. If signs of postoperative complications are detected, the cat should be immediately shown to a veterinarian! By following these simple rules for caring for a domestic cat during the postoperative period, you can eliminate the risks of adverse effects of castration and significantly speed up the animal’s recovery process. Within 1-2 weeks, the cat will return to its normal life, and the owner will notice many positive changes in his behavior and character.
Behavior problems
When cats ask for a date with a cat, household members have a hard time. The constant screaming makes it impossible to sleep at night. Some people can’t stand it and lock their pets in one of the rooms. Others wet the animal’s fur with water in the evenings. This allows you to gain an hour of silence while the cat licks its fur coat. But as soon as she dries up, she starts asking for the cat again. This behavior is exhausting and forces you to try different ways.
Is it possible to calm a cat at home?
Simply petting and calming a cat that asks for a cat is unlikely to work. You will have to be patient and wait until the heat ends.
Numerous “folk” tips on how to calm a pet usually turn out to be ineffective:
- Pet your pet more often. Showing attention will only increase arousal.
- Give sedatives. They will not help because the animal is not stressed. They are driven by the instinct of reproduction. Such medications only slightly dull the desire to mate.
- Feed the cat with products containing pheromones like Feliway. During sexual hunting they are completely useless. Such drugs help to quickly adapt to a new place and to endure the trip more calmly, but they do not pacify natural instincts.
Calming medications for cats
Sometimes veterinarians recommend taking sedatives. Such medications help to dull arousal a little, but their main purpose is to achieve mental lability, eliminate aggression and anxiety.
List of drugs and method of use:
- Cat Baiyun. A medicine based on herbs with a sedative effect - valerian roots, oregano, sweet clover, mint, motherwort, hop cones and others. As soon as the cat begins to ask for a cat, she is given 2 ml of medicine three times a day for 5-7 days.
- Fitex drops. A sedative with herbal components – valerian, motherwort, hop extract. The medicine normalizes the functioning of the central nervous system, muffles the feeling of fear and aggression. If a cat wants a cat, or vice versa, then the pet is given 3-5 drops of the product in the morning, lunch and evening for several days.
- Drops for cats Stop stress. The drug is available in the form of drops and tablets. The medicine contains aminophenylbutyric acid and extracts of valerian, catnip, hops and motherwort. This remedy helps reduce agitation and correct the animal's behavior in stressful situations. Directions for use: 1 drop per 1 kg of weight twice a day.
Artificial ovulation
Sometimes the safest and most effective way to calm a cat so that she does not ask for a cat is to artificially induce ovulation. This method is suitable if the pet cannot be given for mating right now for some reason. For example, if she is in her first heat or a worthy candidate for mating has not yet been found.
In some cases, veterinarians show owners how to simulate sexual intercourse at home, which will cause ovulation. To do this, you will need a small phallic-shaped object about 4-5 mm thick and 1.5-2 cm long. A cotton swab wrapped in a fingertip or something similar will do. The cat is held by the withers. When she is in the mating position, the object is gently inserted into her vagina.
It is recommended to repeat this procedure 3-4 times within 12 hours. After this, the pet should ovulate, which will provoke a false pregnancy.
The heat will stop, the cat will calm down, stop asking for the cat and will prepare for the appearance of kittens. Some females begin to arrange a place for birth. During a false pregnancy, hormonal changes occur, so milk may be released from the mammary glands.
What not to do
Some actions of owners can harm the cat. For example, you cannot lock an animal in a cellar or bathroom. Being alone will have a negative impact on your mental health.
It is also undesirable to let your cat outside unattended, because it could get hit by a car, contract a virus, or become a victim of aggressive dogs. In addition, uncontrolled walking during estrus can lead to mating with an outdoor cat.
You should not punish her, yell at her, or hit her. This will not help solve the problem, because the animal is at the mercy of instincts. The pet will still continue to scream and roll on the floor.
Types of cat sterilization operations
During the operation
As a rule, this is an abdominal operation, during which the cat’s uterus is removed along with the ovaries through a side incision of no more than 2 cm. The suture is tightened with biofilament, which resolves after a few months. Within 2-3 days after the operation, the cat returns to an active life; the operation leaves no mark on its psyche and does not affect its mobility.
Laparoscopic method and pregnancy
Also, to remove the uterus and ovaries, a laparoscopic method is used, in which only two punctures are made in the abdominal cavity. The punctures are sealed with special glue. After such an operation, the animal recovers very quickly. The disadvantage of this operation is its high cost.
Other methods
In the recent past they have been used
- tubal occlusion (tubal ligation);
- hysterectomy (removal of the uterus while preserving the ovaries);
- oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries without removal of the uterus);
- medicinal sterilization (chemical, when an implant with a substance that blocks reproductive functions is inserted under the skin);
- radiation sterilization (irradiation of the uterus).
But incomplete sterilization, firstly, is pointless, and secondly, it is fraught with the development of purulent infections and inflammations, and the last two methods are very toxic and carry a great risk to the life of the cat. Therefore, all of them are almost never used in veterinary practice.
Why does a neutered cat leave home?
Cats are wayward animals and can easily leave the house. There can be many reasons for this behavior. Let's look at the most common ones.
Even if a cat is neutered, he can still go off in search of a mate. If the animal has freedom of movement and can go outside, then instincts will play their role. Indeed, castration is the elimination of the reproductive function of the body, but it does not affect the instincts and the cat can still succumb to them, especially if he had matings before the operation.
To prevent your cat from wanting to leave the house, it is recommended to pay attention to him, play with him, or just spend time next to him. Cats are very sensitive and always understand the owner’s attitude towards them.
Even if a neutered cat has already left home, there is no need to panic, because in most cases, pets return home within a few days. Males run away from home more often than male cats because their instincts are not related to heat.
Also, the reason for leaving home may be the old age of the animal. When a cat feels death approaching, he goes to die as far from home as possible. Since during life they are independent and self-sufficient, they do not tolerate the presence of anyone in the last moments before death.
According to one version, the cat leaves home before dying because it experiences pain, from which it tries to “escape.” However, this is only an assumption and it is not possible to determine the exact reason for this behavior of our smaller brothers.
A cat leaving home may be due to its character traits and has nothing to do with castration. Some animals may have a tendency to wander and feel uncomfortable staying in one place for a long time. Or, on the contrary, they attract the owner’s attention by attempting to escape. In this way they show their harmful character.
A pet may run away from home after surgery or because it harbors a grudge against its owner. If a cat is strongly attached to its owner and loves him, then it may regard the operation as a betrayal on the part of its beloved owner.
So, there is no clear answer to the question of why a neutered cat leaves home. In each individual case, it is necessary to take into account the character, age of the animal, its relationship with the owner and family members. The cat is the only animal that has never been completely tamed, and leaving home can only be seen as proof that attempts to subdue it have not yet been successful.
At what age does a cat ask for a cat for the first time?
At a certain age, the cat’s body begins to prepare for reproduction; females begin to go into heat. At this moment, follicles mature in the ovaries. The animal's hormonal background changes. The hormone estrogen is released in large quantities, as a result of which the blood supply to the genital organs increases and clear vaginal discharge appears.
Puberty of a cat
The scientific name for estrus in cats is estrus. On average, it begins at the age of 6–8 months. However, this process is individual and depends on many factors, so in some females the first estrus occurs at 4 months, while in others the reproductive system matures closer to 12 months.
If your one-year-old cat still hasn't come into heat, she should be seen by a veterinarian. Sometimes during estrus, the pet exhibits almost no changes in behavior characteristic of sexual heat. This condition is called “erased estrus.” In this case, you also need to consult a specialist, since such conditions may indicate health problems.
If a female begins to walk, this does not mean that she is ready to reproduce. The first estrus is a symptom of the physiological maturity of the cat. Actual sexual maturity in cats is formed only at 18 months.
What determines the timing of the first estrus?
At what age does a teenage cat begin to ask for a cat depends on the individual characteristics of the body and some external conditions. The following factors have the strongest influence on puberty:
Oriental cat
- Breed. It has been found that females of some breeds reach sexual maturity at an earlier age than most domestic cats. An early onset of estrus is observed in Thai, Siamese, Burmese and Oriental cats, and St. Petersburg Sphynxes. Late maturation is often observed in females of the Persian breed, Neva Masquerade, and Maine Coons.
- Body features. More graceful and graceful females with thin bones mature faster than their stocky and large relatives.
- The time of year when the cat was born. In females that are born in winter or spring, estrus begins in spring or summer. In animals born in the summer or autumn months, maturation takes longer.
- Living conditions. Pets living in an apartment mature more slowly than outdoor cats.
- Features of temperament. Mobile active cats reach sexual maturity at an earlier date. In slow, sedentary, calm females, estrus begins later.
- Heredity. The ability to reproduce and timing of maturation also depend on genetic predisposition.
How does castration affect a cat's health?
The optimal age for castration is considered to be from 7 to 9 months . These limits are due to the fact that the cat has already matured, but has not yet entered into sexual heat. In Europe, the method of early castration (at the age of 2–4 months) is used very successfully. Long-term observations have shown that early castration does not affect the growth or development of either males or females.
At approximately 9 months of age, the cat enters sexual heat, which is accompanied by a hormonal surge. For a few more months the pet will behave tolerantly, after which it will begin to mark and scream. At the same time, the male’s behavior will become defiant and sometimes aggressive. If castration is not performed, the cat will go for walks every month...or more often.
Bursts that occur very frequently will lead to failures. Over time, the cat’s entire hormonal system will be restructured in such a way that only a long period of time can bring it into balance. This is why owners of adult cats suffer from marks and defiant behavior even after their pet is castrated.
If a cat is castrated, he is protected from hormonal imbalances, which increases life expectancy by 3-4 years. Think for yourself:
- The cat will not run away - it will not die at the hands of people, under a car, in a fight.
- The cat will not mate - it will not become infected with sexually transmitted infections.
- The cat will not worry about mating - there will be no stress that depletes the cat’s body and psyche.
- A castrated cat is guaranteed not to get testicular cancer, and this is a very common disease in cats that are constantly walking.
Gulena cat: all the subtleties of the process
There is an opinion that a cat wants a cat in the spring, or more precisely, in March. And it is true... in relation to the “correct” cats living “in nature”. Natural laws tell them to walk in the spring, feed their offspring in the warm season, and in the cold, think only about survival. Unfortunately or fortunately, the sleek, mustachioed pets who live in our homes look down on this opinion. A sweet life and a good diet lead to the fact that they are ready to reproduce throughout the summer and autumn months, and even winter.
At what age does a cat start asking for a cat?
What time do cats start walking? It depends on its breed: usually a cat begins to ask for a cat for the first time in the sixth to tenth month of life. However, despite the onset of puberty before the age of one year, she is not always able to give birth to healthy babies at this time. If a cat wants a cat for the first time, it is advisable not to let them meet at least until the age of one and a half years.
Signs of estrus in a tailed “bride”
What signs in an animal's behavior indicate that a cat wants a cat? There are a lot of them, and it’s difficult not to notice the signs that a cat has gone on a spree:
- the cat screams both day and night, trying to run away from the house;
- cannot stay in one place;
- cuddles up to people and rubs against objects;
- calm cats become aggressive, and vice versa;
- rolls on the floor, lifts its tail up or to the side, tramples with its hind legs, as if squatting on them;
- loses appetite or almost refuses to eat;
- noticeable discharge from the genitals;
- urination becomes more frequent.
How often does a cat ask for a cat?
How many days does a cat walk? The duration of her estrus varies from person to person. But the end of this period, when the cat has gone on a spree, does not mean at all that the owners can relax for a long time: if the “bride” did not manage to meet the “groom”, screaming and rolling on the floor can resume after a week or two. And to the question “how many days does the cat ask for the cat?” the exhausted owners answer: “all 365 in a year!” How this looks in practice, look at the video (Alexey Karasev).
How long does a cat walk?
How long does the cat ask for the cat? The duration of estrus is usually from 7 to 20 days. If the “bride” does not become pregnant, then the “wedding requirements” will be repeated every 14-21 days until she is expecting children or the resting season begins. Occasionally, a third option is also possible, the so-called false pregnancy, which postpones the appearance of a new period when the cat wants a cat.
Stages of heat
The estrus process can be roughly divided into four stages.
- The first is called proestrus. It lasts from 1 to 4 days and is characterized by the relative calm of the animal. The beginning of the period when the cat went on a spree is indicated only by quiet throaty meows and obsessive caressing of the owners. The tailed cat is not yet ready to meet a roaming cat.
- The second period, estrus, can last 7–10 days. The female begins not just to scream, but to scream at the top of her lungs. When you stroke her back, she crouches, moving her tail to the side. This means they are ready to mate. If you want to let her have a kitten or several, it is better to bring a male on the 3rd-5th day of estrus.
- In the third period, metestrus, which lasts from 3 to 12 days, the pet that has walked with the “groom” will drive away all applicants. When fertilization does not occur, a false pregnancy may begin, very similar to the real one, but not ending in childbirth. True pregnancy in your pet lasts 60–70 days.
- In the last, fourth period, called anestrus, she calms down.
Why does a cat show interest in a cat after castration?
It is believed that after castration, a cat's interest in cats fades away within a few days and is never resumed. In the civilized world, it has long been customary to castrate cats that have no breeding value. However, sometimes it happens that after castration, a cat, to the great surprise of its owners, remains attracted to ladies of its own species.
The cat is clearly planning to do something with the kitty
There are many cases where cats that had been castrated for a long time again became gallant gentlemen when a fluffy person of the opposite sex appeared, or in the spring they behaved extremely depravedly with soft toys and the owner’s slippers.
The owners' reaction usually ranges from amazement to indignation at a poorly performed operation with claims against veterinarians.
However, whether such claims are justified is an ambiguous question.
Veterinarian's mistake
If the veterinarian kept silent about the fact that the cat, whom he supposedly castrated safely, is a cryptorchid and that the second testicle remained in the abdominal cavity, this is a veterinarian’s mistake.
It is impossible for a specialist not to notice this fact, and, most likely, he will have to perform abdominal surgery, at the expense of the institution (veterinary clinic).
Remember all
If the cat is an adult (over a year old) and has already had matings, then there is a possibility that he will never forget about this experience, and the corresponding aspects of behavior will be preserved.
After all, hormones are produced by the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland, and no veterinarian in his right mind would remove these organs from an animal to stop fertility.
However, it is impossible to predict such a development of events; not all cats are so temperamental, and most of them, after removal of the testes, forever lose interest in amorous affairs. And, if castration was carried out according to all the rules, then claims can only be addressed to nature itself.
Because, as already mentioned, it is impossible to stop the production of hormones by the pituitary gland and adrenal glands.
Chemical castration of a cat
If the owners chose chemical castration or vasectomy instead of a banal surgical solution to the problem, well, the risk is a noble cause, but they won’t have to drink champagne this time, since all other castration options, except the classic one, give half-hearted and unstable results.
In this case, they will only have to blame for their short-sightedness and misplaced pity. The solution may be to carry out full castration, but there may not be a 100% result.
Attenuation of sexual functions in a castrated cat
It is important to know that the attenuation of sexual functions in each cat occurs gradually and individually. This process can last for several months or even years, or it can end once and for all when the animal recovers from anesthesia.
A castrated cat climbs on a cat - consequences
A castrated cat can not only care for a cat, but also mount her, but sexual intercourse will occur without conceiving offspring.
He can't stop wanting a cat, but he can't become a father. However, there are isolated cases where a castrated cat managed to breed a cat in the first month after surgery, and kittens were born.
Perverted cats
An interesting fact: if there are two cats in the house, and both are neutered, then a “he-she” relationship is possible between them in cases where castration has no effect. Of course, there is nothing dangerous in such games, and there is no point in strictly suppressing them.
Why does a cat continue to be attracted to cats after castration?
The question of whether a neutered cat can want a cat is often addressed to veterinarians if the pet tries to ride the cat or imitates sexual intercourse with a soft toy, a fluffy hat, or a velor blanket.
The cat has already had contact with cats
If the pet had sexual contact before sterilization, he tries to repeat it after. The pheromones released by a cat during the estrus stage are detected by the male at a distance and become excited. Whether a cat can become pregnant from a neutered male depends on the length of time after the procedure. Fresh sperm no longer enter the reproductive tract, but the remaining ones are capable of fertilization for another 7-9 days.
After this period, the cat will receive a release and calm down, but there will be no conception. In some cases, a false pregnancy is possible: cessation of estrus, swelling of the nipples, change in behavior. However, after 20-30 days everything goes away.
The operation was performed by an unscrupulous doctor
Another reason why a cat asks for a cat after castration is a medical error.
About 2% of cats suffer from cryptorchidism, when the testicles are not lowered into the scrotum, but are located in the groin area or in the abdominal cavity. With ectopia, the testis may be located in the thigh, perineum, or at the root of the penis. Unilateral pathology is more common.
If there was no thorough examination of the animal before the procedure, one testicle is removed, and the second remains and continues to produce hormones that determine the behavior of males.
Repeated surgery is necessary because over time, the tissues of the dystopic organ degenerate with the formation of seminoma (malignant tumor). Veterinarians advise owners to feel the pet's scrotum themselves before sterilization. There should be 2 testicles there, shaped like beans.
Little time has passed since castration
The behavior of males changes some time after sterilization. The desire for sex persists for another 15 to 60 days, depending on the temperament and sexual constitution of the animal. Some castrates show interest in females even years after the procedure, because... sex hormones are secreted not only by the testes, but also by the pituitary gland and adrenal glands. Sometimes their number is excessive.
How to create all the conditions for mating
An aggressive cat will not allow the cat to approach her.
During the mating of purebred animals, it is often the cat owner who chooses the partner for the upcoming mating
It is important to create the most favorable conditions so that everything goes smoothly
An aggressive cat will never let a cat get close to her. There is no need to urge or force animals to quickly do the “job”. It is best to leave them alone in a separate room and give them a little time to get used to each other.
Fragile and dangerous items out
In this case, it is necessary to take care in advance to eliminate the possible risk of damage and remove all fragile objects from visible places, block all exits and narrow cracks, from which it will then be difficult to get the animal out. The room should be free, but not too spacious.
The knitting room should be free of fragile objects and narrow crevices.
General information about castration
The operation to remove the testes cannot be performed on animals weakened by diseases. Therefore, before implementing it, you will have to visit the veterinarian, perhaps more than once. In addition to the external examination, he may prescribe tests. They will help identify all internal pathologies and diseases. Inexperienced owners ask: at what age are cats castrated? There is no specific criterion in this case. Typically, castration is recommended between the ages of 7 months and one year. But these terms are very arbitrary and largely depend on the development and general condition of the pet.
Many people are also interested in whether it is possible to castrate a cat after a year. In the absence of any contraindications, surgery can be performed at an older age. But it should be taken into account that the expected effect from it may not be. There remains a possibility that the cat will still leave marks and scream at night.
The operation itself also requires preliminary preparation. Typically, preparing a cat for castration involves fasting. To do this, 12 hours before the planned date, the animal stops feeding; some doctors recommend using a laxative to empty the intestines. If this point is neglected, there may be some difficulties when the animal enters and exits anesthesia. This will prevent vomiting in the future. And it will alleviate the already unpleasant condition after anesthesia. In this case, you can give water to drink as usual.
The operation to remove the testes is performed under general anesthesia. Its duration, as a rule, does not exceed 20-30 minutes. After the operation, the doctor will listen to the cat’s heartbeat, after which you can go home. With the correct dose of anesthesia and compliance with all care recommendations, there are almost no complications after castration.
Caring for your cat after surgery is as follows:
- The animal is placed in a warm place with dim light, preferably on the floor.
- After waking up, the tray is placed as close to the animal as possible. In this case, it is desirable that there is no filler in it.
- Due to stress, a cat may relieve itself in the wrong place for the first time. You can’t scold him at this moment. After the pain subsides, he will return to his litter box on his own.
In the absence of complications, rehabilitation of the animal does not exceed 2-3 days. During it, caring for him should be especially careful.
In this case, you should pay attention to the following signs:
- Temperature. Even a short-term increase is a reason to immediately consult a doctor. Fever is the main sign of an infection that has begun to develop.
- Refusal of water and food. Forced fasting for more than a day will lead to dehydration and significantly increase the rehabilitation period.
- Condition of the wounds. Their surface should be dry and clean without signs of suppuration. The owner should also be wary if the wound is still bleeding after a day. Normally, this should only occur in the first hours after surgery.
Recovery of a cat after castration in the absence of complications lasts no more than a week. He usually sleeps a lot during this time, especially in the first days. Also, in the postoperative period, it is necessary to provide careful wound care
It is very important to prevent them from festering. To do this, the cat must be kept in a clean room, and the tray must be washed after each use.
Some veterinarians recommend additional wound care to ensure faster recovery of damaged tissue. It involves applying brilliant green to the surrounding tissue. In this case, you should avoid getting it directly on the incision. In some cases, doctors also prescribe ointments containing antibiotics.
In total, cats recover from anesthesia within 24 hours. During this period, their condition should be closely monitored. They should not be allowed to lick the wound, otherwise bleeding may occur and infection may occur.
Find out also about the features of castrating a cat at home.
Care and treatment of a cat's wound after castration
Castration, performed in a specialized veterinary clinic by an experienced doctor, is considered a relatively safe procedure for pets. Complications may arise in the postoperative period due to improper care of the injured area.
To eliminate the risks of infection and bleeding, the owner needs to regularly inspect the seam and treat the wound using alcohol-free antiseptics. To eliminate the risk of developing an inflammatory process, it is also recommended to lubricate the operated area with Levomekol ointment.
Treatment of the postoperative wound is carried out until it is completely healed and the sutures are removed. As a rule, cats recover quickly after castration and after 5-10 days the wound heals and the stitches are removed.
If during the rehabilitation period there are signs of complications - bleeding, suture dehiscence, inflammation in the wound area, etc., the owner needs to immediately show the pet to the veterinarian!
When can you remove the collar?
After surgery, a special collar is fixed on the animals’ necks to prevent cats from licking the wound, which can lead to infection and suture rupture. The required period of wearing the collar after castration is at least 5 days. Experts allow you to remove it for a short time, but only if the cat is under the watchful control of the owner.
Cat's diet after castration
After castration, the diet of a domestic cat changes significantly. You will have to remove a number of foods and regular food from your diet. If the pet is used to eating industrial compounds, the owner needs to buy special food for neutered cats.
Since a castrated cat is no longer interested in natural sexual processes, he compensates for sexual interest with increased nutrition, which often leads to obesity and a short life. To prevent the animal from rapidly gaining weight, the owner needs to carefully consider the diet and control the portions served without going overboard with the dosage.
Important rules:
1. The usual portion for a cat is reduced by 20%. Portions are calculated according to the age of the animal. 2. Salt and other types of spices are completely excluded from the diet (they increase the risk of developing urolithiasis). 3. Do not give cats food that is too hot or cold. Food should be warm. 4. Do not allow food to remain in the cat's bowl. After each feeding, the container must be cleared of food debris. 5. Adult cats should not be fed more than 2-3 times a day. 6. During the postoperative period, new food products should not be introduced into the animal’s diet. 7. It is unacceptable to overfeed your pet. 8. Try to feed your cat at the same time every day. 9. The animal should always have clean drinking water freely available.
What and when to feed
Castration of cats is carried out under anesthesia, so the animal should not be fed for the first 5-6 hours after the procedure, which can cause vomiting. After fully awakening, the cat may demonstrate its desire for a snack. In this case, you can give the animal some of its usual food or special food for neutered cats.
In the future, the pet’s diet must be strictly controlled. If the cat is accustomed to natural food, fish should be excluded from the daily menu, as well as foods rich in calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
Diet of a neutered cat:
· lean meat (not fried) – chicken, rabbit, turkey, beef;
· meat by-products; · vegetables (make up 10-15% of the diet); · boiled porridges from different types of cereals; · eggs (whites); · low-fat fermented milk products. If a cat begins to rapidly gain weight after castration, you need to reduce portions and switch the animal to a dietary diet.
How many hours after can a cat drink?
In the first hours after the surgical procedure, cats should not be given water. 2-3 hours after the operation, when the effect of anesthesia subsides, the cat can be given a little water from a syringe. Upon returning home, it is important to provide the animal with free access to drinking water. You can’t restrict your operated pet’s drinking.
Causes of aggression
In practice, there can be many reasons. The cat screams loudly when mating, and for a long time she clearly showed that she wanted a cat. Let us outline the main reasons for the pet’s bad behavior and “walking”.
Future parents should be introduced. Hold several meetings, leave them alone in the room so that the animals get used to each other. Moreover, it is better to take the male to the female, because... A change of environment is a big stress for a cat. After a while, she will, of course, get used to the new apartment, but this may take several weeks.
Let's move on to the immediate causes of yelling, aggressive behavior and hissing at domestic and future partners:
I didn't like the cat. Oddly enough, animals also have their own preferences and, roughly speaking, standards of beauty. They, of course, are aimed at finding the strongest and healthiest male. And if the cat falls under these criteria, then there will be no problems with this item.
The cat is acting insecure
Your pet's instincts will tell you what to do, but due to lack of experience, stress, or a new environment, he may act cautiously. An excited cat will take this as insecurity and will not allow the male to approach her.
They will hiss and scream at each other. Perhaps the cat had a history of mating with other males who were of a higher rank than the new suitor. This does not depend on the breed, but rather on the internal state.
The heat has ended or has not yet begun. In this case, everything is obvious, but this fact will be another reason to contact a veterinarian.
The cat is hungry. A few days before mating, the female should have plenty of water and food. She should not experience discomfort in anything, including her favorite toys. If your cat has experienced loss of appetite or apathy in recent days, then it is better to postpone the meeting with your gentleman.
Mating of incompatible breeds. Of course, a Maine Coon can easily mate with a barn cat. But this will happen when he runs away from home. This will happen, so to speak, under natural conditions. It is worth paying special attention to the pedigree of cats and not trying to crossbreed, for example, long-haired and short-haired animals.
Individual characteristics. Inherent in every animal, ranging from lack of mood to banal harmfulness. For example, you didn’t like the gentleman, but the desire to mate has not yet reached a critical point.
Disease. Let's leave stress aside and turn to the simplest ailments. Any, even the most minor disease, even indigestion, will lead to aggressive actions. During estrus, the hormonal background changes dramatically, and when a third-party illness is added to it, the female’s mood changes dramatically.
By the way, a cat may experience pain during mating due to inflammation of the glands or remember negative experiences from a previous mating. For example, the male was too persistent or hurt her. In this case, the female will be busy with her internal state, and will categorically not allow the cat to approach her.
How does castration affect a cat's behavior?
Will castrating a cat affect his behavior? Unambiguous answers or guarantees are inappropriate in this matter. However, the expected changes can be formulated in general terms.
Important! If the cat is neutered at the age of 7–9 months, no significant changes will occur. Your pet will forever remain a kitten in character - playful, curious, sociable, and a little “clingy.”
Will an adult cat's behavior change? The only thing that will change is how exactly this will happen and how quickly there are no answers. You can tell that your cat's hormonal system has begun to come into balance by his sleepiness . For some time, an adult cat will behave as usual... we can say that this happens by inertia. Afterwards there will be a period of drowsiness. To restore the body, you need proper rest, that is, deep sleep. Afterwards, the cat will become more sociable, he will try to sit in your arms more often, and may begin to actively caress. An adult cat will show interest in physical activity, games and toys.
It is important not to miss the moment when the cat starts looking for something to do. It is important for your pet to maintain a daily routine, and it is up to you what he will do in his free time. Will he eat, sleep or spend energy on games. By the way, don’t be surprised if your pet starts coming to sleep in your bed. Since he no longer worries about procreation, he will become more involved in caring for the family he already has.
If not hormones, then what?
Since hormonal drugs can be harmful, it is better to use more gentle options. For example, “Fitex” or “Cat Bayun”. These are herbal-based preparations, therefore they are the safest for cat health. “Palladium”, “Bromine” and “Ignacia” have also proven themselves well. These are homeopathic remedies that have a gentle effect on the body and do not cause side effects. In addition, the result is achieved almost immediately after use.
Many veterinarians advise sterilization if the owner does not want the cat to give birth to kittens. After the operation, the pet will no longer walk and will not be able to get pregnant. The pills temporarily suppress her arousal. And besides, they can cause irreparable harm to health. It makes sense to use such drugs if mating is not planned now, but in the future the owner plans to breed a cat with a cat. What exactly to choose, sterilization or taking sedative hormonal drugs, it all depends on the decision of the pet owner, as well as the health and age of the animal. Read more about the use of sedatives here.
This article discussed how to understand that a cat wants a cat, when it is recommended to breed and how to do it correctly. Each cat has its own character and preferences
And it is important to learn to understand your pet. If the owner does not want the cat to give birth, it is better to undergo sterilization surgery
Of course, you can use various drugs to suppress your pet’s sexual arousal, but many of them, especially hormonal ones, can be harmful to health.
How does castration affect a cat's temperament?
Many owners fear that after castration the cat’s character will deteriorate. Character is not milk; it cannot just go bad. After castration, your pet will become more sociable, he will miss you more and demand more attention.
If you are not willing to devote time to your pet, he may become harsh or even vindictive . Some cats do dirty tricks on purpose to attract the owner's attention. Yes, in this case, many will conclude that the cat’s character has deteriorated, but this is due to lack of attention, but not castration.
Important to remember! A cat's temperament is an innate quality, but character is a product of upbringing, the result of your efforts and attention.
The habits of an adult cat that has been decided to be castrated do not depend on the character. If your pet is used to scratching wallpaper, he will continue to do this until you accustom him to the scratching post. If your pet is used to marking and has been doing this for years, it is naive to believe that this will change immediately after surgery. The pet's body must return to normal, and this takes time. The hormonal system changes slowly, especially if the cat mated with females before castration.