Thoughts on getting a 2 year old cat neutered?

kitcatcat

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He has never sprayed, leading me to believe that he is just one of those cats that will not spray. He definitely doesn't go outdoors, he's very afraid to (doesn't like grass or wind...) and obviously we haven't been encouraging him to get over this fear (not only because of him not being neutered but also because we live very close to a major road)

He's had behavioral problems since we got him from someone on craigslist about 2 years ago,when he was a kitten. He has a lot of energy, more than me or my boyfriend do. We've finally gotten him an appointment to be fixed, but we're still conflicted. I know it will make him healthier in the long run, but I'm concerned about his temperament.

Will he get meaner? Could he start to spray after? Will he lose a lot of his energy? It doesn't seem quite right to take away his energy through surgery just to suit our needs, though if he could calm down a little, that would be nice...

Have you ever felt conflicted before getting your cat fixed? Did you notice a big character change in your cat? Or did a cat that did not previously spray begin spraying after the surgery? If so, how did you fix that? Would getting a 2nd cat (pre-fixed this time,for sure!) help him stay active/enjoy life better?
 

Columbine

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Neutering is absolutely the right choice. It will give him the potential for a longer, healthier life - not to mention a calmer and happier one.

His energy is due to his age. He's only just coming out of his teenage phase. He will settle more over the next year anyway. I've never heard of neutering making a cat start spraying. I think you're very lucky that he hasn't sprayed up till now.

A second cat could well be a good idea, but give him time to get over his op and let his hormones adjust first.

Don't doubt yourself - neutering is the right thing to do. :)
 

stephenq

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I have never felt conflicted about this.  The only effect on his behavior is to want to roam less, be less aggressive with other male cats if he had contact with them, and his urine will smell better and if he ever sprays, then this will go away. He will not get meaner, he wont start to spray and he won't loose energy.  It's a no brainer.  The only  thing you are doing to him is removing his frustrating need to mate. and protect his territory.
 

mingking

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I watch this show called The Incredible Dr. Pol and when he neuters animals, he always says, "Cut the balls off and the brain comes back!"

Anyway, what the others have said above is absolutely correct. It's always better to neuter your cats. They mellow out, may become more affectionate and aren't driven by the brain downstairs.
 
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Willowy

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I recently had an older stray neutered. He was a good boy and never sprayed or was aggressive (well, I took him in because he got an infection from being bitten in a fight so obviously he did fight, but he wasn't antagonistic anyway). He has stayed the same, in personality and energy level. So I don't think you'll see much difference either. My boy did lose some of his boofy cheeks though. So expect him to look a bit sleeker after a few months.
 

nansiludie

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No, I think you're doing a great thing and I also think you're incredibly lucky he hasn't either run away or started spraying. All my males have calmed down and are very sweet and get along well. If you're not already feeding canned food, please consider doing so, especially since he is male. Helps keep the whole cat healthy.
 
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