Stop Your Cat From Biting People In 6 Steps

6. Considering Neutering as a Behavioral Management Tool

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Common practice in pet care that goes much beyond population control is neuters, the surgical removal of reproductive organs. This operation can have major effects on behaviour for male cats especially, possibly lowering aggressiveness and other disruptive behaviour. When thinking about using neutering to control your cat's behaviour, you should be aware of the advantages as well as the related issues of this choice. In male cats, neutering causes mostly behavioural changes connected to the lowering of testosterone levels. Many normal male activities, like territorial marking, roaming, and aggressiveness, are driven by testosterone. Many cats will have a calmer, more submissive temperament if the source of this hormone is removed by neutering. One of the most obvious consequences of neutering is a drop in aggressive actions. Unneutered male cats are more inclined to fight other cats, which could cause injuries and disease spread. They also exhibit greater aggressive behaviour directed against people, including biting and scratching. Neutering can greatly lessen these inclinations, thereby improving the peacefulness of your cat. Another behaviour that can be quite decreased by neutering is territorial marking, which usually shows itself as peeing. Apart from a more comfortable living space, this helps the cat to be less stressed since the need to continuously mark territory is lessened. Additionally less likely is your cat straying if you neuter it. Driven by hormonal needs to find partners, unneutered men can stray far from their homes. Cats who roam run the danger of becoming lost, fighting, and accidently running away. Generally speaking, neutered cats are more happy to remain within their natural habitat. Although neutering has major behavioural advantages, it's wise to approach this choice knowing all the facts. Like any surgery, neutering is a surgical operation with some hazards. Still, the operation is regarded as normal in veterinary practice and these hazards are usually minor. Furthermore important is the knowledge that although neutering can greatly affect behaviour, it is not a panacea. Some behavioural problems might have roots in early socialising, environmental influences, or intrinsic qualities unique to each person not influenced by sterilisation. Neutering should thus be taken into account as part of a more comprehensive strategy for behaviour control comprising environmental enrichment, training, and resolution of any underlying medical problems. Another crucial factor is timing of neutering. Although waiting until a cat reaches sexual maturity is formerly accepted behaviour, many veterinarians now advise early neutering, usually between 4 and 6 months of age. This strategy can stop the emergence of unwelcome habits before they are rooted in behaviour. See your veterinarian to ascertain the best course of action for your particular cat. Deciding whether and when to neuter should consider elements including age, health condition, and particular behavioural issues. Finally, although neutering has major behavioural advantages, it is also rather important for population management of felines. Choosing to neuter your cat helps the larger campaign to lower the count of undesired and abandoned animals in shelters.