The Best Age to Neuter a Persian Cat

If you are considering undergoing the process of Persian cat neutering, you’re probably wondering about the best age to neuter a Persian cat. If you are not planning on breeding Persian cats, then it is usually a good idea to get your Persian cat neutered, as it can reduce the risk of cancers, as well as alleviate some behavior problems. Of course, it’s natural to be worried about when to get your Persian cat neutered, as well as how to make sure your Persian is as comfortable as possible throughout the process.

With a Persian cat, neutering is best done when the cat is anywhere between four and six months old. You cannot neuter a cat before it reaches at least four months of age, because it will be too small to undergo anesthesia. However, you should also make sure you neuter your Persian cat before it begins to go through puberty.

Whether or not you choose to neuter your Persian cat will have a huge impact on its life and behavior, and it is not a decision to be made lightly. In this article, we will take a look at why you would want to neuter your Persian cat, as well as some reasons why you might choose not to.

Persian Cat Neutering

Neutering a Persian cat refers to the act of removing the cat’s reproductive organs. In male Persian cats, the testicles will be removed to make the cat infertile. Female Persian cats can also be neutered, but it is usually referred to as “spaying.” When a female Persian cat is spayed, her ovaries, as well as her uterus, are surgically removed.

Many cat owners have strong opinions on whether or not cats should be neutered, and it can sometimes be considered a controversial topic. We’ll take a closer look at the opposing sides of this argument later on in the article.

Ultimately, neutering your Persian is completely up to you, and there are many different factors to consider. One of the first things you will have to think about is cost. Neutering your Persian can cost anywhere between $300 and $500 at a private veterinarian, but it is possible to find organizations who charge less for the operation (source).

Why You Should Neuter A Persian Cat

There are many compelling reasons you might want to neuter your Persian cat. While most cats grow out of their kitten-like tendencies to play and act silly, Persian cats have the unique tendency to remain kitten-like well into their adulthood. As a result, it’s easy to see why so many Persian cats neuter their pets to keep them young at heart for as long as possible. Here are some other important reasons why you should neuter your Persian cat.

1.Smell

When a Persian cat is not neutered, its urine will contain a larger amount of hormones and pheromones. As a result, an unneutered Persian cat’s urine will smell much, much worse. If you want to reduce the smell coming from your litter box, you should probably get your Persian cat neutered.

2.Spraying

Cats that have not been neutered also typically engage in a behavior known as spraying. This is when the cat sprays urine over its territory to mark it. Concerning the previous bullet point, this is why an unneutered Persian cat’s urine will contain larger amounts of pheromones; it becomes a signal to other cats that that territory has already been claimed. This is an incredibly unpleasant behavior, and while some neutered Persian cats might also spray occasionally, it is easier to train a cat that has been neutered.

3.Cancer

A male cat that has not been neutered will be at a much higher risk for prostate cancer. Females, on the other hand, will have a higher chance of contracting ovarian, uterine, or breast cancers. By choosing to neuter your Persian, you will greatly reduce the risk of these cancers, leading to a longer and happier life for your Persian.

4.Roaming

If you choose not to neuter your Persian, it will want to roam around outside once it has reached sexual maturity. Even if you are okay with having a cat that spends time outdoors, it will be harder to coax your Persian to spend time inside with you. Furthermore, if you plan on having an indoor cat, it will be much harder for your Persian to be satisfied with living inside if it has not been neutered.

5.Noise

Unneutered female Persian cats are amazingly loud. Persian cats are a vocal breed by nature, but this gentle chattering is quite different from a female in heat.

If your female Persian cat is not neutered, she will want to broadcast that she is in heat to any male nearby, and she will keen and yowl to let them know. This can be incredibly annoying, especially since cats can go into heat multiple times every year.

6.Friendliness

Persian cats that have not been neutered can become territorial and aggressive towards other cats, as well as towards humans.

If your Persian cat is constantly worried about mating, it might become distant, as well. While Persian cats are typically friendly and tend to bond well with their owners, you will have a better chance of forming a strong relationship with your Persian cat if it is neutered.

7.Kittens

As you likely already know, shelters around the world are packed to the brim with homeless cats. If you have an outdoor cat that is not neutered, there are bound to be kittens involved.

Male cats spend a lot of time looking for females, and they can easily impregnate multiple cats every year. Not only can this transmit STDs to your Persian and other cats, but you will also have several litters of kittens that are partially your responsibility.

If you have a female outdoor cat, this responsibility will become much more real; you will have to find safe and loving homes for each of the kittens. If you don’t want a whole litter of kittens to worry about, it’s best to neuter your Persian.

Best Age To Neuter A Persian Cat

Most Persian cats are purchased from breeders rather than shelters, (which neuter every cat available for adoption). This means that it is common to wonder “When should I neuter my Persian cat kitten?”

There are some varying opinions about when to neuter your Persian cat, although most agree that the right time falls between four and six months of age. This is the sweet spot for neutering your Persian cat because, by this time, it will have grown large enough to endure doses of anesthesia, but it has not yet begun puberty.

Risks Of Neutering A Persian Cat Too Early – Fact Or Myth?

After purchasing a Persian cat kitten, you may be tempted to get it neutered as quickly as possible so that you no longer have to worry about it. In the past, some Persian cat breeders used to neuter cats while they were still quite young so they could also declaw the cat at the same time. Most veterinarians agree that it is best to perform a declawing procedure at the same time as neutering, so the cat doesn’t have to go through the stress of surgery more than once.

However, declawing is often considered cruel and unnecessary today, and breeders are less likely to declaw their kittens. As a result, many breeders avoid neutering their kittens while they are young because there has been speculation about early neutering cat problems.

For a time, it was believed that neutering kittens at a young age could result in obesity, stunted growth, and a poorly developed urinary tract. According to ‘The Cat Fanciers Association’, however, several controlled studies, including one at the University of Florida in 1991 and 1992, showed that there were no significant health differences between cats who were neutered early versus cats who were neutered at a later age (source).

Dangers Of Neutering A Persian Cat Later In Life

While studies have shown that there is little to no danger in neutering your Persian cat early, there is a high risk of complications if you neuter your Persian cat too late in life.

The three key risks to neutering an older Persian cat are as follows:

• Increased risk of cancer
• Anesthesia complications
• Recover

a) Increased Risk Of Cancer

According to The Humane Society of Charlotte, spaying a female cat before she goes into heat for the first time will greatly reduce the risk of uterine infections, as well as mammary cancer. Male cats who are neutered early are also less likely to contract prostate cancer or infections.

b) Anesthesia Complications

If your Persian is especially old, particularly seven years or older, it may have poor liver or kidney function, which can worsen after the administration of anesthesia.

c) Recovery

Young cats are much better at recovering well from surgery. A mature cat will be less likely to “bounce back” as quickly from its operation.

The Pros And Cons Of Neutering A Cat

Neutering your Persian is not a black and white issue. If you are still on the fence about whether or not you want to neuter your Persian, here is a list of pros and cons to neutering.

Advantages

1.Health-Your Persian Will Be Healthier.

One of the main advantages of neutering your Persian is that it will be far less likely to contract infections and certain cancers associated with the reproductive organs. Uterine and prostate cancers are both very common in older cats, but neutering your Persian will eliminate that risk.

2.Levels Of Affection-Your Persian Will Be More Affectionate.

A cat that has been neutered will have a decreased risk of behavior problems such as aggression. If you neuter your Persian cat, it will not be as infatuated with cats of the opposite sex, and it won’t want to roam away from you as often.

3.Unexpected Kittens-No Danger of Kittens.

You won’t ever have to worry about a surprise litter if your Persian has been neutered! This will decrease the number of homeless cats in the world, as well. Even if you can find good homes for all of the kittens, that will still leave cats in shelters without a potential loving family.

Disadvantages

1.You Cannot Be A Breeder-No Chance of Kittens.

While this could be considered a positive aspect of neutering your Persian cat, it can be a downside if you are looking to become a breeder yourself. If you want to breed your Persian cat, you definitely should not neuter your Persian!

2.Head Size

When male cats go through puberty, they develop a larger head and more prominent jowls. A neutered cat will have a sleeker, more feminine looking head, which could be a downside if you want your Persian cat to have that classic big face.

What To Expect After Neutering a Persian Cat

According to one pet specialist, the behavioral effects of neutering often take place immediately after the operation, although, in some cases, these changes can sometimes take weeks to manifest (source).

After your Persian cat has been neutered, it will lose its desire to mark its territory and “patrol” for fights or members of the opposite sex outside. You may notice a decrease in activity, as well as an increased desire for affection and attention.

In general, a Persian cat that has been neutered will become far more affectionate and cuddly. However, you cannot expect all of your Persian cat’s behavioral issues to resolve with a simple operation. Keep in mind that if your Persian cat is not well-trained or accustomed to people, surgery won’t change that.

How To Prepare Your Persian Cat For The Neutering Procedure

Any cat that is about to undergo the neutering procedure will first need a few blood tests and a urine exam to ensure they are fit for their surgery. Because your Persian will be put on anesthesia, you will not be able to feed your Persian for 12 hours before the surgery, although the exact number can vary between veterinarians.

Unfortunately, because we can’t communicate with our cats, there is no way to assure your Persian cat that everything will be alright. The best thing you can do is speak in a soothing voice and make the trip to the vet as calm as possible. While your Persian will be at least a little stressed by the new environment and sensations, you can soothe it with your presence before the surgery begins.

How To Care For Your Persian Cat After Neutering

After the surgery has been performed, your vet will do a quick check-up to see if your Persian is fit to return home. In most cases, you will be able to take your Persian cat back home right away, although you will need to make some changes in your routine to accommodate your Persian’s recent surgery.

For the first week or so after surgery, you should keep your Persian in a safe and controlled environment. Avoid strenuous activities like chasing, running, and jumping. Immediately after the surgery, you should keep a careful eye on your Persian. Put it in a comfortable bed and keep a litter box close by so they don’t have to walk far to use it.

Recovery time can vary from cat to cat, so you should ask your vet about signs to look out for that could indicate complications. It’s best to write down your questions beforehand, as well as write down your vet’s answers. Some possible questions to ask might include when you can give your Persian food and water, how to clean the affected area, and when you can expect your Persian to be fully healed.

Whilst caring for a Persian cat after surgery is crucial, owners shouldn’t forget to care for their majestic beast everyday! Here’s a great guide on how to care for your Persian Cat, correctly.

Do Indoor Persian Cats Need Neutering?

A common misconception among cat owners is that their cat only needs to be neutered if it goes outside. However, this is not at all true. While indoor cats won’t have a chance of impregnating other cats or being impregnated itself, neutering does more than prevent pregnancy. It also decreases the risk of certain cancers and prevents behavioral problems such as aggression and spraying. Neutering is highly encouraged for cat owners, even if their cat never goes outside.

If you’ve noticed your Persian cat acting more aggressively, take a look at my guide on ‘Identifying and Handling Persian cat Aggression‘.

Do Cats Know When They’ve Been Neutered?

Some owners might worry that their cat will suffer an identity crisis after being neutered. However, according to The Humane Society of Charlotte, a neutered cat will not be emotionally impacted by being neutered (source).

Do Cats Get Depressed After Being Neutered?

A neutered cat may seem depressed because they often become less energetic after the operation. However, this is due to a decreased sex drive, and neutering does not lead to depression in cats.

Does Neutering Affect A Cat’s Personality?

While neutering does affect certain behaviors in a cat, it will not change your Persian cat’s inherent personality. A loving Persian cat will still be loving after the operation. Likewise, a Persian cat that is distrustful of humans will not suddenly become trusting after it has been neutered.

Final Thoughts

If you own a Persian cat, neutering is probably a step you have already been considering. It can be hard to determine the best age to neuter a Persian cat, but the consensus is that a Persian cat is best neutered between the ages of four and six months. By neutering your Persian cat, you will decrease undesirable behaviors, as well as the risk of certain infections and cancers. This will allow your Persian to live a longer and happier life.

Related Questions

Does Neutering Stunt Growth In Cats?

A common misconception is that neutering a cat will stunt its growth, but this is not true. A cat that has been neutered is not at risk for stunted growth (source).

When Should I Spay A Persian Cat Kitten?

You can spay a Persian cat kitten any time after it has reached two pounds, but most people prefer to spay their kitten when it is between four and six months of age.

When Do Persian Cats Start Spraying?

Persian cats usually start spraying when they reach sexual maturity, which is typically between the ages of eight and ten months old. In some cases, however, Persian cats can start spraying when they are as young as six months old.