Can a neutered cat still mate?
In this brief discussion, we’ll answer the question, “Can a neutered cat still mate?” We will also discuss if neutered cats respond to female cats in heat, how long a male cat stays fertile after surgery and how to stop your neutered cat from mating.
Can a neutered cat still mate?
Yes, a neutered cat may still show mating behaviours after neutering such as mounting, rubbing against objects, or vocalising but it will not be able to produce offspring. This is mainly because mating behaviour is directly related to natural instinct.
When a cat is neutered, it experiences a sharp decline in its sex hormone such as testosterone. However, there can still be some hormones present in your cat’s body if it is neutered after achieving sexual maturity.
Such cats may continue to exhibit sexual actions due to the presence of some of the testosterone present in their body. However, their sexual drive decreases over the next few weeks following the surgery as hormone levels further decline.
Do neutered cats respond to female cats in heat?
Yes, a neutered cat can respond to female cats in heat. Even though neutering prevents a cat from reproducing, it does not completely eliminate its instinctual behaviours. A male cat may continue to be attracted to a female cat after surgery and may attempt to mate as well.
However, this behaviour typically lasts in male cats for a few weeks following surgery. After this brief period, their attraction towards female cats in heat decreases significantly.
It is advised to keep your newly neutered male cat away from a female cat in heat. This is because it may frustrate the male cat and cause them stress and anxiety.
How long does a male cat stay fertile after being neutered?
A male cat may still remain fertile up to 6 weeks after surgery. Some male cats may still be able to produce sperm up to a few weeks after surgery which means they can still impregnate a cat if they come across one.
Even after neutering, the scent of a nearby cat in heat can excite male cats to mount it. This behaviour is more common in cats who are neutered after they have reached sexual maturity.
Therefore, it is crucial to keep your male cat away from a female cat in heat post-surgery at least for a few weeks.
How do I stop my neutered male cat from trying to mate?
It is completely normal for a male cat to try to mate even after neutering because this behaviour is driven by natural instincts. However, there is nothing to worry about because your cat will not be able to impregnate a female cat.
Here are a few strategies you can use to prevent this behaviour in your male cat:
- You can provide distractions to your cat to prevent them from mounting your other cat. If you notice, your cat is about to hump, drop something to the ground to gain their attention or give them a plush animal so that it may leave your other cat alone.
- Give your cat rewards for showing good behaviour. Notice when your cat is calm and getting along with other cats, give it treats so it continues to show good behaviour.
- Make an attempt to expand its individual territory. Give your cat its own space and place its food and water bowls in a separate area to prevent competition between cats. Make sure all cats have their privacy to ease the tension.
- Consult a qualified veterinarian for advice and follow the guidelines they suggest.
Conclusion
We answered the question, “Can a neutered cat still mate?” We also discussed if neutered cats respond to female cats in heat, how long a male cat stays fertile after surgery and how to stop your neutered cat from mating.
