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Expert: - 1/25/2009


Question
I have just neutered a young feral cat who has just begun fighting with other feral tomcats.  I am planning to catch the other 2 males to neuter them also but if I am unable to trap them, will they continue to fight with my neutered feral since they have already identified him as a threat to their territory? I do realize that it takes awhile for the hormones to disappear after neutering. I am very concerned about this situation because the neutered cat had to be returned to the vet 2 days after neutering when a serious abscess from a previous fight surfaced.  Thank you very much.

Answer
Bonnie,

You are absolutely correct, it does take some time for testosterone to leave a cat's system when he's been neutered, some vets suggest a few weeks. The younger you can neuter the cats the better because they never start fighting in the first place and neutered cats are healthier and happier as a result. I think that the fighting will settle down once everyone has bee neutered but it will take some time.

I wanted to say that I think you're doing something amazing here. Keep up the good work in caring for stray, feral and unwanted cats. It's nice to see people who care enough and have the time and means to institute trap, spay/neuter, vaccinate and release programs.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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