You are here:

Cats/Neutured cat

Advertisement

Expert: - 1/26/2012


Question
We have recently taken in a stray male cat approximate. 1 year old...How can we tell if this cat has been neutered?  He seems really laid back and docile.

Answer
Hi Tracey,

A neutered male will not have any testicles, but an in tact male will have very visible testicles by the age of one year. If the scrotum (fuzzy sac of skin located just beneath the anus) is flat, he is neutered. If it protrudes, chances are he is not. You can gently palpate the scrotum to feel for the presence of testicles to confirm. Or if you're uncomfortable with that, a vet can do it.

Uncommonly, a cat will have a condition called cryptorchidism, where his testicles are tucked up slightly into the abdomen. This can cause the cat to appear neutered. He will be unable to impregnate cats but may still exhibit nuisance behaviors like spraying and nighttime yowling. These cats can be neutered with a surgery just slightly more involved than a standard neuter.

Good luck!
Jessica  

Cats

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

Jessica

Expertise

The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.

Experience

I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.

Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.