Post by Deleted on Nov 4, 2016 15:53:24 GMT -5
Zeke, normally I would agree with you on late neutering. In fact I'm not a huge fan of neutering animals unless there are very good reasons. However, the vast majority of intact male cats mark (spray) using urine upon hitting maturity. Tomcats will mark indoors and once they begin the habit, neutering and training often does not stop the spraying. Tomcat urine is extremely pungent. Having worked with many shelters and feral colonies I can say firsthand that a marking tomcat is not something I would ever want in my house.
Unlike with most pet species, many people also allow their cats to roam outside. I don't believe in letting pet cats outside, however if the cat is allowed to roam spay/neuter is extremely important. Neutered male cats also get along much better with other cats in the household and are calmer and less prone to behavioral stereotypies.
I leave my male dogs intact and will continue to do so unless we encounter a health problem (like prostate or testicular cancer) that requires neutering. I have never had issues and my boys are polite and well trained, however there is a much more dramatic difference in cats than in dogs in terms of intact vs. neutered animals.
Unlike with most pet species, many people also allow their cats to roam outside. I don't believe in letting pet cats outside, however if the cat is allowed to roam spay/neuter is extremely important. Neutered male cats also get along much better with other cats in the household and are calmer and less prone to behavioral stereotypies.
I leave my male dogs intact and will continue to do so unless we encounter a health problem (like prostate or testicular cancer) that requires neutering. I have never had issues and my boys are polite and well trained, however there is a much more dramatic difference in cats than in dogs in terms of intact vs. neutered animals.
) He's walking around pretty steadily now, though I still think of a baby deer when I watch him.