How to determine whether a cat is neutered or not: photos and videos

Every person faces the question of how to distinguish a cat from a cat when deciding to have a pet. Experienced breeders can easily determine the sex of animals; this is obvious to them, but even the average person who wants to get a pet of a certain gender can find out how to do this by paying attention to some features.

Depending on the gender, there is a difference in the behavior of cats. As a rule, females are more attached to their place of residence, they are excellent guards of the territory, independent - they will allow themselves to be stroked, but they treat their kittens with tenderness, not people. Males, on the contrary, are more attached to the person who has gained their authority, and less to their offspring. However, in both cases, the mature cat has instincts for procreation, which the owners will have to face. Therefore, you should be prepared for the fact that the animal, regardless of gender, will need care and participation. It is impossible to somehow determine who is better - a cat or a cat, so you should make a choice only according to your preferences.

Differences by gender

The most accurate way to determine the sex of an animal is by sexual characteristics . Before performing the inspection, you must wash your hands using an unscented product. Hands should be warm. Next, you should pet the pet to establish contact with the kitten and make sure that the mother cat does not mind her child being examined. The kitten should be placed with its stomach on the palm of your hand, or on a warm diaper, and look under its tail. In a cat, the genital organ with the anus looks like two parallel points, and in a cat, the genital organ looks like a slit and in appearance it looks like an exclamation mark.

You should also pay attention to the distance between the genital organ and the anus: in cats it is about 1 cm, in males it is much longer. In addition, cats there have quite thick hair, while cats do not have it.

You can also gently feel the location of the testicles with your index and middle fingers. Peas can be felt on the cat, measuring a maximum of 5 mm. The main thing is to act very carefully and not injure the kitten.

How to find out the gender of a kitten

Any adult knows the difference between a cat and a cat. The main difference is the external genitalia. Males have testes (testes), females have a genital slit (vulva). But such differences are noticeable only in adult pets, when the testes have already descended into the scrotum and become visible. While the males are still small, it is extremely difficult to recognize them by this sign, because you will still notice 2 holes under the tail. Therefore, there are other signs that allow you to recognize who is in your hands: a boy or a girl.

The easiest way to determine the sex of a kitten is when it is still very small (when there is no thick coat of fur that prevents a close look). You just need to act very carefully so as not to harm the baby. Take the baby with washed hands, wiped dry, making sure that the mother cat is not against your manipulations.

Place the baby on your palm with his tummy and very carefully lift his tail. You need to evaluate the shape of the natural holes and the distance between them. This will be the main difference between a cat and a cat.

So, in the male you will see 2 rounded holes, the distance between which is approximately about a centimeter. Many people compare this arrangement of holes to a colon. Between these “points” testicles will appear in the near future. Sometimes, with very careful palpation, you can find “peas” in this place. Just don't press too hard or disturb the baby. If you press hard, you can injure the kitten.

In the female, the distance between the holes is very small, they are practically adjacent to each other. In addition, the lower hole will be “elongated” (after all, a genital slit). Therefore, this arrangement is compared to an exclamation mark, only upside down.

With age, the distance between the “points” in males increases and is “overgrown” with hair. In females, such “fouling” is not observed, and the distance between the holes becomes about a centimeter.

External distinctive features

It is also possible to distinguish a cat by its external characteristics. You should pay attention to the color of the animal . It is so inherent in nature that the gene associated with the tricolor or tortoiseshell color is associated with female chromosomes. Therefore, if a kitten has white, black and red colors in its color, then it is more likely to say that it is a cat. This color is practically never found in cats and, as a rule, such males are not able to give birth to offspring. Red coat color is more common in males. But both male and female cats are black.

As they get older, kittens begin to differ in body type: males, as a rule, have wider bones and a larger head, while females are more graceful, with a neat muzzle. Of course, there are exceptions depending on the cat breed.

Is it necessary to neuter a cat at all?

If you have the opportunity to find a female at the first demanding “meow!”, if you are already accustomed to the pungent smell of cat marks and torn wallpaper, if there are many kind hands around you who will happily sort out the offspring, or if you have a ruthless heart and You can drown kittens if the feeling of solidarity keeps you up at night. If you are not afraid that a domestic cat will find someone on the street to satisfy its basic instinct and contract some kind of feline gonorrhea from her, then, of course, you should not do this. You decide. But city life dictates its own conditions to cats, city conditions, which, by the way, are also cruel.

We recommend reading: How to properly care for a cat after castration?

Differences in Characters

As for character , this also has its own characteristics. Small kittens behave the same, but when pets reach puberty, differences in behavior begin to appear due to hormonal changes:

Cats are much cleaner than cats. They lick their fur for a long time, will not eat from a dirty bowl, and will choose a clean and cozy place to sleep.
Female cats are more active, female cats are calm and lazy, and while the cat is hunting, the male prefers to take a nap and soak up the sun.
Cats are more capricious. Many consider them affectionate, however, they prefer to be petted during the period of heat; in other cases, they sometimes allow themselves to be petted out of politeness. Cats are lazier and allow themselves to be picked up. This does not mean that they are more affectionate, they just have a calmer temperament.
During estrus, the behavior of animals also differs: the cat meows loudly and for a long time, trying to attract cats, rubs against furniture and actively sharpens its claws, so a scratching post should be a mandatory attribute in the house where the pet lives. Cats have special glands on their pads, so by sharpening their claws, the cat marks its territory. Males mark their territory with a sharp and unpleasant odor. Cats constantly get into fights over cats, but cats never fight over cats. A castrated cat can be identified by its larger head and thicker skin. Uncastrated males are more aggressive than castrated males. To castrate or not to castrate a pet is up to the owner to decide.
The gender difference in the cat family can also be seen in their gaze: cats have a bold and confident look, while cats have a wary look.
In kittens, you can also tell the difference when eating: a male kitten laps milk with its tail up, a female kitten with its tail down.

FAQ

The upcoming operation raises some questions among the owners:

Is it possible to feed a cat before surgery or how much not to feed before surgery? Before castration, the cat should not eat for at least 12 hours. It is better to endure anesthesia on an empty stomach; the possibility of vomiting and diarrhea after the procedure is also reduced. You can give your cat something to drink a couple of hours before castration.
Is it possible to sterilize a cat without castration? Yes, it's possible. But this method is half-hearted. After sterilization (ligation of the spermatic cords), the tailed cat can continue to mark the territory and jump on the female, especially if the cat is “experienced” and has previously had experience in loving communication with cats.
What is preferable: spaying or neutering a cat? It is worth noting that not all clinics carry out sterilization of cats, therefore, if you really want to sterilize (ligate the spermatic cords) of your pet, then be prepared to look for a suitable veterinary clinic and fork out some money.

How does the operation take place?

The operation can be performed either in the clinic or at the owner’s home, there is no fundamental difference. The whole procedure takes only a few minutes. Anesthesia is administered (intramuscular or intravenous). Next, the surgical field is disinfected, in our case it is the groin area. Then the scrotum is incised longitudinally to the size of the testis. The doctor removes the testis from the scrotum and tightens the spermatic cord (applies a ligature). The testis is cut off.

How to care for your pet after surgery?

After castration, blood stains and clots must be removed from the incision site once and sprinkled with an antiseptic. During the first 24 hours after surgery, the cat's condition should be closely monitored. After anesthesia, the fluffy can sleep for several hours, but after waking up he remains in an intoxicated state for some time, poorly coordinates his movements, refuses to eat, but wants to drink. For a couple of days you need to help the cat get to the toilet. Because it still hurts to move after castration. It is better not to fill the tray, so as not to expose the fresh suture to the risk of infection and decay; in extreme cases, you can put an absorbent sterile towel there. It is necessary that the cat does not lick or scratch the surgical suture. Veterinarians recommend treating the wound with brilliant green only in the area around the seam. If the suture does not heal within a few days, contact the operating veterinarian.

What should I feed my cat after surgery?

Many cat breeders criticize castration because the cat allegedly gets fat after it. But animals, like humans, gain excess weight due to poor nutrition. The menu after surgery can be simple but balanced. Boiled poultry, beef, cottage cheese, occasionally eggs, vegetables, drink plenty of fluids. If your cat is used to eating only cat food, then you should not forcefully change his diet, but reduce the portion slightly to avoid overeating. Yes, the cat will not overeat, scream heart-rendingly and demand a partner, because hormones no longer require release, and therefore no energy is wasted.

What should cats not be fed after surgery? Neutered cats are practically no different from all other cats (well, except that there are no tiny testes). Therefore, on a general basis, we do not feed food that is too fatty, salty, carcinogenic, smoked (which we ourselves love to eat), food of dubious quality, and legumes. We give exactly as much food as we gave before the operation.

Does a castrated cat live less?

As already mentioned, castrati are practically no different from others of their own kind. And life expectancy is influenced by sufficient physical activity, timely vaccinations and treatment, a balanced diet, a favorable home environment, and the absence of small children pulling the tail.

Precautionary measures

When determining the sex of a pet, the following precautions should be taken:

Under no circumstances should you separate your pet from eating.
You must not grab the animal roughly by the scruff of the neck and paws, or lift it by the tail.
You should not irritate the kitten and the mother cat.
Do not touch the kitten or put pressure on the genitals.
Carrying kittens in your arms - babies freeze quickly and should not be separated from their mother for more than a minute.
This issue must be approached in detail; you cannot act hastily so that the pet does not receive physical or psychological trauma. If the animal is frightened, it is better to postpone clarifying this issue until a more appropriate moment.

Castration of a cat is a common practice in the modern world. Sooner or later, every owner has a similar question. Castration is a necessary process for pets who live in city apartments. If the owner does not plan to breed the breed, then the procedure becomes mandatory. Owners of private houses and summer cottages feel the need for it a little less.

In a small town or village, it is difficult to keep a cat out of romantic adventures. In addition, the operation is quite an expensive procedure and owners of private houses do not always take drastic measures . But if the cat was taken from the street or from a shelter as an adult, in order to avoid problems in the future, it is important to know how to determine whether a cat is neutered or not?

Let's look at the question in more detail and dwell on some of the features of the definition, as well as at what age it is better to carry out the operation and what consequences it will bring.

Self-examination of a cat for castration

First, you need to try to determine for yourself whether your new pet is neutered or not. Testing at home does not present any particular difficulties. If we talk about preparing for the test, then everything is simple - the cat needs to be calmed down.

Self-checking for castration of a cat can be divided into two types: visual and tactile.

Visual

This is what the suture looks like after surgery

Visual is a search for external signs of the operation performed. If the cat is young, then they should be more pronounced. The first thing you need to pay attention to is the condition of the fur in the genital area - if it is shorter than the rest or is clearly recently shaved, this may be a sign of recent castration.

If the cat is not a “young man,” this method, of course, will be irrelevant. You can examine the genital area for scars; this method, like the previous one, is only possible if castration has been performed recently.

As they age, many castrated cats develop a kind of “belly” in the area of the scrotum—a sagging fold of skin.

Tactile

With tactile everything is easier. It involves feeling the scrotal sac. Before starting, you should wear disposable sterile gloves. If, when palpated, you feel hard elastic formations inside, or at least one, the cat was not neutered, but if not, there is nothing to worry about.

Although there is some chance of getting caught by a cryptorchid cat, in such animals the testicles do not descend into the scrotum and they seem to be absent. But this happens very rarely.

Optimal age

Of course, a lot depends on the breed and individual characteristics of the animal. There are no specific deadlines for neutered cats. The average period of puberty in cats is 7-11 months. In any case, it will not be a mistake if the operation occurs a year later. This time is enough to avoid health problems in the future.

Castration, like any intervention in the body, brings certain hormonal and behavioral changes.

In any case, the sex life of your beloved pet will be a surprise for the owner. Even if the cat lives in an apartment and leads a passive lifestyle. An animal cannot resist its instincts and get carried away by a cat during a walk or run away on the street when arriving in a village or dacha.

Timely castration will avoid unnecessary frustration and loud cat concerts. Calls to search for a cat may be accompanied by aggressive behavior, uncontrolled marking of territory and loud meowing.

For clarity, we note obvious signs when a cat should be castrated and the maximum age for surgical or other intervention in natural processes:

The cat has noticeably lost weight . It is worth keeping in mind adjustments for the time of year and breed. Cats, as a rule, lose weight closer to spring and summer because... There is no urgent need to maintain fat reserves. The animal refuses its favorite treats.
Changes in behavior, mood. The cat snaps, behaves aggressively even with children, can “swear” at his favorite toys and damage furniture.
The cat sleeps less and becomes restless. Night activity increases significantly, which causes problems for the owners.
The cat watches the owners at the front door, meows loudly, and tries to sneak out into the street.
The pet may rub its body parts against various objects . The emphasis will be heavily on the genitals and the fifth hairy point.
Active marking of territory begins in the most unexpected and inappropriate places.

In general, a cat can be castrated up to the age of 3 years. But you shouldn’t delay or postpone the operation. Each time the pet’s mood and behavior will worsen. Even special tablets and drops will not help.

ATTENTION! There is an opinion among owners that a cat should be castrated only after the first mating. This is true for cats, but with males the situation is somewhat different. A cat that has satisfied its physical needs and then is deprived of this opportunity may experience enormous stress in the future.

Do cats understand that they have been spayed or neutered?

Of course, these operations need to be performed, even necessary. They will help you get rid of many behavioral problems: unmotivated aggression, anxiety. You will get rid of the persistent smell of urine in your apartment. Your pet will calm down, become more affectionate and “homelike.” Don’t worry - these operations are recognized by animal rights activists as absolutely humane in relation to animals.

Both operations (castration and sterilization) are performed under anesthesia through surgery. Kittens have their testicles removed, female cats have their ovaries removed. From a purely technical point of view, sterilization (oophorectomy) is more complex.

What happens immediately after surgery. In general, animals recover quite quickly after surgery. Upon returning home, they usually sleep for a long time - at least a day. In some cases, your pet may be advised to wear a protective cone, mainly to prevent damage to the stitches.

In the first few days, avoid noisy and prolonged activities and games. Ideally, leave the animal completely alone. Of course, this is difficult: after all, mostly kittens are castrated, and they, as you know, are active and mobile creatures. And yet we must be patient!

Are procreation instincts viable after surgery? It works differently for different cats. In some cases, animals calm down “instantly,” while in others, previously learned behavior patterns are retained. Much, if not all, depends on age. So expect some “surprises” if you have operated on enough adults who have had the appropriate “experience” in pets.

Do animals' temperaments and personalities change after surgery? Let's say one thing: spayed and neutered cats are much calmer. As a rule, there is no hint of aggression in them. They practically do not come into conflict with other cats. Their territorial instincts weaken, they do not “mark” their territory. Many owners indicate that after the operation they became closer to their pets - they became softer and more affectionate.

Are there any complications possible after the surgery? Of course, because an operation is an operation. And something can go wrong. We noted above that your pet will spend the first two days in a half-asleep state. And then look carefully to see if there are any oddities in his behavior? Especially something that has not been noticed before? It is possible that the animal is experiencing post-operative pain; this happens all the time.

Be sure to contact your veterinarian if the animal begins to show aggression; often stands in a “hunched” position, hanging his head low; doesn't let you get close to him; takes a long time and compulsively puts himself in order (“licks”). However, we recognize the last point as a variant of the norm (in the first few days - for sure). Don't hesitate to call your veterinarian if you notice any other obvious oddities or abnormalities.

Does surgery lead to depression and stress in animals? We have already emphasized that the animal must go through a postoperative adaptation period. Yes, your pet may look “lost”, “depressed”, and will begin to lick itself for a long time. But all this is only for a few days. There is no evidence that cats become depressed after surgery (to any extent confirmed by scientific research).

Is it possible to determine by external signs whether an animal has undergone surgery? For complete peace of mind, look under the animal's tail. In the case of a cat, swipe your hand - if the testicles are “available”, then they are quite large and hard. However, the method is not 100% reliable: it is possible that the cat suffers from undescended testicles. In addition, if the cat is not familiar to you, we do not recommend invading its intimate areas so unceremoniously: it may get tricky and bite. Better go to the vet!

Are cats burdened by their “new” situation? Do they understand that they have lost the ability to reproduce? It is difficult to answer this question unambiguously. We can’t get into cats’ brains and count their thoughts! Let's put aside emotions and giggles and approach the issue from a purely scientific point of view. And we will immediately find the answer - no, they don’t understand. Of course, they will feel that their body has undergone some changes. Again the postoperative period! But they are unlikely to feel the scale of the “tragedy”. They will simply lose interest in the opposite sex. And the owners are completely benefited!

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Advantages, disadvantages, consequences

To reassure doubting owners (after all, castration is a responsible procedure!) Let’s consider the positive and negative aspects of outside intervention:

Arguments for" . The cat stops screaming and demanding to be let out into the street. Behavior becomes calmer and more balanced. Life expectancy increases by several years. The risk of serious diseases, including inflammation or testicular cancer, is reduced. Changes in the coat are possible. She becomes brighter and more tender.
Arguments against". Careful monitoring of nutrition after castration. A special diet for several weeks is possible. Anesthesia affects the animal's body. After surgery, the cat may feel lethargic and apathetic. The effect wears off in the worst case after 24 hours. There are hormonal changes that can affect the correct excretion of urine. As a consequence, the development of urolithiasis.

Preparing for surgery

Having decided to undergo surgery, owners must clearly understand that castration is a surgical operation that requires adherence to a clear algorithm of actions. Having chosen a suitable veterinary clinic, before the operation it is necessary to take tests: blood, urine, a smear for sexually transmitted infections, and give the cat a cardiogram. Get vaccinated in advance, about two months in advance, or you can postpone them for a while.

It is important to approach the operation responsibly and not spare money on procedures and examinations, because the health and life of your pet depends on its successful implementation.

After anesthesia, the cat will sleep for several hours, so you need to take a carrier and a blanket to the veterinary clinic; during narcotic sleep, the body temperature drops and the pet may freeze.

How to distinguish a neutered cat

Let's move on to the moment that will allow you to find out whether the cat is neutered or not. For clarity, we will divide the process into several stages.

Preparatory stage

First, you should calm your pet. The test should not be carried out if the pet has just eaten, played or slept. Gently pick up the cat and lift his tail to examine his genitals. It is best if there are two of you and an assistant will hold the cat. In most cases, the animal will experience discomfort and anxiety. Perhaps he will try to scratch the owner.
It is important to pat the cat on the back and talk to it. Perhaps the cat raises its tail on its own and will make it easier to identify. At the very least, the pet will calm down for a while.
For personal hygiene, be sure to use gloves. They should not be thick so that the pet can be easily felt.
Some problem occurs in long-haired breeds. In order to get to the genitals, the fur must be removed. By spreading the fur between the paws, you can see the cat's penis and anus.
You should touch the cat carefully so as not to hurt the animal. If the cat is docile and obedient, you can put the cat on its back. This will make it easier to identify.

Checking the genitals

After castration (pictured), the cat has no testicles. This is the main sign by which the sexual activity of an animal can be determined.

IMPORTANT! Under the tail is the scrotum, it resembles a small pouch. Take it in your hands. Feel carefully.

If you feel small testicles, then the cat is not neutered with a 99.9% probability.

If the sac is soft, then the cat has undergone surgery. Let us note some nuances of the definition:

There is no bag, which means the cat underwent surgery a long time ago, and it was deflated.
One testicle is palpable. The cat is not neutered.
It is possible that the cat is young and his testicles have not yet descended. It is also possible to suspect cryptorchidism - a disease when the testicles do not descend into the scrotum.
Scars around the genitals are a clear sign of castration.

Other determination methods

If the owner does not have the opportunity or desire to use the above method, then there are a number of other methods:

Measuring the distance between the anus and penis . You can use a ruler to measure the distance between the anus and penis. If the distance is more than 2.5 cm, there is a high probability that the cat is neutered. At a young age, the distance is 1.2 – 1.3 cm.
Ask the former owners . The easiest way with minimal cost. Basic communication skills required. No need to be shy. A simple question to the former owners will save you from many problems and surprises in the future. If the pet is purebred, then there will definitely be a package of documents for it. There, among other things, it will be indicated whether the cat is neutered or not.
Fur on the belly. You can pay attention to the lower abdomen. The fur there will be shaved. As a rule, for convenience, the veterinarian will shave off some of the cat's hair. The method is quite specific and does not provide a 100% guarantee. It is better to combine it with others for authenticity.
Smell of urine. The urine of uncastrated cats has a persistent and very unpleasant odor. It may be difficult to understand the first time, but, as a rule, the smell of urine from neutered cats does not cause a negative reaction.
Ear examination . If a cat is picked up from the street or taken from a shelter, pay attention to his ears. Often sterilized cats have a special mark. But, unfortunately, this method is not common in Russia. Shelters and volunteers simply do not have the ability to tag stray, sterilized cats.
Contact an experienced breeder, friend or veterinarian. The latter person is preferable because, due to the specifics of the work, he can easily distinguish a castrated cat from an uncastrated one (see photo).

How can you tell if a cat is spayed by its scar?

You can tell if a cat is spayed by the presence of a scar. Most veterinarians spay cats, which means removing the uterus and ovaries through a small incision in the abdomen. The procedure is usually called sterilization, since the word “castration” evokes negative associations among many people.

Castration can be carried out in two positions:

An incision is made on the side, the uterus and ovaries are removed with a special hook.
An incision is made along the linea alba - the central line of the abdomen. It is believed that castration along the white line is more correct and humane, since there are practically no nerve endings in this area. Statistics show that sutures along the white line heal better and become inflamed less often.

Carefully examine your cat's abdomen for scarring. For castration, an incision of about 2 cm is made; after healing, the length of the scar usually does not exceed 1 cm. A scar on the side is much more difficult to detect, especially if the cat has a dense undercoat.

By the way, the scar along the white line may not be noticeable if the operation is performed at 7–10 months of age. It is also worth considering the fact that many doctors perform sterilization using the laparoscopic method - through 2 small punctures in the abdominal cavity.

In the apartment

An uncastrated cat living in an apartment causes a lot of inconvenience to its owner. If you are not going to castrate your pet, then be prepared to face problems such as:

Tags. Most unneutered cats mark their territory in this way. This is the natural behavior of a sexually mature animal; it is useless to scold for it. Animals periodically mark the owner’s things, furniture and corners. The tags have a strong odor that is difficult to get rid of.
Night screams. With a loud cry, the cat scares away rivals from the house and at the same time notifies the females of its presence.
Aggression. With the onset of puberty, a previously affectionate, playful kitten can become an aggressive male. This is due to the action of testosterone, which encourages the cat to strive for leadership and conquer territory.

We understand the important issues of cat castration surgery

The peculiarities of city life dictate its harsh conditions to people and animals. Naturally free animals are locked in apartments, and instead of hunting, they imposingly chew dry food. But no metropolis can cancel the laws of nature, and pretty soon yesterday’s kitten begins to demand a female.

Thus, pet owners often have to face the forced need to castrate a cat in order to avoid many problems with the pet’s behavior: increased aggression, the fetid smell of “marked territory” and puddles in the most unexpected places, litter.

Hormonal drugs

There are many special drugs designed to suppress sexual desire in cats. They are available in the form of drops, tablets or injections.

Hormonal drugs, including “Sex Barrier”, “Contrasex”, “Nonoestron”, “Stop-Intim” and others, are often used by owners of uncastrated cats, allowing them to temporarily reduce the troubles that their behavior causes.

A significant disadvantage of hormonal drugs is the enormous harm they cause to the health of the animal. Frequent use can lead to consequences such as diabetes, cancer and other diseases.

In case of emergency, veterinarians recommend using natural-based sedatives, such as “Cat Bayun” and “Stop-stress”. They are not as effective as hormonal ones, but they do not harm the health of the animal.

Character of the cat (male)

The character of the cat.

The cat is the living embodiment of feline independence, which itself will determine when its owner can pet it, feed it or play with it.

For a cat, the owner’s apartment is a real training ground where he will play, hide, and throw himself at the owner’s feet from behind cover. Finding a cat in an apartment, in view of this, will not always be easy, since every now and then he will strive to crawl somewhere into a pile of laundry prepared for washing or in a closet.

Cats behave more impressively and impudently.

For a cat who considers the apartment his property, it is extremely important to be aware of everything that happens there. Because cats are characterized by simply overwhelming curiosity, and any new object that comes into the house, as well as an old object that is moved from one place to another, is perceived by them as something that should be carefully sniffed and, perhaps, even touched with its paw.

If there is some kind of box or package, then not a single cat can resist the temptation to explore it from the inside and climb inside.

The next thing to note about a cat's character is that they tend to monitor and control the actions of their owner. This is expressed in the fact that when the owner is busy with something, his pet will definitely follow him and check what’s going on. It doesn’t matter whether it’s laundry, welcoming guests, repairs or cleaning - all this must be taken under control.

The third thing that should be said is the tendency of cats to dominate and the desire to take the place of leader everywhere. This usually applies only to cats and dogs, but often also to two-legged inhabitants. Therefore, when getting a cat, just in case, you can imagine what it will be like for you to feel like an ordinary member of a pack, led by your pet. However, it is not at all difficult to fight such dominance, since it does not require much effort to explain to the cat who is the boss of the house.

The cat will have to explain who is the boss in the house.

It is also worth saying that people who get a cat should not count on the fact that they will get an affectionate, soft and weak-willed creature who will only sleep in a ball on the lap of its owner. No, the cat, of course, will purr, and he will also be allowed to stroke it. He will even rub against his owner’s legs, but as soon as he has his own business to do, he will instantly run away, ignoring his master’s caresses, and in the same way, having begged for a treat, he will instantly stop caressing.

I must say that cats are very good manipulators.

In addition, a cat can sometimes show aggression, especially if its owner does something that, to put it mildly, the cat will not be delighted with. In addition, for physiological reasons, males have a much stronger odor than females, and they are not as tidy as females. Although, of course, if you provide your pet with decent care, then there will be no noticeable difference in this regard.

If the cat goes outside, then from time to time he will disappear somewhere for days, and maybe even weeks, returning home in an absolutely indecent condition.

You should not count on the fact that the pet will be in a hurry to get himself in order: like men, who have always been inferior to women in cleanliness, it is much easier for a cat to wait until the owner washes his fur coat or until all the dirt is wiped off on the owner’s pillow or lap than to engage in lengthy washing .

The most annoying sign of a cat's presence indoors are the marks. True, not all cats mark, and some owners are able to psychologically “explain” to the cat what he can and cannot do. But if the cat does mark, then the simplest method of solving this problem would be castration, which, moreover, will improve the cat’s health and increase its life expectancy.

If the cat walks alone

Owners of unneutered cats who let them outside feel like they are doing a good deed by letting their pet run around and socialize with other cats.

Such people forget about the many dangers that await a cat on the street:

cars that can seriously injure or kill an unwary cat;
flayers and simply cruel people who can kick a pet;
scattered poisoned dog food that a cat might try;
various infections, including those dangerous to people;
hungry packs of dogs;
fights with other cats, in which the animal may lose an ear or an eye.

In addition, most owners do not want to think about the fact that free-ranging pets reproduce uncontrollably.

Cat owners do not feel involved in the increase in stray animals, because all problems with kittens lie with cat owners, who either get rid of the kittens right away, or let them grow up and throw them away. This exacerbates the problem of homeless animals, and all animal owners who allow animals to roam are guilty of it.

Alternative methods to identify a “castrato”

While examining the cat

If self-examination does not bring firm confidence in a particular result, you should resort to alternative methods of clarification. The first thing worth mentioning is that if the cat was not taken from the street, you need to ask the former owners whether he is neutered or not.

While ordinary people may not know, if they purchase a cat from a cattery, the workers of the latter should know exactly the answer to the question of interest.

If the cat was picked up on the street, you can examine its ears. Now there are foundations and services whose volunteers find homeless animals and sterilize them by leaving a mark or hanging a clip. The mark may involve partial cropping of the ear or the use of a triangular incision.

If none of the above methods help or are irrelevant, you should simply contact your veterinarian or the nearest veterinary clinic. The doctor will examine the cat, do tests if necessary and tell you everything that may interest the owner at the moment. There you can sign up for a castration operation if it turns out that this did not happen.

Diseases

Unneutered cats are susceptible to the following diseases:

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland that occurs due to the penetration of pathogenic microorganisms into the prostate tissue.
Diseases of the urinary system. Among them:

urolithiasis disease;
urocystitis (inflammation of the bladder);
nephrosis;
nephritis;
pyelonephritis.

Castration will greatly reduce the risk of these diseases.

Thus, surgery is the safest and most humane way to solve all problems associated with cat behavior.

Sterilization and castration of cats

Castration of a cat means deprivation of furry testes. There is no need to assume that castrated cats are deprived of all the joys of life. On the contrary, after castration, the chances of dying from urolithiasis (UCD), which occurs in many cats due to hormonal fluctuations and metabolic disorders, are sharply reduced. Operated purrs live much longer than their relatives due to the stability of hormonal levels, they no longer suffer from sexually transmitted infections, and their behavior improves.

Sterilized cat - with spermatic cords tied. The method is controversial, because after this procedure the cat continues to mark the territory and your shoes, and is able to hunt cats without procreation. It is a mistake to think that a sterilized cat suffers from the inability to procreate and lack of sex. After all, even in the wild, the male still has to win his right to the female, and not everyone succeeds in this.

Colors

In addition to obvious signs and observation of habits, the color of the animal will also tell about the gender. Here are some nuances of the cat's palette:

The tortoiseshell or tri-color color can only appear in girls. This is caused by genetics: to combine all three classic colors, a pair of X chromosomes is required, which is typical for girls. In cats, the black-white-red color can only appear in the event of a genetic failure or disease.
A color called Calico (a type of tortoiseshell) also belongs to girlish “outfits”.
Only a cat can have a completely red color, as well as a hint of cinnamon.

Regarding spotted cats, there is no exact definition based on color. Red and black pets may have white spots, regardless of gender. However, it has been noticed that the combination “red and white” is more common in boys, and “black and white” cats are more often found.

How is a cat different from a cat?

A cat shows its emotions more openly than a male cat.

If you decide to buy a cat, then be prepared for the fact that they are more affectionate than cats.

Cats establish their rights in the house much softer and not as arrogantly as cats. This animal, with the help of affection, can gain the trust of its owner, and a whim will contribute to the fulfillment of its every desire. In addition, they openly show their emotions, which is another difference between them and cats. Cats and male cats love their owners equally, but male cats show their love in a more reserved manner.

Cats are clean by nature and can take several hours to clean themselves up. And if their coat becomes damaged in any way, for example after playing, then they begin to groom themselves again for several hours in a row.

Cats want to get the attention of their owners in any way, for example, they can rub against you, and they will also strive to take a position closer to their owner. This is justified by the fact that cats, immediately after entering a new home, begin to choose a pet for themselves, who will be the object of expression of affection and love.

If a cat no longer wants to play with its owner, then it simply leaves, but with cats it’s the opposite. They themselves will never leave their pet, moreover, you yourself will have to fight off their affection.

In addition to all of the above, cats are harmless animals compared to cats who, after a “quarrel” with their owner, will walk for a long time and be offended, and cats, on the contrary, will themselves look for ways of reconciliation, for example, they will begin to rub against their legs, purr, and so on.

Do not forget that cats and cats are equally kind, but they can show their aggression, although this will be very rare and only in special cases.

One hundred percent answer to the question “A cat or a cat, who should you choose?” cannot be, since each person independently decides which sex of the animal is best to choose. As we can see, both cats and cats have disadvantages and advantages, and therefore it will be difficult, but possible, to make a choice.

How to distinguish a neutered cat?

How to conduct an inspection - what is possible and what is not?

The best way to distinguish the sex of a kitten is to conduct a thorough examination of the fluffy one. How to do everything right and avoid mistakes? During the inspection you must:

hold and turn the kitten as carefully and carefully as possible;
place the kitten exclusively on its stomach, and not on its spine;
do not conduct examinations on cats that are too young (up to 3 weeks);
monitor the reaction of the kittens’ mother; if she is not delighted with this idea, it is better not to touch the babies;
avoid a lot of unnecessary movements.

During inspection, under no circumstances should you:

lift the kitten by the tail;
inaccurately and abruptly turn the animal over;
tear the kitten away from feeding for examination;
holding small fluffies (3-4 weeks old) in your hands for too long - this can affect the animal’s thermoregulation;
apply strong pressure to the kitten's stomach or genitals.

It is also important to prepare the correct location for the inspection and all the necessary items. To do this you will need:

a clean, soft, warm towel on which you will place the kitten;
additional light source (if necessary).

Castration at 1 year

Cats quickly become adults. Their 1 year of life is equal to 5 human years. If your pet is of this age and you have doubts whether it is possible to castrate a cat at the age of one year, feel free to decide on the operation.

At this age, the animal’s body and gonads are already fully formed; surgical intervention will not affect your Murzik’s health in any way.

Additional signs

Also, an external sign by which one can distinguish between boy and girl kittens is their color:

There are practically no tricolor males in nature;
the happy owner of the red color is exclusively the male gender of these animals;
Only girls are born with tortoiseshell coloration.

This feature is directly related to their genes. So, there is a specific gene that is responsible for rich black and red color. It is found only on the X chromosome. And, as everyone knows well from biology, the gender of a kitten, a girl or a boy, directly depends on the combination of these same chromosomes. For cats it is XY, for cats it is XX.

Closeness with a person as a distinctive feature

You can also distinguish male and female kittens by the way they receive affection, love and attention from their owners. Thus, the male sex goes into arms with great pleasure, allows itself to be stroked, scratched on the neck, ears, and purrs with happiness. He always meets the owners at the door from work and sees them off if they are going somewhere.

Girls, on the other hand, are more likely to endure and allow some attention to be shown to them, but very soon they break free and run away.

This is how they show their strong and independent character. This is not at all surprising, since the female sex is initially, by nature itself, determined to give absolute dedication exclusively to their children. And ladies become affectionate only when they have offspring.

On the other hand, girls can be distinguished by the fact that they behave like real guards in a house or apartment. They feel that guests or neighbors will come soon and report this with a growl, even before the doorbell rings. It is a very common opinion that the female sex is more attached to housing than to the owners themselves.

Distinguish by external characteristics

Many lovers of these animals claim that you can always identify the cat in front of you by some external characteristics. This especially applies to the body and face of your little friend. Naturally, in order to distinguish the sexes, you need to know and love these animals well; for a person who has a very vague idea about these babies, such a method, whether harmful, can provide significant help. But still:

Cat

usually has a fairly wide muzzle and nose;
his physique is large and powerful;
If an adult, neutered cat comes into your house, then its head will be large, and its skin and paws will be thick.

Cat

often has an elegant, incredibly graceful and beautiful body;
The muzzle is most often elongated.

Although, of course, you don’t need to rely entirely on such characteristics to recognize the cat in front of you. Because there are breeds that have their own unique characteristics, which can confuse you when it comes to differentiating the genders. For example, all Scots and Britons usually have a large muzzle, but sphinxes are distinguished by angular and small heads.