Do neutered cats miss their testicles? 

What an interesting topic and one that I’ve never even considered before. But, do neutered cats really miss their testicles after neutering? 

Following our blog, Do neutered dogs miss their balls?, it’s time to take a look at our feline friends. As with any surgical procedure, especially neutering for male and female animals, it always comes with its risks, along with the pros and cons – although I can’t say that ‘missing their testicles’ has ever crossed my mind to discuss with an owner. 

Nonetheless, let’s delve into neutering male cats and see if there is any information out there that may suggest our feline friends long to have their testicles returned. 

Why do we remove the testicles of cats? 

Routine neutering or castration of male cats is a quick procedure carried out by a veterinary surgeon and occurs most days at the veterinary practice. The procedure itself is fairly non-invasive and is so minimal that it very rarely even requires stitches. 
In fact, the scrotum is often opened with a blade, the testicles are revealed and the testicular tubes are tied in a knot. The testicles can then be removed with the blade and the scrotum is left to heal over – lovely!  

There are a number of reasons as to why we remove the testicles. 

Reduces scent marking:  

When cats still have their testicles, also known as being ‘entire’, they often show more scent marking behaviours. This can happen both indoors and outdoors, with the smell being extremely strong and pungent. Even if they are not scent marking indoors, they can still smell very strong. By removing the testicles, their aroma and scent marking behaviours can drastically reduce. 

Can help to prevent fighting:  

Testosterone means fights, and entire males sure love to fight. Whether it’s about attracting a mate, expanding their territory or protecting their home, an entire male will often come home with injuries from another cat. Removing the testicles can help to minimise fighting tendencies. 

Eliminates the risks of testicular cancer:  

When we remove the testicles, we can completely eradicate the chances of testicular cancer. It can also help to reduce illnesses that are associated with the testicles and testosterone release. 

Reduces roaming tendencies:  

Entire males love to roam. This can allow them to expand their territory as well as find a mate. However, entire males can roam to their heart’s content and can sometimes go walkabout for 3 – 4 days. When we remove the testicles, we find that this behaviour reduces substantially. 

Prevents unwanted litters:  

If males are entire, then they are bound to be out on the prowl for a female. The UK, along with the majority of the world, is inundated with cats! Especially stray and feral populations. By removing the testicles of male cats, we are able to control the population of cats. 

A re-visit to anthropomorphism 

In our previous blog about whether ‘dogs miss their balls’, we looked at anthropomorphism. In short, this is where we as humans project our feelings onto our pets. When we look at whether or not cats miss their testicles, this is a classic case of anthropomorphism. 

As humans, it may be easy for us to link the removal of testicles to a change in our identity, or even a loss of self-esteem. If we were to have our testicles removed as a male, we might feel sad, awkward or even a little lost – however, it’s unlikely that cats have this same way of thinking.  

Cats don’t worry about body image or “masculinity” – at least not in the same sense that we would. For cats, neutering is a medical procedure that can change their hormones and behaviour, but not with embarrassment or shame. 

After castration, cats may be a little quiet whilst they are healing and their behaviour can change whilst their hormones are settling down. However, it’s important that we don’t confuse this healing period with them mourning the loss of their testicles – this is just our human imagination and projection of feelings. 

Do cats notice that their testicles are missing? 

It is highly unlikely that cats even notice that their testicles are missing after they have been castrated. The main time that they may be more interested in that area is whilst they are growing and after the testicles have been removed. 

Unlike humans, cats don’t have the concept that something is ‘missing’, or for it to have an impact on their body image or masculinity – they don’t process the surgical removal of the testicles in a way that we might imagine that they would. 

Although the surgical procedure is minimal, they may have irritation from removal of the fur as well as where the incision was made. Often, they will clean the area thoroughly, but this is not due to them realising that the testicles are necessarily missing, but more nursing a wound themselves.  

Do cats show signs of missing their testicles? 

In short, no cats do not show signs of missing their testicles. Let’s face it, if cats had a significant emotional reaction to them missing their testicles, the veterinary practice would be inundated with depressed post-castrated cats!  

Having worked in veterinary for 8 years this year, it’s safe to say that I’ve never seen an animal back for a post operative check where the owner has been concerned that they are missing their reproductive organs. From ovaries to testicles and from cats, dogs, rabbits and even guinea pigs – not one patient has ever presented for an appointment due to them missing their reproductive organs. 

Don’t get me wrong, there are cases when animals come back for a post operative check a little sad. But, this is due to them having a complication, whether that be swelling, infection or a skin reaction. 

Understanding this concept helps owners to avoid projecting their own human emotions onto their cats. Naturally, it is quite normal to worry about your pet after they have had a surgery, especially if they have undergone a neutering procedure. However, the reality is that animals do not think about themselves in such a way. 

Alternatives to surgical castration 

So let’s say you’re really worried about your cat missing their testicles and want to look into alternatives to surgical castration. Whilst surgical castration is the most common and effective method, there are a couple of alternatives. 

Hormonal implant:  

Similar to dogs, cats in some specific situations can receive an implant beneath the skin, around the size of a microchip. This suppresses fertility and testosterone production. It can also reduce roaming behaviours, as well as the urge to mate. The main issue with the implant is that it is likely to be more expensive than surgical castration and is not permanent – it will need to be repeated every 6 – 12 months. 

Vasectomy:  

This is a surgical procedure that instead of removing the testicles, the testicular tubes are cut or sealed. The main benefit from this procedure is that it is permanent. It makes the cat infertile, but testosterone production continues. 

The main downside to this procedure is that they will still have all of the same urges due to testosterone levels. You may often find that they still roam, fight and scent mark, as well as look for a mate. 

Final thoughts 

So, do neutered cats miss their testicles? I would answer with a firm no – it is highly unlikely. Whilst it is completely natural for us as humans to project our emotions onto our pets (I am completely guilty of doing this too!), cats do not experience the same feelings that we do. 

Neutering is a procedure that reduces or eliminates hormones and unwanted behaviours, but it does not cause an emotional imbalance due to the loss of their testicles. 

If you are concerned about neutering your cat, the best thing you can do is have an open and honest conversation with your veterinary team. They will be able to discuss the different options that you have available.