Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Ello,

Well, all my life I've had my cats fixed. We have the opportunity to get a 2 year old male from a friend who didnt get her cat fixed. Now im faced with a decision. Apparently her cat has some issues like spraying. She told me that she's had a break from him doing this, but Im rather worried about it. Even though he's an older cat, can neutering him fix the spraying problem?????

My mom seems to think that older cats that get fixed will still look to spray. I really cant have a cat that sprays with my 4yr old in the house. Any help or hints on this would be greatly appreciated!!!!!!! Thanks!

-----

clawskitty@yahoo.com

Yes, it is possible he will still spray in response to stress or territory issues. Once they start, it can become a learned habit - but it doesn't mean it will be a habit.

I'd ask a lot of questions about when and where he was spraying before taking him in - you want to have a clear idea why. If it was a stress issue, you might be able end this unwanted habit. Is he a very child friendly cat? A 4 year old can be a trauma to some cats (others couldn't care less)

I'd tread very carefully, the potential for disaster is a little high here. Best of luck

Purrs,
Elizabeth

Hi There,

Most intact cats that spray will cease after being neutered, but there is no way to know ahead of time if this guy will be one of them.

The other poster brought up something very important regarding your son. If this cat isn't used to children, it might not work out. Tom cats, and those recently neutered, are often unreliable in their behavior. They are also very strong and can do a lot of damage when they want to.

Please be very careful while making your decision.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Thank you so vry much!!

As to the places where the cat sprayed, well, she gave me a kind of list. Some of them kind of turn me off for hygene reasons:
Kitchen Counter
Kitchen Table
Her dresser
Behind the couch
In her planter?
and apparently in her sons room, mostly around the fish tank.

Like i said, some of those really disturb me greatly.
Her son is 5 years old and the cat does great with him. My daughter goes there often enough to know the cat and they have never had an issue. The cat has always been an indoor one and usualy very friendly. He seems like such a nice cat, except for the spraying thing. Well you guys ahve been a great help, and now i have to see if my husband is willing to give it a whirl. Thank you!!
-----

clawskitty@yahoo.com