Neutering or sterilization is a common surgical procedure performed on male cats to prevent unwanted litters. It involves removing the testicles so the cat can no longer reproduce.
But even after neutering, some male cats may still show signs of sexual behavior and attempt to mate. So, can a neutered male cat still penetrate?
What Happens During Neutering?
Neutering, also known as castration, involves surgically removing both testicles from the scrotum of a male cat. This eliminates the main source of the hormone testosterone, which controls mating behaviors in cats.
Without testosterone, male cats generally lose the urge and ability to mate. The sperm ducts and seminal vesicles are also removed during the neutering procedure. This prevents sperm from being included in the seminal fluid even if the cat achieves penetration.
Some key points about neutering in cats:
- Performed while the kitten is around 6-9 months old.
- Requires general anesthesia.
- Stitches or tissue glue are used to close incisions.
- Short recovery time of 5-10 days.
- Eliminates the ability to reproduce but may not eliminate all sexual behaviors.
Can a Neutered Cat Still Mate?
Yes, it is possible for a neutered male cat to still be able to mate and achieve penetration. This is because neutering only removes the testicles and does not always completely eliminate sexual desire and reflexes.
Here are some reasons a neutered cat may still exhibit mating behaviors:
1. Hormonal Remnants
While neutering drastically reduces testosterone levels in male cats, there can still be some lingering traces of hormones left in the system after the surgery. These hormonal remnants may allow the cat to temporarily maintain mating behaviors.
2. Established Habits
If a male cat was sexually active prior to being neutered, the behaviors may be firmly established in its instincts and neural pathways. A neutered cat that frequently mated before surgery may have trouble “letting go” of the learned habits.
3. Response to Female in Heat
The powerful scent and vocalizations of a female cat in heat can still stimulate and arouse neutered males. The ingrained response to pursue and mate with receptive females may overcome the lowered sex drive in a neutered cat.
So, while the sexual urge is reduced after neutering, the catalytic presence of a female in estrus may still be able to trigger mating activity from a neutered male.
4. Pseudopregnancy
Female cats that have not been spayed can sometimes experience a “phantom pregnancy” after going through estrus. Hormonal changes make them act pregnant and maternal even without being bred.
Pseudopregnancy behaviors like nesting and milk production may confuse neutered males and stimulate their protective mating instincts. This can cause them to mount and penetrate the female even without viable sperm.
See also: Can Cats Eat Popcorn?
Signs a Neutered Cat May Still Attempt to Mate
Here are some common signs that a neutered male cat is still displaying mating behaviors:
- Mounting and thrusting motions on other cats, objects, or people’s legs.
- Continued territorial marking by urine spraying around the home.
- Aggressive behaviors like biting the scruff of other cats’ necks.
- Distress behaviors like yowling or pacing when the female is in heat.
- Attempts to escape outdoors to find a mate.
- Displaying courtship behaviors like licking, head-butting, or presenting genitals.
These behaviors may be most intense right after neutering surgery and gradually decline over 2-6 months. However, some neutered cats will continue mating activity throughout their lifetimes. Discuss ongoing issues with your veterinarian.
Can a Neutered Cat Successfully Mate?
While sexual interest and mounting may still occur, it is very rare for an actual mating to be completed by a neutered male cat. Here are some reasons intercourse is unlikely after neutering:
Lack of Erection
Formation of an erection requires strong blood flow to the penis. Neutering greatly reduces blood testosterone levels that drive this process. Most neutered cats cannot achieve or sustain an erection adequate for penetration.
No Sperm Production
With the testicles removed, neutered male cats no longer produce sperm. Even if penetration occurs, semen would not contain sperm cells to fertilize eggs.
Reduced Penile Spines
Intact male cats have penile spines that induce ovulation during mating. Neutering surgery leads to reduced size and stiffness of these spines. Without this stimulation, ovulation in the female is less likely.
Low Sex Drive
While interest may still exist, the sex drive and stamina required to mate is greatly lowered in neutered cats. Most will lack the persistent focus and energy to carry out breeding to completion.
Overall, the chances of a successful mating are extremely low in neutered male cats. However, due to hormonal remnants and persistent habits, they may go through the initial motions of sexual pursuit and mounting in rare cases.
Are Partial Mating Behaviors Problematic?
Some owners find the thrusting motions and sexual aggression of neutered males distressing or inappropriate. But in most cases, these behaviors do not need extensive treatment if they are mild and not harmful. Here are some tips for managing problem mating in neutered cats:
- Provide distraction with toys during times of peak response, like when a female is in heat.
- Use pheromone plug-ins and calming treats to reduce tension.
- Separate from arousing animals during trigger times.
- Discourage unwanted mounting with verbal correction or remote deterrents like compressed air.
- Block access to female’s nesting areas and prevent roaming.
- Consider medication if urges are intense and disruptive to the household.
- Continue to have patience as hormones dissipate in the coming months.
For cats with very frequent or rough mating behaviors that risk harm to people or other pets, further intervention like hormone therapy or behavioral modification may be recommended. Check with your veterinarian to assess the severity of symptoms in individual cases.
See also: Do Cats Eat Hamsters?
The Bottom Line
While rare, it is possible for a neutered male cat to still exhibit mating behaviors like mounting, thrusting, spraying, and pursuit of females in heat. However, successful intercourse, penetration, and sperm transmission is highly improbable following complete neutering.
Though the urge may persist temporarily, neutered cats cannot impregnate females. Neutering remains the most reliable way to sterilize male cats and prevent unwanted litter. However, some patience and guidance may still be needed during the transition period as hormones dissipate in the months after surgery.
Can a Neutered Male Cat Still Penetrate? – The Key Points:
- Neutering removes testicles and eliminates sperm production but may not eliminate all mating behaviors.
- Hormonal remnants and established habits can cause mating attempts in neutered cats.
- Signs like mounting, spraying, escapism, and distress around females in heat may be seen.
- While interest remains, erection, penetration, and conception are very unlikely after neutering.
- Mild behaviors often resolve within months with patience and distraction.
- Severe cases may need pheromones, separation, deterrents, or medication.
- Despite some lingering urges, neutered cats cannot impregnate females.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a neutered male cat still get an erection?
While unlikely, some neutered cats may still be able to get partial or short-lived erections due to remaining testosterone. But most cannot sustain an erection adequate for penetration and mating.
2. Do male cats stop spraying after being neutered?
Neutering greatly reduces urine spraying in 90% of cats. However, some neutered males may spray if they develop the habit before surgery. Using pheromones and cleanup with enzymes can help resolve residual spraying.
3. Is a neutered cat still attracted to female cats?
The powerful scent and signals of a female cat in heat can still create arousal and mating interest in some neutered males. Separating the neutered cat from such stimulation may be needed.
4. Can a neutered male cat impregnate a female cat?
It is highly unlikely a neutered male can successfully impregnate a female cat. While sperm production ceases after neutering, any residual sperm are unable to travel to the penis without intact ducts.
5. How long after being neutered does a male cat stop mating?
Most mating behaviors resolve within 2-6 months after neutering as testosterone levels dissipate. However, some cats can show sexual behaviors lifelong on a limited basis. Consult a vet if urges remain very frequent after 6 months.
In Conclusion:
Neutering is vital to population control in cats and prevents unwanted litter. But keep in mind that a neutered cat may still show some sexual behaviors temporarily after surgery. Have patience, use distraction and gentle deterrents, and consult your vet if problems persist. While bothersome, these behaviors are not a serious concern and do not indicate failed neutering. With time, the mating interests and abilities of your cat will be significantly reduced.
Featured Image: istockphoto.com
Read More: