Does the character of the pet change after castration and neutering?

 

"After castration and sterilization, cats and dogs become calmer, stop marking their territory and pester their owners with shouts!"

We think you have heard this statement more than once. But how true is it? Is it true that the procedure changes behavior and character? Let's take a look at this in our article

• The procedure is different.

How is castration different from sterilization? Many people use these words interchangeably, but they are different procedures.

It is important to understand the difference between castration and sterilization, because these procedures have different degrees of effect on the body.

Sterilization deprives pets of the opportunity to reproduce, but preserves the reproductive organs (in whole or in part). During this procedure, females have their fallopian tubes tied or the uterus removed, leaving the ovaries behind. In cats, the spermatic cord is tied and the testes remain in place.

Castration is also the cessation of fertility, but with the removal of reproductive organs. In females, the ovaries or ovaries with the uterus are removed, and in males, the testes are removed.

The more serious the interference with the body, the more likely the effect on character.

Neutering affectsthe character of the pet to a minimum. With castration, cats and dogs experience complete sexual rest throughout their lives, and this is more likely to affect the character. But even here there are no guarantees.

• Sterilization and castration - not a panacea!

If you think spaying and neutering will solve all of your cat's or dog's behavioral problems, we have to upset you.

The effect of the operation on behavior strongly depends on the individual characteristics of the animal: its character, type of nervous system, experience gained, and other factors.

It is impossible to predict how the procedure will affect the character of your pet, and whether it will affect at all. Some cats and dogs do feel much calmer after surgery. They stop making noise at night and leave marks, they listen to the owner more. Others retain their previous behavior. So what do you do?

Behavioral problems need to be addressed comprehensively. Neutering and neutering increases the likelihood that the pet will become calmer, stop marking corners and will not run away while walking. But without your actions, i.e. without proper consistent care and education, nothing will happen.

Without correct educational complex measures - castration and sterilization DO NOT solve behavior problems.

It is important to talk to your veterinarian and animal psychologist to correct your pet's behavior. They will help you find an approach specifically to your pet.

 

• Age is important!

Much depends on the age at which the procedure was performed.

The operation should not be performed too early (for example, before the first estrus) and too late (in deep old age). The optimal time for castration and neutering will be determined by your veterinarian, but usually the procedure is recommended for about a year.

By this age, the reproductive system and behavioral bases are fully formed in animals. The pet has already found its place in society and knows how to behave with its relatives. At the same time, "bad" habits like screaming at night did not have time to sit too deep on the subcortex, and you can quite cope with them.

It is better to carry out the procedure when the animal has completed its growing cycle - physiological and emotional.

• Will the pet be able to fend for itself after castration?

This is a popular fear of owners. They are afraid that the sterilized pet will become soft and in an argument will not be able to defend its rights in front of relatives. However, you would be surprised to find out how many castrated cats keep the brave Don Juan courtyard at bay!

If your pet has already learned how to properly place himself in the company of his fellows and if his character is not suppressed by incorrect upbringing, then the procedure will not make him defenseless. He will be just as confident to defend his rights.

Therefore, neutering or neutering is best done when the pet has completed its growing up cycle. If you interrupt the formation of behavioral skills of a puppy or kitten with an operation, this can negatively affect his character. After all, he never had time to form in a natural way.

If the pet has developed communication skills with its own kind and it is not suppressed by incorrect upbringing, you should not be afraid that after the procedure it will become defenseless.

• How do other animals perceive a castrated cat or dog?

Neutering and neutering change the smell of your pet. Other animals sense this change and read the signal that the given individual is no longer capable of breeding. As a result, they do not perceive it as a competitor in gender relations, and the risk of intraspecific conflicts decreases.

However, this does not mean that neutered or neutered animals will lose their influence and leadership positions in other respects. They will still be able to influence members of their pride (pack / family).

• What else is important to know about?

Sterilization and castration do not guarantee solutions to behavioral problems, but they save the owner from problems with the offspring, reduce the likelihood of the pet escaping from the house and protect it from a number of serious diseases, including cancer. However, neutered and neutered animals need special care: a balanced low-calorie diet and plenty of drink, optimal physical activity, preventive examinations by a veterinarian.

 

Good health andgood behavior to your pets! And most importantly, love them as they are. After all, they, like you, are unique.