neutering or castration of cats

[k8bailey]

Is there a difference? and if so what?

[Schutzengel]

Neutering is the expression used for tomcats. The actual operation is castration. For female cats the expression is spaying. Hope this helps.

[k8bailey]

Thanks Schutzengel. Dou you know if a cat can be only partially neutered? I had my cat done a couple of years ago he's now marking his teritory so I'm wondering if it was done properly

[elcee45]

He could just be nervous, maybe new cats in his territory. I have a neutered male that does this.

[lankeela]

Neutering is the name given for the act of removing the reproductive organs, for either sex, whereas castration refers to males and spaying to females.

[Kleiber]

Ditto lankeela. It is possible for a neutered tom to still spray to mark his territory. My little Monty (now, sadly, over the Rainbow Bridge) was castrated at 6 months, but still used to spray, only outside, thankfully.

[Noweia]

Neutering, castrating and spaying all refer to removal of the gonads and reproductive organs in either sex. However castration is usually referred to in males, and spaying for females.

It is still possible for a neutered male cat to spray. Ours does it occasionally when next doors cat gets a little too close for comfort!