So my cat is nearly 2 years old now. He doesn't like the outdoors so is exclusively an indoor cat (he is scared of even going on the balcony).
I had some minor spraying issues when I got two new roommates but he soon settled and he is generally a healthy and happy cat. He enjoys play fighting and the rest of the time he keeps himself to himself.
My vet seems very insistent he be neutered though, which I am a student and it is difficult for me to afford and given the fact he is an indoor cat, I really don't see the benefit.
Does he really need neutering?
2016-12-07T03:24:51Z
I can afford the vets if need be, but my vet is quoting £140 for a procedure I don't see as entirely necessary seen as my cat is an indoor cat. And trust me, I see no risk in him running away, he is terrified of the outdoors for some strange reason.
J C2016-12-06T18:40:56Z
Yes, as sooner or later he's going to start to spray and not stop. And it's much easier to prevent than it is to try to correct it after it becomes a habit. You said he sprayed once - and it's only a matter of time before something else sets him off, and then it may not stop. Student or not, you really do need to be concerned with being able to pay for vet bills. What if he gets sick? A urinary blockage (from eating an all dry diet)? Manages to injure himself? A neuter is not expensive - call your local shelters to see who has a low-cost neuter program. Keep putting it off, and you will be very unhappy with him when he does what Nature is telling him to do - spray.
No. Not really. You just need to make sure he stays inside. Be careful so he doesn't escape. I'm concerned by the fact that you cant afford a neuter though. Its not that expensive. If he gets sick the vet bill could be much higher than the price of a neuter.
Yes he does. He will at some point spray in the apartment. Tom cat urine is next to impossible to remove from carpet, flooring and furniture. Also he is more at risk for testicular cancers at an early age. Call your local shelters and ask for lower cost vets (maybe even free) neutering for you boy. He will be much happier and you won't have to worry about him damaging the apartment with his spraying.
Neutering isn't mandatory. BUt it can also have health benefits for the animal. Fixing your cat can cause it to mellow out, live 30% longer and protect from certain cancers and diseases. You don't have to snip your cat, but it can also cut back on spraying and territory complications.
I would neuter my cat based on the smell of tomcat urine alone. How can you stand it? There are lots of low-cost clinics that can do it very cheap. It is much healthier for the cat to be neutered.