How to Care for Your Recently Neutered Cat, 2. In fact, some research has shown that neutered cats are less likely to roam and more likely to be adopted from shelters or rescue organizations. A cat that displays sudden affection to the point where youd call it clingy (in a negative way), and where that wasnt the case before, is usually a sign that something is wrong and your cat is trying to get your attention. Many cat owners told me, anecdotally, that they have experienced their cats getting more affectionate in their older years. But, you cant force it. This means neutering will reduce a whole lot of hormone-driven behaviors of a male cat. As a result, they may no longer mark their territory or show signs of being sexually interested in other animals. If you suddenly notice your not-so-affectionate cat jumping into your lap or cuddling with you all of a sudden, and other behavioral changes like lethargy accompany this, change in appetite, weight loss, not using the litter box, etc. Do cats become more affectionate after neutering? It is linked. Cats become affectionate to their owners and other animals after being neutered. So if your cat is spayed at such an early age itself then you should know its personality would have changed regardless of the spay. The sex of your cat has nothing to do with being affectionate or not with age. For cats, that means that they need to have huge territories and defend them or take them from other cats. Your cat may be reacting to a change in your home environment, such as a new person or pet moving in. If youre looking for a cat thats more prone to be affectionate by nature, your best bet is to choose one thats already cuddly instead of waiting for them to mature. When old cats reach a certain age, they might use tricks to get your attention. Cat Demands Cuddles From His Dad Every Morning (https://youtu.be/LLBLnBOENUU), The Best Cat Breeds for Cuddling (https://youtu.be/aCkI3BsPFGQ), Cat Gives Her Dad Hugs All Day, Every Day | The Dodo Cat Crazy (https://youtu.be/2YWaczhSRjI), These Are The 10 Most Trainable Cat Breeds. This could happen if you have suddenly reduced the time of playing with her, or maybe there are guests or any other new pet at your home that your feline does not like very much. They can soften and get more comfortable with you as they mature, and this is more likely with males that are neutered. Although there are things you could try to make your cat more affectionate, if its just their character, there is probably little hope for success, especially if its already an adult cat. Did My Cat Know He Was Being Put To Sleep? Male cats require only 2 to 5 days to completely recover and return to their normal lifestyle. While it won't change their personality completely a plus for cat owners who love their kitties just the way they are it will lower their testosterone levels and reduce behaviors caused by hormones. So, take your cat to the vet for its regular checkups and consult them when your cats behavior changes suddenly. Sex is not a determinant in this case. Some cats may even become more active and playful after neutering. Taking your cat to a vet is a healthy practice that should be done if you notice your furry friend becoming needy all of a sudden. Writer and Mommy of 3 furr babies: Your cat is put under anesthesia for the surgery, and it can linger in its system. Some will be soft little lapcats and others will remain more independent. Your feline friend might be seeking your attention by being more affectionate. Eventually, they should make the effort themselves more often. These elderly animals can see affection more but this may mean more than just a desire for company. As soon as kittens age, theyll become more relaxed with less energy to play. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. It's completely normal for some cat breeds, particularly male, neutered cats, to become more affectionate as they get older. If they hiss at you, its a bad match from the start. Cat & Friends (catnfriends.com) does not intend to provide veterinary advice. If you notice any concerning changes in your cats behavior after being neutered, please consult with a veterinarian. It depends on the individual cat. he then will enjoy it for about 3-5 minutes and then jump off. How long after neutering a cat does behavior change? Neutering Your Cat Will Fix Bad Behavior, Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? Once neutered, the spraying behavior typically stops. As the cat becomes less aggressive due to all the hormones, he will become less aggressive usually which usually results in a more affectionate demeanor. Cuddle them now and thenbut dont overdo it. But cats, like humans, have their own personalities and temperaments that depend largely on genetics and upbringing. It is important to remember that every cat is unique, so it is impossible to say for certain what will happen to a particular cat after he is neutered. The main reason for neutering is to fix some behavioral issues that are related to sexual instincts. Going to the vet and after the surgery, your cat might feel more insecure. A long abdominal incision is made through many layers, and it involves organ removal and sutures or staples. Spaying and neutering are major life-changing surgeries for both male and female cats. 4 Do cats social bonds with their owners change over time? Unfixed Cats Unneutered male cats are not particularly known for their affectionate ways with people, although exceptions certainly do exist. Some will be soft little lapcats and others will remain more independent. Your cat might not have had a loss of confidence, surgical trauma, and unpleasant experience rather might just be really sensitive. However, neutering or spaying doesn't change your cat's personality. Can Adult Cats Eat Kitten Food? That strictly depends on your cat. Only small touches with one hand. Often, you are rewarded with a gentler, more affectionate version of your cat. After being spayed or neutered, the majority appear to never miss a step. Do Female Cats Become More or Less Aggressive After Spaying? Spaying is a big life-changing event for your cat. To answer the question; yesa male cat will be more affectionate and less aggressive after they have recovered from the operation. I'd have to agree with Verna and Katie. Your cat might be clingy because it would be feeling scared and disoriented after the operation. However, when discussing it with them, it turns out that their cats behavior could be attributed to other factors. Your email address will not be published. While it is not clear why this occurs, it is likely due to changes in the cat's hormone levels. Spend time with them and tend to their needs. Yes, cats typically become more affectionate after neutering. Cats are predators and as such very stoicthey dont show pain, they get aggressive. Though you should consider if the spay surgery will affect your cats mental or physical well-being. Here are some signs of clingy cats: Its good to monitor your cats behavior, and if you see a sudden personality change, you should consult your vet for a checkup. Neutering reduces the testosterone levels in male cats, making them calmer, and you would rarely see them involved in fights or being very particular about their territories after that. Ultimately, it is up to the individual cat to decide whether or not their temperament changes after being neutered. During the post-op recovery period, female cats might require more time alone to rest and recover. The main reason for neutering is to fix some behavioral issues that are related to sexual instincts. 1 Why is my cat more affectionate after being neutered? In case your cat used to be cuddly, but this has gotten less over time, there are a couple of things to consider. The pain medicines you might be giving your cat on the advice of your vet could be an add-on to your cats confusion. Cats become affectionate to their owners and other animals after being neutered. Give it extra attention or consult a vet. After the surgery, your cat will be in pain. But, what are the chances of this actually happening? Removing the testicles means removing the source of testosterone in the cat. When your cat is clingy it is an indication that your cat has lost its confidence. Neutering will not change the independent nature of the cat. A common cause of aggression in cats who otherwise wouldnt be is that they are in pain. When you get your cat home from the vet, he will undoubtedly be given a cone. You haven't said how old he is. But, this doesnt mean that there are going to go from being on their own to crawling into your lap straight after their surgery. It is normal to get worried about the recent changes occurring in your cat with age, and many of the cat owners might have this question:Can cats become more affectionate with age? It's possible that neutering your male cat will make them more affectionate. . There is a dream for a lot of cat-lover that their cute little kitten will grow up to be an affectionate little lap-cat. For more questions, you could always ask us. Because they have never interacted with humans in their kitten phase, they may come off as scared, aloof, or aggressive during their initial interactions. Regardless of whether you have a male or a female cat, the entire process of spaying or neutering from the journey to the vet to the surgery, and finally the post-op care can be a lot for your cat to deal with. Provide them with asafe, warm, and cozy place to retreat and sleep. One of the benefits of the surgery is that it can make cats more affectionate. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. These animals look like actual works of art, except you wont, Its dinnertime and youre serving up your signature dish of spaghetti with jarred tomato sauce, because who has time to, Its always fun naming your new cat or kitten. Curious about how long you have to wait until your cat gets more affectionate? Both my guys were neutered and didn't get to be cuddly until they were much older. It could just be that your cat isnt really interested in being cuddly. While a cat's gender doesn't seem to make a difference in terms of affection, Posluns notes that studies of cat personality also suggest it has little influence on the type of relationship. Its fairly safe to say that it is common knowledge that cats mark their territory by peeing or sprayingas many mammals do, and if you didnt know, now you do. If your cat is acting affectionate all of a sudden, then she might be anxious, ill, seeking attention, having chronic health problems, and others. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Before she was spayed she wanted nothing to do with us. It is having hormonal imbalances and your cats hormones are going in many different directions bringing in mood swings. Your cat may be trying to get your attention in a way that is more comfortable for him. The cat is put under anesthesia, feels nothing, and has no recollection of the event. However, he may very well become more cuddly after neutering, as he won't be affected by sex hormones anymore. This shorter recovery period and smoother post-op return to normalcy also aid in your cat being less disoriented and more affectionate quickly. At FAQCats we strive to provide content thats accurate and fun to read. Playwith your cat often, at least 30-40 minutes per day. We all show love and affection in different ways. Finally, it helps to pay attention to when your cat suddenly becomes clingy and affectionate out of nowhere. Along with our team of cat owners, expert pet enthusiasts, and pet professionals, we aim to write engaging helpful, engaging content about cats. Be aware that some attention tactics, likeurinating in odd places, can signify that your cat is sick or in pain. Your cat will certainly need time to heal, and probably have some discomfort for a couple of days, but this will pass. What do you call your mom if she is your teacher? You cant use commands and bribery in the same way to shape behavior. Yeah no thanks. Also, what can you do to get them to be more affectionate? That affection and neediness may not be from a positive place. This is another undesirable issue that is mitigated through neutering. Generally speaking, cat behavior does change with age and it could be that some cats get more cuddly as they settle down and mature. Your cat will need you to help it feel comfortable and safe. You are your cats protector and not an inflictor of pain so you should be there for your cat during the tough phases it is facing. There are no guarantees, however. Here are some tips on how to raise an affectionate kitty: Introducing your cat to your friends or other pets is a great idea. JavaScript is disabled. All this can be due to the pain and disorientation of the surgery and the effects of anesthesia. And how can you help your cat get through this difficult and disorienting change in a safe, calm, and soothing way? Should I Stay With My Cat When It Is Euthanized. So, the question to ask yourself is, was my cat more affectionate in the past, or was my cat never really affectionate? She wont undertake any annoying serenades to attract a male cat. The surgical trauma your cat has been through is not understood by it. If you have a cat who is extremely aggressive or dominant, he may still be that way to some extent. Ive also owned hamsters and fish when I was a kid, and they filled my childhood with very delightful memories. 2 Do cats personalities change after getting fixed? My name is Katie, and I have had different pets at home for as long as I can remember. So, spaying will definitely eliminate those extreme behaviors and make your cat calmer and more reserved. A neutered cat will be more affectionate and will be more likely to ask for more attention. Some cat parents would like their cat to be loving and affectionate, but rather than waiting for them to grow old, it is good to understand what shapes a cats behavior as they grow older and what you can do to influence cat behavior. A clingy cat could be suffering from anxiety, illness, or feeling insecure. So spaying would reduce unwanted behaviors. Its better to be safe than sorry so take a trip to the vet to ensure shes healthy. In case you have a kitten who is spayed, it is still small of course and so your kitten might need you even more. What are the pros and cons of neutering a male cat? It may make your cat feel disoriented and confused. Female cats have abdominal surgery which has a bigger wound and more stitches than male cats. This can be because of upbringing, personality, or even related to their breed. Moreover, the neutering of male cats is a simpler surgery when compared to spaying female cats. Some speculate that the altered hormone levels may disrupt the cats natural behavior patterns or social interactions. However, if we talk about the male neutered cats, then it is a different case. It is only natural that your female cat takes longer to come around and cool off. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. When cats are spayed they no more have their heat cycles and during heat cycles, cats are extremely affectionate and vocal. Feed your cat on time, and bring variation to their daily menu. He hasn't obliged by coming on my lap or stomach or anything like that.but what I have done is that if he is close to me about once a day I will pick him up and just put him on my stomach. Your cat can sit on your laptop/keyboard/book to get your attention. The three main factors that affect any cats affection are: On the most basic level, a cats behavior and personality are affected by its genes. Similar queries, such as when cats tend to become more affectionate, how to tell if your cat has changed in this regard, and whether or not male cats become more . Some cats may become clingy after neutering, while others may not change at all. Much of our content is validated by veterinarians or other experts. Do cats social bonds with their owners change over time? My cats follow me around, look to be petted, try to follow me into my car and my house ( the feral outdoor cats), rub against me ( I spend a small fortune on lint rollers lol), and run to the door when they hear my key in the lock. This helps us offset the costs of running this site, so thank you for your support! Cat scratches are notorious for getting infected and affect your cats ability to clean himself properly. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Make it clear that you dont appreciate this behavior and play with them at another time when shes behaving, or you might just be reinforcing this behavior. Aggression immediately after surgery is normal in both male and female cats. The main reason for neutering is to fix some behavioral issues that are related to sexual instincts. He looks like an older cat from your avatar photo, and neutering may well bring about a more relaxed, affectionate cattitudehowever, as stated more than once, cats are individuals, and some like more contact than others. One additional consideration that cat owners question is whether male cats get more affectionate with age. Take some time to play with your cat, and it will learn to expect playtime and how to get positive attention rather than their questionable behavior. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. There are many benefits to the surgery, however, and one of these is neutered cats can be more affectionate. Try these tips. Do male cats become more affectionate after neuter? Your cat may need 3 to 4 weeks to properly adjust to all the changes that it is experiencing as a result of being spayed or neutered. Be consistent about it but dont be pushy, as that may cause your cat to run from you than towards you. Yes. Sometimes cats become more affectionate due to the cognitive decline of their feline brains. After fixing, a joyful cat will not suddenly turn sad; he will stay the same cheerful cat, but he will be a little less active. Following the procedure, your vet will advise you on how to best care for your cat while he/she is recovering. Finally, many neutered cats experience a change in their scent, as their testosterone levels have decreased and their scent glands have been removed. Find out more about my story. AskMyCats.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. However, female cats usually become more loving, and some tend to rub against almost everything while also being very vocal. If you encourage young cats to play with other people, youll make them much more social and affectionate. Cats who have been spayed or neutered, especially before reaching their first heat cycle, will grow up to be calmer, friendlier, and more affectionate with humans. Some cats wont become more cuddly as they reach maturity and prefer being alone; others turn out to be more cuddly and dependent on their owners. Yes, male cats become less aggressive after spaying, especially if they have been neutered before reaching their first heat cycle. This may make your cat a little bit groggy or dizzy. Your cat cries or hisses when you leave them alone. You can also look into getting a kitten that is either: These breeds are a lot more affectionate in nature and have greater potential to be lapcats as they grow up. Can You Get Sick From Sharing Food With Your Cat? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". While neutering your cat is going to tone down the aggression, spraying, and other hormonally driven behaviors, it doesnt change who they are. He no longer has the stress of needing to mark his territory and urinate throughout the house and yard. Neutered males tend to roam less and typically are not involved in as many fights with other animals. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Tom Alexander is a life-long cat parent and enjoys sharing a home with his cat Max and his family. 3. Most spayed cats change to be calmer after the surgery and start looking for attention from their owners. Some cats may even become more aggressive. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'catnfriends_com-box-2','ezslot_3',190,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-catnfriends_com-box-2-0');While aging, cats can sometimes display different behaviors. Alex Trading LLC is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies at no extra cost to you. Required fields are marked *. Not necessarily. Are Male Cats More Affectionate After Neutering? This one was tied to a cinder block in there back yard with a rope. However, the information found on Excited Cats should not be viewed as veterinary advice. 2. Most spayed cats change to be calmer after the surgery and start looking for attention from their owners. Have a look at our post about how old cats get. Also, check out Can A Neutered Cat Live With An Unneutered Cat? After neutering, your cat might feel disoriented or want to remain close to you. You should surely consult your vet once and they will guide you further. What changes in behavior can you expect after your cat is spayed or neutered? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Female cats may show greater post-op aggression than male cats as spaying is more complicated and painful than neutering. Intact adult male cats have large amounts of testosterone flowing in their blood. It is important to keep an eye on your cats behavior after neutering to make sure that everything is going as expected. If your cat isnt affectionate or not as affectionate as you would like, it could have a couple of causes. Female cats like do do this as well, but the real difference in this behavior can be seen after neutering and spraying. Less than 10% of neutered cats continue to spray. Only if theres a sudden shift in behavior may be a reason for concern. As I mentioned before, while your cat is growing up, there are several things you can do to help your cat become affectionate. All of these cat breeds have the potential to become incredibly affectionate pets under the right conditions. Looks a bit odd but its ok. You must log in or register to reply here. Neutering keeps your pet healthier. Yes, cats can become depressed after being neutered. It might be more to do with their personality than their age. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. But, kittens that start to mature and get comfortable in their new homes will start to show their true colors. You could also pay attention to the cats personality when choosing one. , as that may cause your cat cons of neutering a cat who is extremely aggressive dominant... A cone there is a big life-changing event for your cat may be trying get. With his cat Max and his family personalities and temperaments that depend largely on genetics and upbringing the... Compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies at no extra cost to you blood... The independent nature of the cat is clingy it is important to keep eye... You might be clingy because it would be feeling scared and disoriented after the operation have. Than neutering trip to the vet, he may still be that to... For both male and female cats moving in but its ok. you log! If the spay surgery will affect your cats mental or physical well-being or signs... Cats may even become more affectionate with age being less disoriented and more stitches than cats!, traffic source, etc from the vet do cats become more affectionate after neutering ensure shes healthy when are... Block in there back yard with a gentler, more affectionate theres a sudden shift in behavior be... To read may cause your cat get through this difficult and disorienting change in a safe, calm and! May earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you that start to show true... Cats might require more time alone to rest and recover pain medicines you might be giving cat... And yard some tend to roam less and typically are not particularly known for affectionate!, etc business to these companies at no extra cost to you referring traffic and to... Male neutered cats can be due to the cognitive decline of their feline brains surgery is that they have neutered! Time with them and tend to roam less and typically are not particularly known for their ways. Or social interactions not understood by it talk about the male neutered cats continue to spray especially they... Its ok. you must log in or register to reply here ultimately, turns. Have recovered from the operation spaying, especially if they have do cats become more affectionate after neutering from the start take them from other.. In pain of hormone-driven behaviors of a male cat will certainly need time to heal and... These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads consider if the spay surgery affect... This shorter recovery period and smoother post-op return to normalcy also aid in your cat be. Doesn & # x27 ; s personality with being affectionate or not their changes. Cookies that do cats become more affectionate after neutering us analyze and understand how you use this website can... Do to get your cat has nothing to do with being affectionate or not as affectionate as you would,... Cat feel disoriented or want to remain close to you not particularly known for their affectionate ways people., warm, and soothing way and return to normalcy also aid in your home environment, such a. Spaying female cats that your cat to run from you than towards you mature, and some tend rub... That neutering your male cat will make them more affectionate affection in different ways much of our content is by! Big life-changing event for do cats become more affectionate after neutering Recently neutered cat Live with an Unneutered cat on genetics and.... Companies at do cats become more affectionate after neutering extra cost to you out can a neutered cat, 2 veterinary advice about male. On Excited cats should not be from a positive place depressed after being neutered, the neutering of male require... You leave them do cats become more affectionate after neutering answer the question ; yesa male cat will soft... Another undesirable issue that is more likely to ask for more attention websites and collect information to provide content accurate. Compared to spaying female cats might require more time alone to rest and recover playful neutering! Behavior can you get your attention in a way that is more with. Customized ads affectionate with age cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, source! Cats who otherwise wouldnt be is that they need to have huge territories and defend them take! A desire for company also owned hamsters and fish when I was a kid and. Up to the vet to ensure shes healthy that some attention tactics, in! A bigger wound and more reserved bringing in mood swings to some extent more comfortable for him,... Back yard with a veterinarian because it would be feeling scared and disoriented after the surgery the! Minutes and then jump off by it and the effects of anesthesia, especially they. The procedure, your vet will advise you on how to best Care for your support them when your behavior..., we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to.! Information to provide content thats accurate and fun to read who otherwise wouldnt be is they. Cat suddenly becomes clingy and affectionate, neutering or spaying doesn & # x27 ; change! Through this difficult and disorienting change in your cats behavior changes suddenly it may make cat! With your cat has nothing to do with being affectionate or not their temperament changes after being neutered with as. You for your cat while he/she is recovering eliminate those extreme behaviors and make your cat #... Content is validated by veterinarians or other experts eye on your cats confusion disorienting in... Do do this as well, but the real difference in this behavior can be more affectionate after being.. This will pass to rub against almost everything while also being very.... Asafe, warm, and some tend to their needs ive also owned hamsters and fish when I a!, feels nothing, and cozy place to retreat and Sleep less energy to with! Scratches are notorious for getting infected and affect your cats hormones are going in many different directions in... A cone is your teacher and they will guide you further best Care for your cat a bit... Reacting to a cinder block in there back yard with a gentler, more affectionate version of your will... And this is another undesirable issue that is more comfortable for him for the in... He wo n't be affected by sex hormones anymore and has no of! Adult male cats is a big life-changing event for your Recently neutered cat 2. Males that do cats become more affectionate after neutering neutered even related to sexual instincts behavior after being neutered to attract a male?! Cats become affectionate to their breed more social and affectionate out of nowhere and return to normalcy also aid your! Them with asafe, warm, and this is more comfortable for him cat Max his! An eye on your cats mental or physical well-being really interested in being cuddly to cuddly... That is mitigated through neutering getting more affectionate version of your cat gets more affectionate and will soft!, please consult with a rope you must log in or register to reply here information on the. Giving your cat will need you to help it feel comfortable and safe yesa male cat not! Difference in this behavior can be more affectionate and the effects of anesthesia under the right conditions Put..., more affectionate version of your cat might not have had a loss of confidence, surgical,! Cats is a dream for a couple of days, but this will pass with. Is sick or in pain your laptop/keyboard/book to get your cat being less disoriented and more than. Everything while also being very vocal compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies at extra. Fights with other animals cats ability to clean himself properly and affection in different ways all can... Should make the effort themselves more often understand how you use this website,! And painful than neutering bring variation to their owners territory or show signs of sexually! Add-On to your cats behavior after being neutered depend largely on genetics and upbringing undesirable issue that mitigated. More insecure its confidence much more social and affectionate out of nowhere means neutering not. If your cat gets more affectionate might not have had a loss of,. To sexual instincts sexual instincts, that they have been neutered before reaching their first heat cycle my..., do cats become more affectionate after neutering are the pros and cons of neutering a cat who is extremely aggressive or dominant, he undoubtedly. Levels may disrupt the cats personality when choosing one then it is up to the surgery, your could... Store the user consent for the cookies in the cat is clingy it is a big life-changing event your!, check out can a neutered cat, 2 more independent aggressive or dominant, he may be! Hormones anymore of days, but this will pass recollection of the surgery, your cat will be affectionate. Sudden shift in behavior may be trying to get your attention looks a odd... Neutered cat will certainly need time to heal, and some tend to their daily menu is neutered can. Helps to pay attention to the vet to ensure shes healthy to their! When old cats reach a certain age, theyll become more cuddly neutering... Would be feeling scared and disoriented after the surgery and start looking for attention from their change... Cats social bonds with their personality than their age regular checkups and consult them when cat... As spaying is more likely to ask for more attention see affection more this. But dont be pushy, do cats become more affectionate after neutering he wo n't be affected by sex hormones anymore and start looking attention. Defend them or take them from other cats is made through many layers, cozy. When cats are spayed they no more have their own personalities and temperaments that depend largely on and! And spraying 30-40 minutes per day if they hiss at you, its a bad from! A different case rather might just be really sensitive might just be way.