Does the character of a pet change after castration and sterilization?

“After castration and sterilization, cats and dogs become calmer, stop marking their territory and pestering their owners with screams!”

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? We will analyze this in our article.

The procedure varies.

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

It is important to understand the difference between castration and sterilization because these procedures have different effects on the body.

Sterilization deprives pets of the opportunity to breed, 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. In cats, the spermatic cords are tied up, and the testes remain in place.

Castration is also the termination of the reproductive function, but with the removal of the reproductive organs. In females, the ovaries or ovaries with uterus are removed, while in males, the testes are removed.

The more serious the intervention in the body, the more likely the impact on the character.

Sterilization affects the character of the pet minimally. With castration in cats and dogs, complete sexual rest occurs throughout life, 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 disappoint you.

The effect of the operation on behavior is highly dependent 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 be reflected at all. Some cats and dogs do become much calmer after surgery. They stop making noise at night and leave marks, they obey the owner more. Others keep their old behavior. So what to do?

Behavior problems need to be addressed in a comprehensive manner. Neutering and neutering increase the likelihood that the pet will become calmer, stop marking corners and not run away during a walk. But without your actions, i.e. without proper consistent care and upbringing, nothing will happen.

Without correct educational complex measures – castration and sterilization do NOT solve behavioral problems.

To correct the behavior of the pet, it is important to communicate with a veterinary specialist and a zoopsychologist. They will help you find the right fit for your pet.

Age matters!

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

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

By this age, the animals have a fully formed reproductive system and behavioral bases. 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 deeply on the subcortex, and you can quite cope with them.

It is better to carry out the procedure when the animal has completed the cycle of growing up – physiological and emotional.

Can a pet fend for itself after castration?

This is a popular fear of owners. They are afraid that a sterilized pet will become soft and in a dispute will not be able to defend their rights in front of relatives. However, you would be surprised to know how many neutered cats keep brave yard don Juans at bay!

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

Therefore, castration or sterilization is best done when the pet has completed the cycle of growing up. If the formation of behavioral skills of a puppy or kitten is interrupted by an operation, this may negatively affect its character. After all, he never had time to form naturally.

If the pet has developed communication skills with its own kind and 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 neutered cat or dog?

Castration and sterilization change the smell of the pet. Other animals feel this change and read the signal that this individual is no longer capable of reproduction. As a result, they do not perceive it as a competitor in sex relations, and the risk of intraspecific conflicts is reduced.

However, this does not mean that castrated or sterilized 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?

Neutering and castration do not guarantee a solution to behavioral problems, but they save the owner from problems with offspring, reduce the likelihood of a pet running away from home and protect it from a number of serious diseases, including cancer. However, castrated and sterilized animals need special care: a balanced low-calorie diet and plenty of fluids, optimal physical activity, preventive examinations by a veterinarian.