Cat neutering: what you need to know

Not planning to breed from your cat? Find out more about neutering.

a photo of four kittens, all held by one pair of hands. Sometimes cat owners who haven't neutered their cats are surprised to find a litter like this in their home

Overview

If you have a cat or kitten, then at some point, you'll have to decide whether to have them neutered. Neutering is the surgical process of preventing your pet being able to reproduce. If you don't want your cat to have kittens or don't plan on breeding from them, then neutering is recommended.

We've put together this comprehensive article to answer all your cat neutering questions and help you decide the best option for your cat.

Why should you neuter your cat?

How is your cat neutered?

Side effects of neutering your cat

What age to neuter a cat

Cat neutering cost

Common questions on neutering cats

Medically reviewed by Lizzie Youens BSc(Hons) BVSc MRCVS

Published on 27/11/2018 • Reviewed on 24/01/2025