How to Identify if a Male Cat Has Been Neutered

Since the global population of cats is quite large, it's the responsibility of a pet owner to neuter or spay their male cats. Many cat owners choose not to neuter their male cats, thinking that because their cat isn't pregnant, it's not an issue. However, male cats can still mate with female cats in the area and contribute to the growing cat population. If you're adopting an adult male cat and aren't sure whether it's been neutered, here's how you can tell.

Have the cat lie still. To check, you need to approach from the back of the cat to examine its genital area. Once the cat is lying down comfortably, lift its tail so you can inspect the genital region. It's a good idea to have someone assist you if the cat seems uneasy and fidgety.

• Try petting the cat's back and gently coax it to lift its tail on its own. This way, you can check without touching the tail, and the cat will feel more relaxed.
• Wear rubber gloves because you will be handling the genital area. Thin gloves will allow you to feel the area more easily.

Gently move the fur away from the area you need to inspect if necessary. If the cat's fur is thick, you may need to part it to clearly view the genital region. Once you part the fur between the legs that obstructs the view, you will be able to see the cat's penis and anus.

• Be very gentle and cautious to avoid causing any pain to the cat.
• If the cat has short fur, the genital area is less likely to be obstructed, and you won't need to perform this step.
• If the pet is calm or docile, you can also try placing the cat on its back. Hold the back of the neck and gently flip the cat onto its back. This will help the cat stay still and prevent you from being scratched.

Check the testicles. For a neutered cat, the testicles are removed. Therefore, you can check the cat's scrotum for the presence of testicles. The scrotum is a small sac that holds the testicles and is located above the penis, beneath the tail and anus. Once you locate it, gently feel inside to see if there's anything inside. If you feel something round and firm, it means the testicles are still there, meaning the cat has not been neutered. If the scrotum feels soft, the cat was likely recently neutered. You might also notice that the scrotum is shaved.

• If you can't locate the testicles, it could mean the cat was neutered over a month ago and the scrotum has shrunk.
• If you feel the testicles, the cat has not been neutered.
• This sign isn't a 100% guarantee that the cat has been neutered. If the cat is young, the testicles may not have descended into the scrotum yet. There's also the possibility that the cat has cryptorchidism (a condition where the testicles are hidden or misplaced).

Measure the distance from the anus to the penis. This is another method to check if a male cat has been neutered. Lift the cat's tail and measure the distance between the anus and the penis. If the distance is greater than 2.5 cm, it's likely the cat has been neutered.

• If the cat is young, the distance should be a little over 1.3 cm.

Look at the paperwork. When you purchase or adopt a cat, whether it's an adult or kitten, ask if there is any paperwork that goes with it. Sometimes, there may be a certificate or a letter from the veterinarian confirming that the cat has been neutered.

• Don't hesitate to ask. If you buy a cat from a pet store or adopt one from an animal rescue without any paperwork, ask if they know whether the cat has been neutered. This is not an inappropriate question, it simply shows that you're a responsible pet owner.

Check the cat's ears. If you haven't received any information when adopting the cat or if it's a stray, examine the inside of its ears for any tattoos. A tattoo or a small part of the ear being cut are markers indicating that the cat has been neutered.

• Additionally, if you see an 'M' tattoo, it doesn't mean the cat has been neutered. The 'M' stands for 'microchip', and this tattoo indicates that the cat has been microchipped.

Look at the fur on the lower body. When you pick up the cat, inspect the fur around its lower body. If the fur in this area is shaved or shorter than the rest of the fur, it’s possible that the cat has been neutered. Veterinarians must shave this area before performing a neutering surgery, so this could be a sign.

• This sign is not completely certain, so it's advisable to use additional methods for confirmation.

Ask a veterinarian. If after checking in multiple ways you're still unsure, consult a veterinarian for help. With their expertise, a vet may notice details that you might have missed.

• Discuss your concerns with the vet. If you find that the cat has not been neutered, make an appointment with the vet to have the neutering procedure done as soon as possible.