Why You Need To Save Your Tom Cat From The Girls Next Door
Posted on: 14 January 2016
If you have an intact adult male cat and he goes in and out of your home, you may have already experienced him roaming the neighborhoods and visiting any female cats that live nearby. Many times, an intact (meaning he is not neutered) tom cat will stay gone for hours and even days at a time when out visiting the girls. However, taking steps to save him from the girls down the street is extremely important for a few reasons.
Aggressive Behavior In A Tom Can Have Deadly Consequences
Many cat owners assume when two tom cats fight, a female cat is the reason. However, you should know there does not always have to be a female cat around for two toms to duke it out over territorial issues. While fighting over territories is perfectly normal in animals, it can have deadly consequences when serious injury takes place. Avoid losing your cat to a territorial fight by having him neutered. Testosterone, the male hormone manufactured in your cat's testicles, is the driving force behind being territorial and aggressive behavior towards other animals, especially other cats.
Fighting Over Females In Heat
When cats breed, it can be a violent and injuring act. While the female cat sometimes endures pain and injury from a tom grabbing the back of her neck, many toms also suffer injury from other toms seeking to breed with the same female. However, if you have your cat neutered, he will not have the instinct to follow the scent of a female in heat, an instinct also driven and guided by testosterone.
Battle Wounds Are Not The Only Side Effect Of Visiting The Girls Next Door
When you have your tom neutered, you are also saving him from other health hazards that could be inadvertently caused by other cats, both males and females. Some infectious, deadly diseases are easy for your cat to pick up, especially if he is not vaccinated. Cats that are not vaccinated can carry diseases like FELV (feline leukemia virus),FIV( feline immunodeficiency virus) and coronavirus (FCoV) that is directly linked to the onset of feline infectious peritonitis( FIP). While having your cat vaccinated against these diseases is important, it is vital to have him neutered for preventing him from roaming into areas of feral cats carrying them in search of a female in heat. Every vet requires your cat to be up-to-date on his vaccine before neutering, so both go hand in hand for protecting your feline companion's good health and well-being.
Cats make wonderful companions, especially when you do not have to worry about them roaming off and never making it back home. If you have a tom cat, even if he is just a kitten, be sure to make an appointment early in his life for having him neutered and you will have greater chances of having him around for a lot longer.
To learn more, contact a clinic like Chicago Cat Clinic.
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