Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

Original poster

Bollocks

45 replies

MikeUniformMike · 13/01/2019 15:24

Thinking of getting a new family member and have seen a possible candidate but he is intact. Is this a good idea?
He could be taken to the vet, but I am not sure I could do that to him.
Would he resent me?
Could I leave him as he is and if so, what problems might there be?
The cat in question is a softie but he is only a few months old?
Your thoughts please.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 13/01/2019 15:30

Eh? Yes you should get him neutered so he doesn't contribute to lots of unwanted kittens. Less likely to spray and less likely to wander off looking for a female. Less chance of fights too

dementedpixie · 13/01/2019 15:30

Why would he resent you? My 2 certainly don't and were neutered at 4 months

ScreamingValenta · 13/01/2019 15:32

I think you'd be mad not to castrate him. He'll spend his life roaming far and wide in search of females in season and his pee will stink to high heaven; also he'll father unwanted kittens, adding to the homeless cat population.

He wouldn't resent you and the vet trip would be no more traumatic than any visit to the vet.

They're a bit sore around the sacs for a few days after, but nothing more.

Fluffycloudland77 · 13/01/2019 15:34

He won’t be a softie at a year old. Unneutered males roam, they are much more likely to be run over while doing this.

My male was so feisty until we had him done.

Vinorosso74 · 13/01/2019 15:43

Definitely get him neutered. Uneutered males are at a much greater risk of getting run over when they are on the search for females; more fight injuries therefore an increased risk of contracting FIV along with adding to the amount of unwanted kittens.
He won't have a clue his balls have gone so won't have any feelings about it-he is a cat they don't think like we do.

Original poster
MikeUniformMike · 13/01/2019 15:59

Really? I'd imagine it to be something traumatic.
When is the best time to have it done, and about how much does it cost? How long does it take?

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 13/01/2019 16:03

They make a tiny incision and squeeze the bollock out on each side. They dont even need to sew it and don't need a collar after. Takes the vet about 15 minutes I think but the cat will be in for a good part of the day and they get home after they are awake and have eaten.

Can't remember cost - maybe£50/60. Best done at 4 months

UtterlyUnimaginativeUsername · 13/01/2019 16:04

PLEASE get him, neuter him, and call him Bollocks Grin

moredoll · 13/01/2019 16:05

He's a cat. He won't have a clue he's been done.

EmmaC78 · 13/01/2019 16:06

My male cat was neutered and was totally fine. He was back to normal the following day. You would be mad not to get him neutered.

chemenger · 13/01/2019 16:13

No rescue will let you rehome an intact male cat. I have fostered one who was maybe 5, he was neutered while I had him and honestly he didn’t seem to notice. It’s a very minor op. Intact males are driven to find a mate and will roam to do so. They get in trouble doing so, in fights and hit by cars but they also get lost. A lot of intact male strays were once pets but have got lost. An intact male spraying in your house is disgustingly smelly, believe me. They don’t all spray but if he does you will soon know. A stray came in my house and sprayed on the tv stand, it ate through the chrome.

Original poster
MikeUniformMike · 13/01/2019 16:15

OK. Should I be concerned that the seller is selling him unneutered?
The cat is older than 4 months.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 13/01/2019 16:20

Do you know the seller? Are they asking for much money? Have they been worming and flea treating him?

chemenger · 13/01/2019 16:20

I disagree with selling cats on the whole, although it depends on the circumstances, giving kittens away free isn’t good either. If the owner is irresponsible enough to have not neutered their own cat it’s not a surprise this cat is well over neutering age and intact. You would be better getting a cat from a rescue, then it will be vet checked, vaccinated and neutered if old enough. Don’t support backyard breeding.

DrDreReturns · 13/01/2019 16:23

We've just had our two kittens neutered. Cost £75 for both of them and that included microchipping. They have been fine since the op and certainly don't resent us?

Original poster
MikeUniformMike · 13/01/2019 16:31

I am unlikely to be given a cat from a rescue centre unless I lie to them.
Where else could I get a cat. I am looking for a streetwise young cat that isn't too friendly other than to me.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 13/01/2019 16:36

Why would you need to lie? What are your circumstances? We bought ours as the rescues had no kittens at the time.

Ocicat · 13/01/2019 16:38

I am looking for a streetwise young cat that isn't too friendly other than to me.

Why? Are you making a sitcom?

ScreamingValenta · 13/01/2019 16:39

I am looking for a streetwise young cat that isn't too friendly other than to me.

You really would be better going to a rescue as they'll be able to match you to a cat on personality. A private seller might be honest, but there's a high chance they'll tell you what you want to hear so you'll take the cat. What is it about your situation that makes you think it would be deemed unsuitable by a rescue?

Original poster
MikeUniformMike · 13/01/2019 16:41

Because they would only let me have an indoor cat.

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 13/01/2019 16:44

Why?

Original poster
MikeUniformMike · 13/01/2019 16:45

I am not going to a rescue centre unless you can name one that will not do a home visit.
Not being weird - it's where I live.
I was rather hoping that the cat might be more highbrow than sitcom. Maybe I could call him Richard Purrtiss or George Purrnard Shaw.

OP posts:
ScreamingValenta · 13/01/2019 16:45

Is that an issue? There are plenty of cats needing indoor homes.

dementedpixie · 13/01/2019 16:48

What's wrong with where you live? Is indoor not an option?

Original poster
MikeUniformMike · 13/01/2019 16:52

I'd be ok with it being indoors but in my experience it would probably sneak outdoors. My previous cat loved lounging about in the garden and would sneak out at any opportunity. I wouldn't want to imprison him or her, and I would want the best life for it.

OP posts: