CAT-STRATION? Our Journey with Neutering Tula and Kivi

Are your kittens super cute—but super annoying because they spray or urinate everywhere to claim territory?

Kittens usually start spraying around six months of age. Ours sprayed on vents, in small corners of the house, and even on the kitchen countertops. As their testosterone levels increased, they became more aggressive. Since we have two male kittens, they began fighting—a lot. It broke my heart to see them scratch and hurt each other, often ending up with bleeding wounds on their faces.

If you’re wondering what CAT-STRATION means, it’s my way of saying ‘Cats’ and ‘Frustration’ combined.

Frustrating? Yes. But natural. Male kittens instinctively want to mark their territory and eventually mate.

So, we decided to have them undergo castration (neutering)—a surgical procedure where the testicles are removed. It helps prevent unwanted litters and reduces aggressive and territorial behavior.

Choosing a Vet

Before the procedure, make sure to choose a reputable veterinary clinic. Castration is also available through nonprofits, shelters, and rescue groups—often for free or at a lower cost.

Disclaimer: The following suggestions are for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian.

Preparing for a Cat’s Neutering

• Fasting: Your cats may need to fast, depending on your vet’s instructions. Generally, food should be withheld for 8 to 12 hours before surgery, as anesthesia can cause nausea and vomiting.
• Water: Check with your vet to see if water is allowed during the fasting period.
• Prevent Injuries: Keep your cat indoors at least 24 hours before surgery to avoid any injuries that could delay the procedure.
• Carrier Prep: Use a clean and secure carrier with soft cushioning (like a blanket) to keep your cats comfortable and safe during transport.
• Calm Environment: Avoid overstimulating your cat the night before surgery so they can rest well.
• Neck Protection: Prepare a cone or soft neck pillow.
  The plastic cones were stiff, messy, and easy for the kittens to remove. My daughter replaced them with daisy-shaped soft neck pillows. Not only are they adorable, but they’re also comfortable, clean, and functional. Plus, the kittens nap on them like cushions!

Caring for Cats After Neutering

• Feeding: Don’t feed your cats immediately after surgery. Offer small amounts of water first to prevent vomiting. Ask your vet when it’s safe to give food.
  Tula and Kivi had their surgery before 9 a.m. They were allowed to eat half of their regular meal (half a can) 8 hours after surgery, and the second half two hours later—only if they tolerated the first portion, which they did.
• Activity: Keep your cats separated from other animals to prevent jumping or fighting. Our vet recommended isolating them from other pets for two weeks.
• Stability: If they are unsteady on their feet, keep them in their carrier until they regain balance.
• Neck Collar: Make sure they wear their protective collar to prevent licking the incision.
• Monitor Closely: Call your vet if your cat is unable to urinate or defecate for more than two days, isn’t eating or drinking, seems very lethargic, or doesn’t wake up properly after surgery.
• Medication: Give pain medication exactly as prescribed.
• Comfort: Gentle rubbing on the back of their neck helped soothe them. Tula and Kivi especially loved having someone nearby. We kept them separated at night to prevent rough play. Faith stayed with Tula, and Lance kept Kivi company.

Kivi’s incision bled a little bit on the first day and we cleaned it with chlorhexidine wipes for cats to prevent infection.

By day three, their energy and appetite were back. There was no more bleeding, and their incisions were healing well.

Final Thoughts

Neutering was the right choice for us. It helped reduce aggressive behavior and stress—for the kittens and for us.

Thank you for reading, and I’ll continue sharing updates about our furry family members!

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