There are numerous benefits to neutering (aka castrating) a male cat. If you adopt a cat from the shelter, this will have already been performed, but if you receive a cat from a friend or breeder, the decision to neuter will be up to you.
The Health Benefits of Neutering Your Cat
Cats that are neutered have several health advantages as they age. Prostate cancer is more common in male dogs than male cats, but leaving a male cat intact (not neutered) increases their risk for development of prostate cancer. This is a difficult condition to treat and can be fatal. Cats that are neutered as kittens or young adults are unlikely to develop prostate cancer. Male cats also tend to have poor grooming habits, and can become matted and dirty. This can cause skin infection, parasitic skin disease and discomfort. Neutered male cats don't seem to have this problem, and take better care of themselves. Male cats also have a tendency to want to fight with other cats. This is also a behavioral concern, but constant sparring with other cats increases the risk of infection and disease spread.
The Behavioral Benefits of Neutering Your Cat
Cats that are intact have several unpleasant habits. Because male cats are territorial creatures, they like to mark their areas by spraying urine around their stomping grounds. This usually includes objects around the house, such as furniture, clothing, rugs or bedding. While urine marking can also be a sign of urinary tract disorder or urinary tract infection, male cats typically have no health reason to mark and simply do so because of their hormones. Male cats also tend to want to wander, especially if there is any female cats around. This makes male cats almost impossible to keep as indoor pets, and even if they are allowed outside they will often disappear. Male cats tend to be more aggressive and usually are not suited to be in a home with other cats or children.
The Social Responsibility
Pet overpopulation is an legitimate concern in most countries. Animal shelters are usually at capacity for cats. Each year approximately 1.4 million cats are euthanized due to lack of available homes. Most cats lives to ages between 12-20 years on average, which leads to higher numbers of cats needing homes than dogs due to lower replacement rates. An intact male cat can easily be the daddy of dozens of litters of kittens if there are intact female cats for him to find...and he will find them. Neutering cats is a responsibility every pet owner should take seriously to help lower the amount of unwanted kittens being born each year. The impact of every person spaying and neutering their animals can make a difference.
Some pet parents are afraid of neutering their cat due to fear of the surgery, concerns about the cost and fear that it will change their pet. The best way to become comfortable with the surgery is to discuss it with your veterinarian. Cat neutering is a very common surgery. Veterinarians perform this daily, and the procedure itself is non-invasive and has a very low rate of complications. Recovery is also rapid, the most pet parents notice is some swelling around the scrotum. Cats will go home the same day as surgery and usually act like nothing happened. There are also several spay and neuter programs to help assist with cost if you cannot afford the surgery. Your veterinarian should have those resources available, and you can also check in with your local animal shelter for more information.
Finally, cats that are neutered do not become overweight after being neutered and have only positive behavioral changes. They will usually stop spraying within a month of surgery, and they will finally want to stick around the house. Neutering earlier in their lifetime is better, usually between four to six months of age if possible, but adult cats should be neutered as well and have the same outcomes.
The benefits of neutering your cat are significant. Neutering will help you have a happy, healthy pet that doesn't just want to cruise around looking for babes. You'll also have a urine free home and a cat that is interested in interacting with you instead of picking fights. Talk to your veterinarian if you have any specific health or surgery questions, they will be happy to help you with your decision.