Neutering is a surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian to remove a male cats testicles. The procedure is also known as feline castration or getting your cat "fixed". Neutering is the most common method for animal sterilization, and it is recommended by humane societies, animal shelters, and rescue groups to prevent the births of unwanted litters, which contribute to the overpopulation of unwanted animals in the rescue system.

Advantages of neutering a cat include reducing the risk of health problems like testicular cancer, altering behavior, making cats less aggressive, and decreasing the likelihood of cat bite abscesses or contracting Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV, or cat "AIDS") from cat fights. Neutering also decreases the number of needless deaths of unwanted kittens and cats.

The procedure involves general anesthesia, and an incision is made over each side of the scrotal sac so that each testicle can be excised or completely removed. External sutures are not generally required. The cat is placed under heavy sedation or general anesthesia, and the time of the surgical procedure is often 5-10 minutes. Veterinarians may ask cat owners to withhold food and water for a specific period of time before the surgery to prevent the cat from aspirating while under anesthesia.

The optimal time to neuter a kitten depends on many different factors, including health factors, behavioral factors, and the pets environment. Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to neuter your pet.