Quick Answer
Yes, in most cases cats can still lick their genital area after being neutered. Neutering, or castration, only removes a male cat’s testicles, leaving the scrotum and penis intact. Therefore, cats retain the physical ability to lick their genital region after the surgery. However, neutering does reduce testosterone levels which may decrease the urge to lick. Excessive licking should be monitored as it could indicate discomfort or a medical issue. Overall, there is no need to deter normal grooming, but contact your vet if you have any concerns about your cat’s behavior after neutering.
Can Cats Still Lick Their Genitals After Being Neutered?
Neutering or castration refers to the surgical removal of a male cat’s testicles. The scrotum and penis are left intact. Therefore, physically, cats are still capable of licking their genital region after neutering.
The primary reason male cats lick their genitals is for basic grooming and hygiene. The saliva helps keep the area clean. This behavior is normal and healthy in moderation. Neutering typically does not impact a male cat’s ability to flex, extend, and reach the genital area in order to lick it.
However, neutering does dramatically reduce testosterone production since the testicles are the main source of testosterone. This reduction in male sex hormones could potentially decrease your cat’s urge to lick his genitals. But this impact varies between individual cats.
Some cats may continue licking their genitals frequently after neutering. For others, the behavior may diminish after the surgery. Monitor your cat to see if the licking remains excessive and bothersome over the long term after the neuter procedure.
Key Points
- Neutering removes the testicles but leaves the penis and scrotum intact.
- Cats retain the physical ability to lick their genitals after neutering.
- Neutering reduces testosterone which may decrease urge to lick.
- Effect on licking behavior varies between individual cats.
- Excessive licking after neuter could indicate a medical issue.
Why Do Male Cats Lick Their Genitals?
Here are some of the main reasons why intact male cats lick their genital region:
Grooming and Hygiene
Licking serves an important grooming function for cats. Cat saliva acts as a cleaning agent. Licking helps cats keep their coat, paws, genitals and other body parts clean and free of debris. Genital licking maintains proper hygiene and health in the groin area.
Scent Marking
Cats have scent glands around their genital area. Licking deposits their own scent on their body as a form of identification. Intact males may increase genital licking when scent marking their territory, especially if other cats are present.
Relief from Discomfort
The genital region is very sensitive. Licking can provide relief if the area is itchy or irritated. However, excessive licking can cause inflammation and discomfort.
Sexual Arousal
Intact male cats sometimes lick their genitals when sexually aroused. Licking may trigger erections or facilitate mating behaviors. Neutering typically reduces sex drive and related licking.
Does Neutering Stop Cats from Licking Their Genitals?
Neutering male cats does not completely stop genital licking in all cases. Since the physical ability remains, most cats will continue licking their genitals to some degree.
However, neutering does have an impact on some of the motivations behind the behavior:
- Reduced testosterone: Lower testosterone after neutering means male cats are less likely to lick for sexual arousal or scent marking related to mating.
- Decreased urges: Without hormones signaling a need to mate, cats may have less urge to lick their genitals.
- No discomfort: Neutering eliminates testicular pain or discomfort that could cause excessive licking.
So while the effect varies, many cats show reduced licking of the genital area after neutering compared to when they were intact. Monitor your cat’s behavior to see if licking remains frequent and bothersome after surgery. Seek veterinary advice if you are concerned.
Key Points
- Neutering does not completely stop genital licking in all cats.
- It reduces related hormones and urges to mate.
- Licking may decrease but depends on the individual.
- Contact your vet if excessive licking continues after neutering.
Is It Bad for Cats to Lick Their Genitals After Being Neutered?
Normal grooming behaviors like genital licking are usually not problematic in moderation, even after neutering surgery. In fact, some licking maintains healthy hygiene.
However, excessive, frequent, or prolonged licking could signal an issue requiring veterinary attention. Here are some scenarios when licking may be concerning after a neuter procedure:
Signs of Pain or Discomfort
Persistent licking at the incision site could indicate postoperative pain or discomfort. Surgical wounds from neutering often itch and irritate as they heal. But constant licking can delay healing. Contact your vet if licking seems bothersome.
Infection Risk
Excessive licking increases the risks of infection or abscess around surgery site. Cat saliva harbors bacteria. See your vet promptly if you notice swelling, heat, pus or redness.
Urinary Issues
Increased licking of the penis may signal discomfort while urinating. This could indicate a urinary tract or bladder infection. Consult a vet to diagnose and treat the underlying problem.
Skin Irritation
Frequent licking can cause skin irritation, bald patches, and sores from overgrooming. Address excessive licking to prevent skin damage.
Behavioral Problems
Sudden increased licking could stem from behavioral issues like stress, anxiety, or compulsion. Discuss behavioral solutions with your vet.
So monitor your cat closely after neutering. Seek veterinary guidance if you have any concerns about excessive genital licking to rule out medical causes.
Is Scrotum Licking Normal After Neutering?
It’s normal for cats to lick their scrotum area at times after neutering surgery. The empty scrotal sac remains after the testicles are removed during castration.
As with the penis, light grooming provides cleaning and comfort to the scrotal area. The urge may be heightened as the incisions heal.
However, persistent scrotum licking should prompt a veterinary visit to check for potential complications, such as:
- Suture irritation or reactions
- Swollen or infected scrotum
- Fluid accumulation in the scrotal sac
- Hernia or opening in the surgical site
- Remaining testicular tissue if castration was incomplete
Alert your vet to any concerning scrotum licking, redness, or swelling after your cat’s neuter. Follow all postoperative instructions closely to support proper and timely healing after neutering.
How to Prevent Excessive Genital Licking After Neutering
Here are some tips to curb excessive licking if your cat seems preoccupied with grooming his genitals after being neutered:
Protective collar
An Elizabethan collar prevents licking at incisions during initial healing. Use one if recommended by your vet.
Distractions
Engage your cat in playtime, petting, or treats to distract from licking behavior. Offer new toys to capture his interest.
Pheromone products
Synthetic feline pheromones help relieve anxiety and stress that may drive excessive grooming. Try Feliway or a calming collar.
Anti-itch solutions
For itchy incisions, ask your vet about anti-itch sprays or medications to provide relief.
Medications
For chronic licking issues, medications may help break the habit. Consult a vet about medication options specific to your cat.
Monitor the situation closely and follow up with your veterinarian if excessive licking persists beyond the initial surgical recovery period.
When to See the Vet for Genital Licking After Neutering
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your cat exhibits any of the following signs:
- Constant licking that interferes with healing
- Redness, swelling or discharge at the incision site
- Visible opening, fluid or swelling of the scrotum
- Evidence of pain or straining when licking
- Blood in the urine or difficulty urinating
- Loss of fur or skin damage from overgrooming
- No decrease in licking behavior weeks after neutering
Your vet can assess for postoperative complications, infection, urinary issues, skin problems, or other medical conditions. Report any concerning licking behaviors promptly to get the right treatment for your cat’s health and comfort.
Conclusion
While cats often do continue licking their genitals after neutering, some key points can guide your understanding of normal versus problematic behavior:
- Neutering only removes testicles – cats retain the physical ability to lick.
- Some genital grooming remains normal for hygiene.
- But excessive, frequent licking could indicate an issue.
- Discomfort, infections, skin irritation require prompt veterinary attention.
- Work with your vet if troubling licking persists long after neutering.
Knowing what to watch for can help you ensure your cat’s health and comfort after his neuter surgery. With proper monitoring and care, most cats settle into normal grooming routines and behaviors.