Cats crying or making abnormal noises after neutering surgery is not directly caused by physical pain, but rather a normal response influenced by multiple intertwined factors. These symptoms are usually temporary, and as they recover and adapt, cats gradually return to normal.

Neutering cats is a common and important procedure in pet care. It not only effectively controls the cat population and reduces stray animals, but also has many benefits for cats’ health and behavior. For example, neutering can significantly reduce the risk of mammary tumors and pyometra in female cats, while male cats have a lower chance of testicular tumors and prostate diseases. Behaviorally, neutering can improve many troublesome issues such as unneutered male cats’ spraying, fighting, and night vocalizations, as well as female cats’ continuous calling and anxiety during heat cycles.

However, taking cats for neutering surgery feels like sending one’s beloved "master" into a "dangerous gate" for many "poop scooper" owners, causing mixed emotions. Seeing them limp after surgery and hearing unusual vocalizations understandably hurts the heart, even triggering thoughts like "Did I make a mistake?" In fact, the "crying" or abnormal noises after neutering may have many reasons behind them. Don’t rush to blame yourself; let’s take a detailed look at what’s really going on.

Possible reasons why cats "cry" after neutering

If you see your cat’s eyes moist or seemingly tearing after neutering, it is often not because of crying from pain. A common reason is that veterinarians apply eye drops during the surgery. This is because cats’ eyes remain open under anesthesia and not blinking for a long time may cause corneal dryness or damage. The eye drops protect their eyes, so those sparkling "tears" are likely just eye drops.

Besides the "eye drop tears," the various vocalizations and emotional changes cats show post-surgery are more like experiencing a physiological and psychological "transition period."

1. Postoperative pain and discomfort:

Although neutering surgery is relatively routine, it is still a surgical procedure, so pain is inevitable afterward. Male cats usually have smaller surgical wounds and recover faster, possibly regaining most of their vitality the same day. Female cats’ wounds are relatively larger with longer recovery periods, needing about 7-10 days to fully heal. Cats tolerate pain fairly well, but ongoing pain or discomfort can cause them to express themselves through vocalizations. These noises may sound lower-pitched, sustained, or different from usual.

2. Residual effects of anesthesia:

General anesthesia is needed for surgery, and its effects gradually wear off. During this time, cats may show abnormal behaviors such as swaying, poor orientation, unsteady gait, or irritability and vocalizing. It’s similar to how humans might feel disoriented after anesthesia, as if their body doesn’t belong to them.

3. Changes in hormone levels:

Neutering removes the primary sex hormone glands (testicles in males, ovaries and uterus in females), causing significant hormonal shifts. These fluctuations affect cats’ emotions and behaviors. In the weeks following surgery, residual sex hormones may remain, or the body may need time to adjust to the new hormonal balance, possibly causing some "confused" behaviors such as vocalizing, anxiety, or even heat-like actions. Especially for cats neutered after sexual maturity, some heat-associated behavioral habits might persist and won’t disappear immediately, requiring some adjustment time.

4. Environmental changes and stress:

Going to the vet is itself a "test" for cats. Strange environments, unfamiliar people, and the surgery process may all make cats anxious, scared, and stressed. This stress can cause emotional instability at home afterwards like hiding, avoiding contact, or vocalizing to express unease. Some cats might even carry scents from other animals at the clinic, causing tension with resident cats at home, who may hiss or growl.

5. Continuation of behavioral habits:

Some cats already have vocal tendencies before neutering, such as calling for attention, expressing needs, or simply chatting. Neutering does not change their nature; if they’re used to communicating vocally, they will continue to do so after surgery.

Analysis of emotional and behavioral changes in cats after neutering

Besides short-term vocalizations and discomfort, neutering generally leads to longer-term changes in cats’ emotions and behaviors, most of which are positive.

Positive changes:

• Become gentler and more affectionate: Many owners notice that neutered cats, especially males, become more people-oriented and clingy. This may be due to lowered sex hormone levels decreasing their desire to roam and compete for mates, shifting to seeking interaction and dependence on owners.
• Reduced aggression: Sex hormones contribute significantly to aggression in cats, especially males fighting over territory or mates. After neutering, these drives weaken, resulting in fewer fights and a more harmonious home.
• Reduced marking behavior: Male cats often spray urine to mark territory and attract females during heat, which is a headache for many owners. Neutering typically greatly reduces or eliminates this behavior. Female cats’ urinating behaviors during heat are also reduced.
• Less nighttime yowling: Cats in heat (both sexes) may vocalize loudly and continuously at night, commonly called "calling." After neutering, this heat-driven vocalization stops, allowing both owners and cats to sleep peacefully.
• Reduced desire to roam: Unneutered cats, especially males, are often attracted by potential mates outside and try to escape. Neutering greatly lowers this impulse, making cats prefer staying home and reducing risk of getting lost or harmed.
• More stable emotions: Cats in heat have cyclical hormone fluctuations causing mood swings and irritability. Neutering stabilizes emotions, making cats less prone to agitation and anxiety.

Potential negative effects (need attention and management):

• Weight gain: After neutering, metabolism may slow down and activity decrease, while appetite could increase, leading to easier weight gain. Obesity raises risks for diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, etc. Thus, dietary and exercise adjustments are needed to prevent excessive weight.
• Short-term moodiness or anxiety: Some cats may show temporary symptoms post-surgery such as low mood, inactivity, or appetite loss similar to depression. This may be related to surgical stress, pain, or hormonal adjustment. Extra love and companionship can help them through this period.
• Rare continuation or emergence of behavior problems: While neutering improves many behavior issues, it’s not a cure-all. Some problems unrelated to hormones or deep-rooted habits may persist. For example, cats showing spraying due to stress or environmental changes before surgery may still do so after. A few neutered males might retain some sexual or marking behaviors due to habit or psychological reasons. Persistent behavior problems post-surgery should be consulted with a professional pet behaviorist.

Recovery period and precautions for neutering surgery

Neutering surgery for male cats is generally straightforward with quick recovery, usually 1-2 days to mostly recover. Female cats undergo abdominal surgery with longer recovery, typically 7-10 days for full healing.

During the cat’s recovery from neutering, owners need to provide the following “logistical support:”

1. Provide a quiet and comfortable environment: Prepare a warm, quiet, and cozy resting area for the cat, away from noise and disturbances, allowing peaceful rest.
2. Limit activity: Restrict vigorous activities such as running, jumping, or climbing to avoid wound reopening or interfering with healing. Consider confining the cat to a smaller room or enclosure.
3. Use Elizabethan collar or surgical suit: This prevents the cat from licking or biting the wound, which can cause infection or wound reopening. Although some cats resist strongly and vocalize loudly like "walking trumpets," persistence is necessary until the wound fully heals for their health.
4. Monitor the wound: Regularly check for redness, discharge, bleeding, or other abnormalities. Contact a veterinarian promptly if abnormalities appear.
5. Administer medication on time: Give painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs as prescribed by the vet.
6. Provide easily digestible food: Appetite may be affected post-surgery; feed easily digestible and nutritious food such as prescription canned food recommended by the veterinary hospital.
7. Pay attention to the cat’s mood: Spend more time accompanying the cat, gently talking and petting (avoiding the wound). If the cat shows obvious depression or anxiety, consult a vet about further measures.

Common questions and answers

• How long does it take for a cat to recover normalcy after neutering? Male cats typically recover mostly in 1-2 days, females take 7-10 days for full recovery. Behavioral and emotional adjustments may take weeks.
• Do cats become lazy after neutering? Activity may decrease post-neutering, making weight gain easier, but not all cats become lazy. Proper diet and moderate play remain important.
• Will female cats still vocalize after neutering? Vocalizations caused by heat disappear after neutering, but females may still vocalize for other reasons such as hunger, play, or seeking attention.
• Will male cats still spray urine after neutering? Most neutered males show significantly reduced or no spraying. If spraying stems from stress, urinary issues, or other causes, further diagnosis and treatment are necessary.
• Will cats hate their owners after neutering? No. Neutering does not cause cats to feel "hatred." Postoperative discomfort or stress may make cats less affectionate temporarily, but with enough care and patience, they will still love you.

In summary, the "crying" or abnormal vocalizations after cats have their "testicles removed" result from multiple combined factors and are usually temporary. As responsible owners, understanding these changes and providing attentive care and companionship helps cats smoothly pass through recovery and enjoy healthier, happier lives. Although neutering temporarily causes discomfort, it is a choice with benefits outweighing drawbacks in the long run.