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Why does my male cat have a shaved belly and tattoo after neuter?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

Should my male cat have a shaved belly and tattoo on belly after a neuter? He's a boy.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 2nd, 2016

the belly gets shaved before putting a tattoo on it (to show that he is already neutered). It is possible that they shaved him at first thinking he was female , and then realised he was a boy . This can happen. The hair will grow back though, so no worries.

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8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    Some shelter's or rescue groups will tattoo animals that have been spayed or neutered. Feral cats usually have an ear tipped. The shaved belly could have been to make visualization of the tattoo easier. The hair will grow back in a few weeks.

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    6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 28th, 2020

    Yes, the tattoo is to show Ozzy has been neutered. It can be standard practice to do that in case he gets lost, someone finds him, and takes him in to be fixed. Some people clearly can't tell if a cat is male or not. It's just an extra layer of protection to make sure he doesn't go have an unnecessary surgery. I hope this helps!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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