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My unneutered male cat is marking. Will neutering stop this behavior?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Siamese | Male | unneutered

I have a unfixed male that is peeing outside of the litter box. Will getting him fixed help with this?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 14th, 2017

Great question! It depends on why Sammy is urinating outside of the box. If it is for behavioral reasons, like marking, yes neutering him could help. If it is for behavioral reasons like stress, no. If he has a urinary tract infection, then neutering won't help. I recommend having a vet examine him first and rule out an infection. If that is normal, I would recommend neutering him for marking reasons. Lastly, I would recommend cleaning the urine with an odor neutralizer because even if you can't smell it, Sammy still can. Good luck and kisses to Sammy!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 13th, 2017

    Intact males will mark their territory, and will always want to go outside all the time to roam and mate. Neutering will help cut down on the desires to roam, and can help with the urinating in the furniture. It may not remove it completely if he's been marking for a long time, but it is possible it can go away for good. When you take Felix to be neutered, be sure to use a cleaner to get the smell of the urine out of the furniture. You will need a special enzyme cleaner to get rid of it, and they should have products for that in a pet store. Good luck, I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on April 12th, 2018

    If he isn't neutered the behavior could be marking behavior. Having him neutered may reduce the number of accidents and marking behavior in the house. Using an enzymatic cleaner to remove any urine can also help as it breaks down urine particles and may deter him from going there again. If you are having trouble affording care, this site may help so that you can have Oliver examined, and treated if there is an underlying illness. Many clinics and shelters also offer low to no-cost neutering programs for low-income families that may be beneficial: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 5th, 2018

    Neutering a cat can reduce making behavior, but it could also be a medical reason behind why Elsa is peeing outside the litter box such as feline idiopathic cystitis or bladder stones to name two causes. Have him seen by a vet to discuss getting him neutered, and the vet can also diagnose if he has one of those things I mentioned above. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

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