Cats With Plump Cheeks: Instances and Explanations.

Felines are unquestionably the most endearing beings, encompassing breeds of varying popularity, such as British Shorthairs, Maine Coons, Scottish Folds, and hairless breeds. Amidst these, certain cats, particularly those dwelling outdoors, exhibit distinctive plump jowls, necks, and cheeks. This feature becomes notably pronounced post-puberty, primarily among male cats.

However, regardless of preconceived notions about feline appearance, it’s crucial to recognize that not all cats should possess this trait. Even though impressive jowls might be present, they often indicate the absence of neutering in a cat with plump cheeks and jowls.

What contributes to chubby cheeks in some cats?

Although roly-poly cheeks are undeniably charming, the key reason behind the presence of plump cheeks in male cats lies in heightened testosterone levels. Essentially, unneutered male cats, whether substantial or slight, exhibit enlarged cheeks, jowls, and a sturdy neck due to the development of fibrous tissue and thickened skin.

According to Erin Katribe, Medical Director at Best Friends, the link between testosterone and these physical traits stems from the fact that a plump face, jowls, and robust neck offer advantages in combat situations.

When encountering a cat with such substantial skin, it’s a reasonable inference that you’re dealing with an intact male cat, as these unneutered males generate greater testosterone levels post-sexual maturity. Following neutering, you might observe that the cheeks retain their plumpness but neck thickness diminishes. Neutering typically stymies the development of jowls as well.

Can neutering ever fail?

The only circumstances under which jowls might develop pertain to a misstep during the neutering process. Occasionally, as your cats attain sexual maturity, you might observe that their head, neck, and jowls adopt characteristics akin to an unneutered cat.

If neutering proves ineffective, this could understandably trigger manifestations of aggression akin to those seen in unneutered cats.

Can a neutered pet induce pregnancy in a female counterpart?

It’s crucial to acknowledge that even after neutering, vigilance is imperative during the days following the procedure. Despite neutering, there’s a possibility of your pet still impregnating a female.

This likelihood persists due to the potential existence of dormant sperm in a neutered cat’s system post-testicle removal, which might be ejaculated and lead to undesired impregnation. For several days, sometimes up to a week, neutered cats could harbor latent sperm, necessitating time for their testosterone levels to subside.

How can I prevent my neutered pet from causing pregnancy during this period?

Throughout this interim, the best approach is to prevent any opportunity for your cat to impregnate another feline in the first place. This task could be relatively straightforward or more challenging, depending on whether there are female cats in the vicinity. If such cats exist, it’s prudent to limit their interaction for the time being.

Moreover, it’s important to stress: cats are invasive species! While confining them might not be ideal, allowing them unrestricted freedom contributes to the proliferation of feral cat populations. If an outdoor pet is paramount, at the very least, ensure they’re confined indoors until the susceptible period concludes.

What Defines a Tomcat?

Hence, when encountering stray felines sporting plump cheeks, the likelihood is strong that they are indeed tomcats. Characterized by their distinctive tomcat jowls and cheeks, these cats are commonly observed prowling in the wild and engaging in skirmishes, either to establish territory or in pursuit of mating opportunities with females. It’s worth noting that male cats also develop jowls.

The Origins of the Term “Tomcat”

The appellation “tomcat” finds its roots in an 18th-century tome titled The Life and Adventures of a Cat, penned by Willoughby Mynors. Within this literary work, we encounter a wandering cat, undeniably neutered due to his promiscuity, named Tom the Cat. Thus, the moniker “tomcat” has been adopted to refer to male cats.

Understanding the Role of a Stud Cat

Although cats exhibiting plump cheeks are commonly associated with tomcats, this isn’t the sole reason behind the decision to leave males unneutered. Unneutered male cats can also be designated as stud cats, meant for breeding purposes with female cats. These neutered cats are referred to as “studs,” and their characteristic plump cheeks and jowls are often referred to as “stud cheeks” and “stud jowls,” respectively.

Distinguishing Between Stud Cats and Tomcats

It’s vital to recognize that the physical features of stud cheeks and jowls hold no discernible disparity when compared to those of tomcats. Nevertheless, it’s important to exercise caution even with neutered stud cats; if they happen to escape, they might seek out female strays for mating. Hence, while there might not be a distinction in this aspect, it’s essential to bear in mind their inability to reproduce.

The Implications of Plump Cheeks in Unneutered Male Cats

Elevated testosterone levels yield consequences that extend beyond the realm of mere tomcat cheeks. The cheeks themselves aren’t inherently problematic; however, the ramifications of heightened testosterone can be concerning. When a cat remains unneutered, it might exhibit aggression.

This aggression can manifest in various ways, including heightened conflict propensity, especially with fellow males. Male cats are prone to territorial behavior, even around humans. Engagement in skirmishes with other cats could lead to complications, such as facial scarring and potential infections.

Recognizing Signs of Aggression

Signs of aggression manifest diversely. Evidently, if your cat engages in fights or displays peculiar behavior towards females, such behavior serves as a clear indicator. Additionally, observing the positioning of their ears is valuable.

When cats—both males and females—become agitated, their ears may flatten, and the fur along their back and neck might stand on end. This could signal an impending altercation. As any feline owner knows, catfights are far from trivial.

Navigating the Challenges of Testosterone

Female cats have their own array of challenges to contend with (or for their owners to manage), but unneutered male cats grapple with issues as they transition from kittens to adults due to elevated testosterone levels. A piece of advice for responsible cat owners: to ensure the well-being of your feline companion, prioritize neutering as soon as it’s appropriate for your cat’s development.

Intact Male Cats: Health Considerations

While it might appear that other cats manage well without being neutered prior to sexual maturity, this should not lead you to believe that your own cat can forego neutering. Generally, wild animals attempting to breed pose significant issues for the same reasons unneutered male cats do, such as contributing to the feral animal population.

Avoid Comparisons: Tailor Choices for Your Pet

The optimal course of action for your pet—whether feline or otherwise—is to adhere to reasonable recommendations. While it’s advisable to follow medical guidelines, it’s equally important to consult your veterinarian regarding the appropriateness of these recommendations for your specific cats.

Even if you’re not concerned about your male cat’s inclination to reproduce upon reaching sexual maturity, there are compelling motives to consider neutering to prevent the development of unwanted behaviors.

Balancing Adorable Traits and Behavioral Issues

Adorable plump cheeks and jowls, regardless of their appeal, are outweighed by the challenges of dealing with male cats embroiled in a life of brawls. Moreover, unneutered cats might escape, potentially leading to feral tendencies and exacerbating overpopulation issues through kitten litters. Even if they don’t stray, grappling with aggressive territorial behavior isn’t desirable.

Assessing Neutering Concerns

Neutering your cat serves both their well-being and the management of stray cat overpopulation, yet is there inherent danger in the procedure?

Neutering entails some inherent risk, a reality reputable veterinarians emphasize prior to consenting to the procedure. While the risk is relatively low, contingent on a quality vet’s involvement, any degree of risk remains a factor.

Unveiling Neutering Risks for Cats

One risk stems from the administration of anesthesia to prevent harm to the cat. Fortunately, this risk is minor, with an occurrence rate of less than one percent. However, it’s unwise to dismiss the possibility outright.

Minimize prospective risks by ensuring your cat fasts before the procedure to avoid vomiting food or water during or after the process. Pre-existing illnesses could also complicate matters.

The more substantial risks emerge in connection with the surgical aspects. Infections could arise, although this is infrequent and usually manageable with antibiotics.

Navigating the Neutering Recovery Phase

Post-neutering, your cat will experience 1-2 days of recovery, marked by nausea and appetite loss. Full recuperation, however, spans approximately seven days.

If recovery seems problematic beyond the initial week, involving your vet is prudent. They can identify potential issues and recommend remedies.

To facilitate smooth recovery, close monitoring is essential—either by you or a trusted individual. Adhering closely to your vet’s instructions is crucial.

When Neutering May Not Apply

Neutering is often the preferred choice, ideally performed early on. Yet, there are exceptions. For instance, if you acquire an unneutered cat later in life, leaving it unaltered might not be practical.

Thankfully, an older unneutered cat can still undergo the procedure, subject to a blood work examination by a veterinarian to ensure safety.

Purebred Cats and Breeding Considerations

Naturally, an exception to neutering arises when you intend to breed your cats. With rare exceptions, neutered cats cannot engage in breeding activities.

Examples of cats with chubby jowls and cheeks

Frequent questions and answers on the topic