It seems that cats and dogs that are castrated do live longer than those that don’t, so lower testosterone might be correlated with longevity.
My vet explained that this is because a castrated (male) cat doesn’t seek out risks, travel far, get into fights, or claim a large territory, as much as an non-castrated cat seeking to mate.
Do you know of a study that shows castrated cats live longer controlling for environmental danger, e.g. a study of indoors-only cats?
I haven’t found one. While searching I found comments that castration protects against testicular cancer, enlargement of the prostrate and related infections.
On the other hand, I also found a reference stating: ” two studies found that the metabolic rate of spayed and neutered cats is lower than intact cats” and that “:Spayed and neutered cats have an 8.7 times greater risk of developing diabetes than intact cats”
My vet explained that this is because a castrated (male) cat doesn’t seek out risks, travel far, get into fights, or claim a large territory, as much as an non-castrated cat seeking to mate.
Do you know of a study that shows castrated cats live longer controlling for environmental danger, e.g. a study of indoors-only cats?
I haven’t found one. While searching I found comments that castration protects against testicular cancer, enlargement of the prostrate and related infections.
On the other hand, I also found a reference stating: ” two studies found that the metabolic rate of spayed and neutered cats is lower than intact cats” and that “:Spayed and neutered cats have an 8.7 times greater risk of developing diabetes than intact cats”
Well, that much I can certainly believe with utter confidence.