Introduction

Cryptorchidism, a condition in which one or both of the testicles fails to descend into the scrotal sack, is a rare condition that occurs most often in Persian cats. In most cases, when cryptorchidism does occur in cats, one of the testicles will descend by the time the cat is 6 weeks old, and the other testicle remains within the abdominal area. In extremely rare cases both testicles will fail to descend.

Treating Cryptorchidism in Cats

Cryptorchidism in cats can only be treated by finding and removing the testicle which failed to descend. The testicle can either be located by abdominal palpation, x-ray, or ultrasound. In some cases, the testicle cannot be located until extended and time consuming exploratory surgery is carried out. Either way, the testicle must be removed surgically through the abdomen.

Cats that are not treated for cryptorchidism will begin to develop a lot of unwanted behaviors that are common in non-neutered males. These behaviors include aggression, the tendency to escape or wander, and spraying around the house. Once the testicles are removed, the behavior will stop in a matter of weeks.

Recovery

Cats that undergo surgery to treat cryptorchidism often need much more time to recover than cats that undergo traditional neuter surgeries. It takes time to heal and recover from abdominal surgeries. The cat should be kept in a quiet and secure environment, and children and owners should try to refrain from picking the cat up until the cat has completely recovered.