Feline Cryptorchidism: Welfare Implications and Surgical Management

Retained testicles (cryptorchidism) in cats carry welfare risks including testicular torsion and cancer risk, requiring surgical management to prevent serious complications.

Key Facts

Cryptorchidism affects approximately 1.3-3 percent of male cats
One or both testes may be retained in the abdomen or inguinal canal
Retained testes have significantly higher risk of Sertoli cell tumor and testicular torsion
Cryptorchid cats produce testosterone and can still mate but fertility from the retained testis is absent
Surgical removal of retained testes (cryptorchidectomy) is the recommended management and prevents cancer risk

Welfare Considerations

Cryptorchid cats face welfare risks from the complications of retained testes that are not surgically managed. Testicular torsion of a retained abdominal testis causes acute severe abdominal pain requiring emergency surgery. Sertoli cell tumors arising in retained testes cause hormonal disturbances including feminizing signs and bone marrow suppression that are welfare-compromising. Cryptorchid cats that are not castrated retain territorial and mating behaviors including spraying, roaming, and fighting that create welfare risks from injuries and infectious disease transmission. The preventable nature of complications through early surgical correction makes cryptorchidism management an important welfare obligation.

What You Can Do

Ensure all male cats are examined for cryptorchidism at the time of routine castration
Arrange surgical removal of retained testes as part of neutering procedures
Monitor intact cryptorchid cats closely for signs of testicular torsion including sudden abdominal pain
Discuss the increased cancer risk of retained testes with your veterinarian
Avoid breeding cryptorchid cats as the condition has a heritable component
Ensure veterinary examination confirms both testes are removed at the time of castration