Dr. Dan Christian specializes in small animal medicine, with special interests in behavior and nutrition. He has been instrumental in establishing animal behavior residencies for veterinarians at leading veterinary schools and developing innovative programs with veterinary organizations in the United States. He is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Animal Hospital Association, and the Southern California Veterinary Medical Association. During his professional career, Dr. Christian earned the American Association of Feline Practitioners Award. He has also appeared as a guest on television and radio pet health programs nationwide, and to has authored numerous articles for pet health magazines.

Q: We are looking to adopt a kitten or young cat, and have been speaking with a Persian cat breeder in California who has the following situation: She has a 10-month-old male shaded silver Persian whose testicle has not yet descended. Would neutering the cat eliminate this problem, or could complications occur? I think in one of your articles I read they cannot be neutered until the testicle has descended from the abdomen. What if that never happens? I need to know if we should adopt this male, or if I should be warned against possible long-term health ailments.

A: An undescended testicle (termed cryptorchid) is not uncommon in cats, and while some kittens may drop the testicles to the scrotum a little later than others, at 10 months of age the testicle is unlikely to descend on its own. Due to genetic factors, these kittens will normally have the testicle remain in the inguinal area, and it is highly recommended that these kittens be neutered (the veterinarian will likely need to go into the abdominal area to retrieve the undescended testicle). If the undescended testicle is not removed, there is a chance that abnormalities will develop in that testicle, and necessitate removal and other health consequences at a later date. So by all means, either encourage the breeder to neuter the kitten, or you can have it performed while the cat is under your care. This is not a complicated procedure, and the kitten should have a very happy and healthy life ahead.