What does the term "neutering" refer to in male animals?

Neutering in male animals specifically refers to the surgical procedure known as castration, which is the removal of the testicles. This procedure is aimed at preventing reproduction and can also help mitigate certain behavioral issues associated with testosterone levels, such as aggression or marking territory. By removing the testicles, the production of testosterone is reduced, which influences these behaviors positively.

In contrast, spaying refers specifically to the surgical sterilization procedure for female animals, involving the removal of the ovaries and often the uterus. Vaccination and microchipping are unrelated procedures; vaccinations involve immunizing animals against various diseases, while microchipping is a method of permanent identification through a small chip implanted under the skin. Understanding these definitions clarifies why the term neutering pertains specifically to male castration.