What are tomcat cheeks? Understanding your male cat’s jowls

Tomcat cheeks, also known as “tomcat jowls” or “cat stud cheeks”, are the adorable chubby face cushions of some mature male cats. Your unneutered furbaby might be starting to develop a rounder face or you might be wondering why the cat next door looks a bit different to the other cats in the neighborhood.  

In this article we’ll answer the question, what are tomcat cheeks, discuss the causes behind male cat jowls, and if there’s anything you can do to improve your puffy-cheeked pussycat’s wellbeing.

What are tomcat jowls/cheeks in male cats?

Tomcat cheeks or tomcat jowls are the enlarged cheek areas you see on unneutered male cats. These tomcat jowls are much more noticeable than female cats' or neutered male cats' cheeks. Tomcat cheeks develop due to hormonal changes, especially by the hormone testosterone, during a cat's puberty.

Why do tomcats get big cheeks? 

So why do male cats have big cheeks? Tomcats develop large cheeks due to increased testosterone levels. When male cats reach sexual maturity, their bodies change significantly and the higher testosterone levels lead to the growth of those fabulous cheek muscles.

Do all male cats develop tomcat cheeks?

Nope, not all male cats develop pronounced tomcat cheeks. Neutered males, with their reduced testosterone levels, usually don't develop such chunky cheeks. Plus, the extent of cheek development in unneutered male cats can vary based on their genetics. Some cats are just naturally cheekier than others!

At what age do tomcat cheeks typically appear?

The unneutered male cat face usually starts to develop when a male cat reaches sexual maturity, typically between 7 to 9 months old. However, the full development of these tomcat jowls can continue until 2 to 3 years old if your whiskered friend is a bit of a late bloomer.

Do tomcat jowls go away?

If a male cat is neutered, the reduction in testosterone levels can cause those tomcat cheeks to shrink over time. However, the degree of shrinkage varies, and some cats may still retain partially enlarged cheeks even after being neutered. So, your kitty might still keep a bit of that cheeky charm!

What influences the development of tomcat cheeks?

Now we’ve revealed what are tomcat jowls, let’s dive into the factors that make those cheeky jowls so large:

Genetic predisposition

Our felines inherit their good looks from their parents. Genetics play a significant role in the development of tomcat cheeks; some breeds and individual cats are more predisposed to developing prominent cheeks.

Influence of diet and obesity

A cat's diet and overall health can influence the development of tomcat cheeks. Proper nutrition supports healthy muscle development, while obesity can obscure the appearance of these cheeks and contribute to other health issues in your fluffy friend.

Related article: cat weight guide

Age and puberty in cats

Just like human teenagers, cats go through puberty too. The age at which a cat reaches puberty and the rate of hormonal changes significantly influence the development of tomcat cheeks. Cats that mature earlier or have higher levels of testosterone may develop more pronounced cheeks.

Neutering status

As previously mentioned, if you decide to neuter your cat, it can reduce the size of your cat’s cheeks due to the decrease in testosterone levels.

Functions of tomcat cheeks

There’s more to tomcat cheeks than just being cute! One of the main purposes of tomcat cheeks is to provide protection during fights. The thick, muscular cheeks act as a buffer, safeguarding vital areas like the eyes and neck from injuries during clashes with other cats.

Tomcat cheeks also serve as a visual signal of a cat's maturity and dominance. In the feline world, larger cheeks can indicate a more dominant and experienced male, influencing social hierarchies and mating opportunities.

Managing tomcat cheeks

Regular grooming is important for all cats, but it's particularly crucial for our big-cheeked friends. Gentle cleaning of the cheek area with a damp cloth can help remove any dirt or debris that may accumulate underneath.

Should I worry about my tomcat's cheeks?

In general, tomcat jowls are nothing to worry about and are a natural part of a male cat’s development. However, it's important to schedule regular veterinary check-ups to monitor your cat's overall health, including the development of tomcat cheeks.

Common health issues related to tomcat cheeks

Tomcat cheeks are occasionally prone to infections and dental problems. The folds and crevices of the cheeks can harbor bacteria, potentially leading to infections if not properly cleaned. Dental issues may also arise due to the pressure exerted by the enlarged cheeks on the jaw and teeth. Regular veterinary care and proper grooming can help keep these problems at bay - alternatively, neutering your kitty before they reach sexual maturity may stop these tomcat cheeks from growing in the first place.

Other causes of large cheeks in cats: potential health problems

Apart from natural development, large cheeks in cats can sometimes indicate health problems. If you notice any sudden or unusual changes in the size or shape of your cat’s cheeks you should chat to your vet about it as soon as possible. Some other causes of large or swollen cheeks in cats are:

• Tumors or growths: which may appear as swellings on the cheeks.
• Dental problems: such as abscesses or tooth infections that cause swelling.
• Insect stings or bites: may cause swelling in the cheeks if they take place around the face
• Weight gain: may result in your cat having a rounder face.
• Allergic reactions: to food, medications, or environmental factors.

Puberty in male cats

Puberty in cats is when they reach sexual maturity and can reproduce. It's triggered by hormonal changes, especially testosterone in male cats. Testosterone causes several changes in your tomcat:

• Physical changes: like bigger tomcat cheeks, thicker necks, and more muscle mass.
• Behavioral changes: testosterone affects behaviors such as marking territory with urine, more aggression, and a stronger interest in mating.
• Reproductive capability: male cats become sexually active and can father kittens.

Differences between neutered and unneutered male cats

Neutered male cats, which have lower testosterone levels due to the removal of their testes (castration), are typically less likely to show mating behaviors such as spraying and yowling loudly, or aggressive territorial behavior such as getting into fights.

As mentioned, neutered male cats also display less physical changes associated with puberty such as prominent cheeks and muscle mass. 

Neutering is a great idea for your kitty. Not only will it stop the chances of kittens, but it could increase the lifespan of your male kitty as they’re less likely to get into fights or contract diseases.

Related article: The cost of getting a cat spayed

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