She’s your personal welcome home party, your purring pillow companion and your little lap warmer on a cold winter’s night. As a responsible pet owner, you want to keep her healthy and safe — and that’s where spaying comes in. In this post, we’ll reveal when to neuter a cat, when to spay a cat, why neutering and spaying are so important and how to help your kitty stay healthy after a neutering or spaying procedure. Show
What Does Neutering and Spaying Mean?During a neutering procedure, your cat’s sexual reproductive organs are removed. Neutering prevents unplanned pregnancies from happening, and it also stops a lot of undesirable tomcat and intact queen behaviour — spraying, calling and anxiousness, for example. After they’re neutered, cats are often more affectionate, less restless and less prone to roam. What’s the Difference Between Neutering and Spaying?Technically speaking, neutering is a unisex term. It’s an operation in which your cat’s reproductive organs are removed. When female cats are neutered, they’re “spayed” and when male cats are neutered, they’re “castrated.” SpayingDuring a spaying procedure, a female cat’s ovaries — or her ovaries and uterus — are removed. Usually, this happens via a small incision on the left-hand side of her abdomen. Some vets make an incision underneath in the middle instead. CastrationDuring a castration procedure, a male cat’s testicles are removed via two small incisions in the scrotum. Neutering is a much simpler operation in males, and stitches aren’t always required. Why Should I Spay or Neuter My Cat?Simply put, neutered cats stay safer, tend to experience fewer health problems and don’t produce unwanted kittens. Undesirable behaviours like spraying, nervousness, roaming, demanding behaviour and noisiness are reduced or eliminated — even in adult cats. Other reasons to neuter or spay include:
When Should I Spay or Neuter My Cat?Most veterinarians agree that cats are ready for neutering procedures at four to six months of age. Some vets and rescue centres spay and neuter cats from 12 weeks of age and sometimes even earlier.
Mythbusting: Some people think that it’s healthier for female cats to have one litter of kittens before they’re spayed. This isn’t true — it’s a myth. Does Spaying or Neutering Hurt My Cat?Like humans, cats are given anesthetics during operations. Cats are completely unconscious while they’re spayed or neutered, so they don’t feel any pain. A long-acting pain relief injection administered immediately after the procedure eliminates post-surgery discomfort. Your vet will give you anti-inflammatories and painkillers to give to your cat at home, too. Generally speaking, cats bounce back quite quickly after they’re neutered. Male cats usually only need painkillers for a day after castration. Female cats usually need medication for three days after being spayed. How Can I Arrange to Spay or Neuter My Cat?To get your cat spayed or neutered, make an appointment with your local veterinarian. Most vets require at least one pre-op appointment before the “big day.” Don’t feed your cat the night before the procedure, but do give her water. On the morning of the operation, remove the water, too. Spaying and neutering doesn’t usually involve an overnight stay. Most of the time, you’ll drop your cat off with the vet in the morning, and you’ll pick her back up again in the afternoon. Then it’s home for a little TLC. What if I Can’t Afford to Get My Cat Neutered or Spayed?If you can’t afford to get your cat neutered or spayed, ask your local animal charity for help. Many animal charities run free or reduced spaying and neutering funding plans. What to Look Out for After the ProcedureYour cat will probably feel very drowsy after her procedure, but that should wear off quickly. Most cats are completely back to normal within a few days. After spaying or neutering, some cats develop bladder infections more frequently, while others put on extra weight. Bladder InfectionsIf your cat starts to urinate more often, passes blood or often squats without urinating, she might have a urinary tract infection. If you suspect a bladder infection, give your vet a call. Weight GainNeutering and spaying are directly responsible for weight gain, but they do stop cats from roaming. When cats exercise less, they tend to put on a few pounds. If your cat does put on weight, try playing with her more often or changing her food. Some cats will even tolerate going for walks on a harness. What if I Don’t Spay or Neuter My Cat?Some people choose not to neuter their cats. If you decide to keep your cat intact, bear the following points in mind:
What if I Think My Cat Is Already Pregnant?Most cats don’t display physical symptoms until two or three weeks into a pregnancy. If you suspect a pregnancy, get in touch with your vet as soon as possible. Some vets neuter female cats while they’re pregnant, ending the pregnancy and preventing future pregnancies at the same time. To find out more, ask your vet about their policies regarding spaying. Spaying and Neutering: The Bottom LineSpaying and neutering can help keep your cat healthier and safer — and you don’t end up with more kittens than you can count. To be on the safe side, get your cat spayed or neutered before they’re six months old. If you’re wondering when to spay a cat or when to neuter a cat, speak to your local veterinarian. By spaying or neutering your pet, you’ll help control the pet homelessness crisis. Millions of healthy dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States each year simply because there aren’t enough homes to go around. There are also medical and behavioral benefits to spaying (female pets) and neutering (male pets). Here are some of the medical benefits:
And behavioral benefits:
Spaying/neutering your pets is also highly cost-effective. The cost of your pet's spay/neuter surgery is far less than the cost of having and caring for a litter. Debunking Spay/Neuter Myths and Misconceptions
When to Spay or Neuter Your Pet
Talk to your veterinarian to determine the best time to spay or neuter your pet. Helping Your Pet Before and After Surgery Your veterinary clinic will provide pre-surgical advice that you should follow. In general, avoid giving your adult dog or cat any food after midnight the night before surgery. A puppy or kitten, however, needs adequate nutrition, and your veterinarian may advise that food not be withheld. Your veterinarian can also provide post-operative instructions for you to follow. Although your pet may experience some discomfort after surgery, your veterinarian can take measures to control pain. Depending on the procedure performed, medication for pain may be sent home with your pet. Here are tips for a safe and comfortable recovery:
If you notice any redness, swelling or discharge at the surgery site, or if the incision is open, please contact your veterinarian. Also call your veterinarian if your pet is lethargic, has a decreased appetite, is vomiting or has diarrhea or any other concerns following surgery. Please visit our Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs page to find spay/neuter options in your area. |