Cat Spaying and Neutering

What is Cat Neutering?

Cat neutering is the surgical procedure in which a male cat’s testicles are removed, making him sterile and unable to reproduce. This procedure also results in decreased testosterone levels, which can reduce or eliminate certain unwanted behaviors and health issues. Neutering is a crucial step in responsible pet ownership, as it offers numerous benefits to both the cat and its owner.

What is Spaying a Cat?

Spaying a cat is a sterilization procedure that eliminates a female cat’s ability to reproduce. There are two primary sterilization techniques used by veterinarians: ovariectomy (removal of the cat’s ovaries) and ovariohysterectomy (removal of the ovaries and the uterus). This procedure is performed under anesthesia, and the cat can usually return home the same day, making a quick recovery.

How Does Spaying or Neutering Impact the Health and Well-being of My Cat?

Spaying and neutering cats offer numerous health and well-being benefits. Spayed cats have a lower risk of mammary cancer, ovarian and uterine cancer, and uterine infection, while neutered cats have a lower risk of testicular cancer and prostate disease. In addition, spaying or neutering can reduce or eliminate behaviors such as spraying or marking territory, aggression toward other animals, roaming, yowling, and fighting. 

How Soon Should I Bring My Cat In for Surgery?

The optimal timeline for spaying or neutering depends on the procedure and the cat’s health. To reduce the risk of complications, it is important to ensure that your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations, medications, and grooming prior to surgery. Fasting is also an essential part of preparing a cat for surgery, as it helps prevent vomiting and aspiration while under anesthesia. Previously, 12 hours of fasting was recommended, but recent guidelines now advise 6-8 hours of fasting for adult cats. For very young kittens, food should only be withheld for 1-2 hours before surgery.

Elective surgeries such as spaying and neutering are typically performed when the cat is healthy, so it’s best to bring your cat in as soon as possible. The Humane Society of the United States recommends spaying or neutering kittens at 6-8 weeks of age, while other guidelines suggest performing these procedures at 5-6 months of age.

What are the Medical Benefits of Spaying and Neutering Cats?

Spaying and neutering cats can lead to a range of medical and behavioral benefits for both male and female animals. Spaying female pets can prevent uterine infections and decrease the incidence of breast tumors. In male pets, neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer and reduces the risk of prostate problems. Additionally, spaying a female pet eliminates her heat cycles, reducing the associated behaviors such as yowling and frequent urination. Neutered male pets are also less likely to roam away from home in search of a mate, reducing the risk of injury and accidents.

How Will Spaying or Neutering Affect My Cat’s Behavior?

Spaying and neutering cats can have a positive impact on their behavior. Neutering male cats can reduce aggression, especially towards other males. It can also prevent the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as penile barbs, large jowls, and glands at the dorsal part of the cat’s tail. Spayed females are calmer and more affectionate due to the elimination of their heat cycle and breeding instinct-related behaviors. Additionally, neutering can reduce or eliminate spraying in around 85% of male cats.

What are Some Possible Conditions that can be Helped or Prevented by Spaying or Neutering My Cat?

Spaying and neutering are important surgical procedures that can help prevent or treat various conditions in cats. These include reproductive system-related diseases, trauma-related injuries, viral diseases transmitted via sexual contact, strongly malodorous urine in male cats, and certain types of cancer. By spaying and neutering your cat, you can reduce the risk of these conditions and ensure they have a healthier and happier life.

How Should I Care for My Cat Before and After Spaying or Neutering Surgery?

Pre and post-operative care is essential for a successful outcome and a safe recovery for your pet. Before surgery, make sure your cat is up-to-date on vaccinations and flea/tick preventative treatments. On the day of the procedure, do not feed your pet after 10 p.m. the night before surgery, but water is allowed. For puppies and kittens under three months old, a small breakfast no later than 6 a.m. should be offered, and then food removed. Always ask your veterinarian about their recommended fasting protocol. Bring proof of current rabies vaccination, or be prepared for your pet to receive one during the visit.

After surgery, allow your pet to recover in a quiet, safe, and warm indoor place away from other animals and children for at least 12 hours. Offer small amounts of food and water in the evening after the surgery, as it can take up to 48 hours for their appetite to return to normal. Keep activity levels limited for 10-14 days, monitor the incision site twice daily, keep it clean and dry, don’t let them lick or scratch it, separate male cats from unsterilized females, and do not bathe or apply ointments until healing is complete (usually around 10 days). Cats will typically need to wear an E-collar or surgical suit following surgery to prevent licking and scratching at the incision. Cats must be kept indoors while wearing an E-collar to prevent entrapment or injury while climbing.

By understanding the importance of proper care before and after spaying or neutering surgery, pet owners can ensure their pets experience a safe and comfortable recovery while also contributing to the overall health and well-being of their pets.

Conclusion

Spaying and neutering cats is an essential part of responsible pet ownership. This procedure offers numerous health and well-being benefits to both male and female cats, including a lower risk of cancer, reproductive system-related diseases, trauma-related injuries, and cancer. It can also reduce or eliminate behaviors such as spraying or marking territory, aggression towards other animals, roaming, yowling, and fighting. It also obviously helps control the pet population!

At Peace of Mind Veterinary Care, our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality and best service to pet owners, and we understand how important your cat’s health is to you. If you live in or near Burnsville, MN, contact us today at (952) 435-7194 to set an appointment or if you have any questions about cat spaying and neutering.