Spaying & Neutering Procedures
Here are some facts about these two surgeries:
Having Female Cats Spayed
A veterinarian surgically removes a female cat's ovaries and uterus, or sometimes just the ovaries. Your cat will not be able to have kittens after she has been spayed.
Having Male Cats Neutered
Neutering refers to the removal of a male cat's testicles. Your neutered male cat will not be able to father kittens.
Why are spaying or neutering procedures recommended?
A large number of unwanted cats and kittens are brought to animal shelters across the United States each year. By having your cat spayed or neutered, you can help reduce the number of unwanted cats entering Los Angeles shelters.
Plus, the benefits of spaying or neutering your kitty don't stop at population control. Along with reducing the unwanted kitten population, a spayed or neutered cat also has a reduced risk of certain medical conditions, most notably cancer.
How old should my cat be when they are spayed or neutered?
Did you know that your kitten only needs to be eight weeks old to be spayed or neutered? However, most vets perform standard spay and neuter procedures when a kitten is between five and six months old.
It's also worth noting that your cat can actually be 'fixed' at any point during their life as long as your vet finds them to be healthy. A vet can examine your cat and provide advice on when it would be best to schedule a spay or neuter procedure.
The Procedure for Getting a Cat Fixed
Though the actual procedure is relatively quick, you can generally expect your cat to spend a few hours at the hospital, allowing time for check-in, initial physical assessment, the surgical procedure itself, and time for your cat to recover from anesthesia.
Your veterinarian will perform a number of steps during the process of spaying or neutering your cat. These include:
- Perform Diagnostic Tests - Your vet will perform specific diagnostic tests to confirm your cat is healthy enough to safely undergo the procedure. Spay and neuter procedures are conducted using general anesthesia, so a blood test can help confirm if your pet is healthy enough to handle the sedative. Depending on your pet's size and any specific medical considerations, these tests typically take between 20 and 90 minutes to complete.
- Shave the Fur on Your Pet's Abdomen - After anesthetizing your cat, the vet will shave the fur and thoroughly disinfect the skin on your pet's abdomen. The organs are then removed, either laparoscopically (with surgical lasers) or with a traditional scalpel, both of which are safe.
- Stitch or Staple the Surgical Site - Once the procedure is complete, the vet will use sutures (stitches) or surgical staples to close your pet's wound. Your vet will need to remove stitches or staples 10 to 14 days following the procedure.
How to Help Your Cat Recover
You should notice a great improvement in your act within a day or two, and complete recovery occurs in about two weeks. Keep your pet calm and refrain from allowing them to jump during this period, as this can cause their incision to reopen. Check the incision daily for signs of infection, which can include swelling, discharge, redness, or a foul odor. Contact your vet if you notice any of these.
Continuously monitor your cat throughout recovery to ensure that they are not being overly active or showing signs of complications.. If they still seem lethargic or are not eating or drinking after 48 hours, this could indicate infection. Bring them to an emergency veterinarian for care or follow up with your primary vet.
Benefits of Spayed Female Cats
Controlling the Cat Population
Before she is even six months old, your tiny little kitten may actually be mature enough to have kittens of her own. By spaying your female cat before she reaches this age of maturity, you can help reduce the population of unwanted cats in your neighborhood.
Keeping Your Pet Healthy
Spaying your kitten before she has her first heat can help to reduce her risk of pyometra (infection of the womb) and mammary tumors. It's also important to note that female cats carrying infectious diseases can pass serious conditions on to their kittens who go on to spread the disease even further.
Preventing Attacks on Wildlife
It is estimated that cats in the USA kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds each year. Keeping the number of homeless cats to a minimum can help save the lives of countless birds and other wildlife.
Deterring Bad Behaviors
Female cats who are not spayed will go into heat frequently throughout the year, attracting male cats from across the neighborhood to your home and garden. Unneutered male cats prowling around your property, looking for your female, can be problematic. These males have a tendency to spray, fight, and caterwaul. Spaying your female cat can help to keep male cats out of your backyard.
Benefits of Neutered Male Cats
Reducing the Risk of Unwanted Kittens
While male cats don't actually have kittens themselves, one unneutered male cat in your neighborhood can make many female cats pregnant. That's why neutering male cats is as important as spaying females when it comes to population control!
Protecting Your Cat Against Health Concerns
Neutering your male cat may help slow the spread of serious diseases such as Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) that are often spread between cats during fights. Neutering can help to reduce cat aggression and may mean fewer injuries from fighting. Neutered males also tend to stay closer to home which helps to reduce their risk of being injured by vehicles.
Deter Undesirable Behaviors
Neutering male cats can also help deter undesirable behaviors such as spraying, roaming, and yowling. These behaviors are often driven by hormones and can be reduced or eliminated through neutering. Additionally, neutered male cats are less likely to exhibit territorial marking behavior, which can help keep your home clean and odor-free.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.