Everything You Need to Know About Spaying and Neutering Cats
At Green Valley Veterinary Care, we understand how important your cat’s health is to you. Our team is dedicated to providing the highest quality and best service to pet owners, and we are here to help you make informed decisions about your cat’s health. Spaying or neutering your cat can be a healthy choice for your cat, so let's talk more about these procedures.
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.
At what age should I have my cat spayed or neutered?
Anywhere between 3 to 5 months would be a fine recommendation from us. We want to neuter your boy cat before he becomes mature because that could lead to him spraying urine around your house. We would like to spay your female cat before she comes into heat, which means that she's ready to be bred. Our goal is to try and prevent more kittens from being born.
What are the benefits of spaying my female cat?
There are numerous benefits. We can help reduce the risk of breast cancer or mammary cancer in cats, and we can also eliminate the risk of pyometra, which is a uterine infection that can be deadly. We could perform a simple spay procedure for your cat, but when it turns into a pyometra surgery, it's a whole different type of surgery. Spaying is a lot safer and easier than becoming a risk for pyometra.
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What are the benefits of neutering my male cat?
Intact male cats, meaning cats that still have their testicles, once they become mature, can start spraying or marking urine around your house. Male cat urine has a very strong smell. Additionally, neutering can eliminate aggression, as intact male cats have a predisposition to cause a lot of fights.
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.
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.
What should I do if I notice complications after my cat's surgery?
We're going to talk to you about monitoring your cat's incisions after spaying or neutering. If you see any complications, you can call us the next business day in the morning. We might have you bring your cat back in for a surgical recheck.
Spaying or Neutering Your Cat at Green Valley Veterinary Care
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!
If you live in or near Troy, OH, and are looking for pet care, contact us at (937) 358-8142 to set an appointment. You can also email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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