Cat Spaying & Neutering

A Comprehensive Guide to Cat Spaying and Neutering

What is cat neutering?

Cat neutering refers to the process of removing a pet’s reproductive organs for population control purposes.

Dr. Meagan Darby

Hebron Animal Hospital

What is spaying a cat?

Spaying a cat involves removing the uterus and ovaries to eliminate health concerns and reproductive potential.

How does spaying or neutering a cat impact the health and well-being of the cat?

Spaying or neutering a cat reduces the risk of different cancers, specifically ovarian and uterine cancer. It also reduces the risk of uterine infections as the pets age.

How soon should I bring my cat in to see the veterinarian for them to get spayed or neutered?

The average age for spaying and neutering cats is around six months to a year. However, it can be done at any point in life as long as they’re safe anesthesia candidates.

What are the medical benefits of spaying or neutering a cat?

Spaying or neutering a cat reduces the risk of cancers and uterine infections. It also prevents unwanted litters of kittens.

How will spaying or neutering a cat affect a cat’s behavior?

Spaying a cat can reduce unwanted behaviors such as excessive meowing, rubbing their rear end over everything, and starting fights with other cats. Neutering a male cat can prevent them from spraying urine and wandering.

What are some possible conditions that can be helped or prevented by spaying or neutering your cat?

Spaying or neutering your cat can reduce the risk of cancers, uterine infections, and unwanted litters of kittens.

How should I care for my cat before and after spaying and neutering surgery?

After the surgery, keep your cat calm for around seven to ten days to prevent them from ripping out any sutures. This is particularly important for a spayed cat as the body wall needs time to heal.

Shouldn’t I let my cat have a litter before I spay her?

No, there’s no medical benefit to letting a pet have their own litter prior to being spayed.

My cat sprays all over the house. Will neutering help?

Neutering should help, but if you wait too long, it becomes a habit. Ideally, neuter male cats before they’re about a year and a half to two years of age to see a reduction in the behavior.

Will spaying or neutering be painful for my cat?

It’s not painful as the operation is carried out under anesthesia and pain medicine is provided.

Will spaying or neutering my cat make them less vocal?

It can sometimes reduce vocal tendencies, particularly in cats that are going through a heat cycle or if it’s a sexually mature male cat.

How long is the recovery after a cat spay or neuter surgery?

The recovery time is about seven to ten days.

Will my cat need pain medication at home after the spay or neutering surgery?

Most of the time, pain medicine is sent home after the surgery. However, it depends on what your pet needs.

Will my cat require anesthesia for the surgery?

Yes, anesthesia is always used for the surgery.

Can my cat get a microchip during their spay or neutering?

It’s advisable to do the microchip during the spay or neutering. However, if your pet is already spayed or neutered and you want to microchip them, it can still be done with minimal discomfort.