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NEUTERING OR SPAYING YOUR CAT
.jpg) Why should I have my cat neutered?
► Males
Neutering, or castration, offers a number of advantages, especially if performed at the early age of 6-9 months. Following puberty, at approximately 8-9 months old, the male cat often develops a number of undesirable behavioral changes. He will become territorial and start to mark areas, even inside the house, by spraying particularly strong urine which has a difficult to remove odor. He will start to enlarge his territory by straying ever farther from the house, particularly at night. It is for this reason that many cats hit by cars are unaltered males. By increasing his territory he will come into contact with other cats and fight for dominance. Inflicted fight wounds can result in severe infections and abscesses. Since diseases such as FIV and FeLV, which can cause AIDS-like syndromes and cancers in cats, are spread through bites, these cats are most commonly affected by such incurable diseases. Additionally and equally important, neutering prevents unwanted litters and the needless deaths of kittens and cats.
The longer a tomcat sprays and fights, the less likely neutering will stop it.
► Females
Spaying of female cats also offers several advantages. Most obviously, it will prevent unplanned litters. When she reaches puberty, usually around 7 months, she will come into “heat” for the first time. The unaltered queen will then cycle for approximately one week every two to three weeks until she is mated for most of the year. During “heat” she may display unsociable behavior such as loud and persistent crying and frequent rubbing and rolling on the floor. Such behavior and her scent will attract tomcats from miles around. This behavior will be eliminated by spaying. Intact female cats are also more likely to exhibit spraying marking behaviors just as males do. Finally, spaying will remove the risk of uterine infection and cancer and mayreduce the risk of breast cancer. .jpg)
There is no medical reason for allowing your cat to have a litter before she is neutered.
When should I have my cat spayed or neutered?
Neutering and spaying are generally done at 6 months of age and up.
What does the operation involve?
Both male and female cats will undergo a general anesthetic. You will need to withhold food for twelve (12) hours prior to surgery. Your pet should have free access to water during the pre-operative fasting period.
In male cats, both of the testicles are removed through a small incision in the scrotum. Stitches are rarely required in the skin.
In female cats, the operation is performed through a relatively small incision made in the midline of the abdomen. Both ovaries are removed along with the uterus. Normally, skin stitches are used that will be removed 10-14 days after the surgery, unless absorbable material has been used.
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