Ready to get your cat spayed or neutered? Check out these facts on these common procedures:
Recommended Age for Surgery
- The normal range is six to nine months of age – surgery can be done earlier and of course later although with later surgeries you run the risk of an unexpected pregnancy.
Pre-Surgery
- Your pet should be in good health prior to surgery – if not the veterinarian may re-schedule the surgery to avoid risk of complications.
- Withhold food from your pet the evening before and the day of surgery. Water should be withheld before surgery – suggested length of time can vary so do check with your veterinarian when you make the surgery appointment. Follow your veterinarian’s instructions – it is very important to your pet’s health. A full stomach can result in vomiting and aspiration while under anaesthetic.
Surgery
- Performed under general anaesthetic.
- In females the uterus, tubes and ovaries are removed.
- In males the testicles are removed.
Post-Surgery
- Males usually can go home the day of surgery.
- Females can sometimes go home the day of surgery or usually the following day.
- For more difficult surgeries or if there are complications your pet may require a few days hospital stay.
- When your pet comes home – feed it small amounts of food and water that day and the following day.
- Keep your pet quiet for a few days after surgery to prevent tearing of sutures.
- Do not let your pet lick or chew at sutures. Check the sutures twice a day and if there appears to be any abnormalities, check with your veterinarian.
- A re-check of your pet in about ten days may be recommended by your veterinarian.
Health/Behavioral Advantages – Spaying
- Reduces risk of mammary cancer.
- Eliminates risk of uterine cancer.
- Eliminates the risk of pyometra – a serious disease involving production of pus in the uterus.
- Eliminates annoying behaviors associated with going into ‘heat’.
Health/Behavioral Advantages – Neutering
- Reduces risk of prostate cancer.
- Eliminates risk of testicular cancer.
- Less likely to spray in house and urine odor greatly reduced.
- Often causes pets to be less aggressive.
Spayed/Neutered Pets Less Likely to Wander Reducing Risks of:
- Fighting and being exposed to infectious diseases.
- Being hit by a vehicle.
- Getting lost.
Myths about Spaying and Neutering
- There is absolutely no benefit to pets physically or emotionally in having one litter prior to surgery.
- Neutering or spaying will not make pets fat and lazy – this is caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise.
Cost of Surgery
- Costs vary at different clinics – if cost is a concern check for clinics that do low cost spays/neuters.
- Many animal welfare societies will help with the cost of spays/neuters for low income pet owners.
Information provided by the members of the Southern Alberta Calgary Cat Fanciers
Article courtesy of Pet360
