Spaying or Neutering A Cat Facts

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

(Original Article)