Reasons to Neuter Your Feline Pet
If you have your male cat (a tom) neutered, he will:
- Be more content staying at home as he no longer needs to search for mates or territory, thus avoiding road accidents, feline diseases, and cat fight injuries
- Be less likely to spray at home
- Be less likely to hump other cats in your house
- Be more docile to you
- Avoid developing testicle tumours
If you have your female cat (queen) spayed, she will:
- Not make loud calls, resulting in quieter nights for you and your neighbours
- Save you from additional costs with ‘accidental’ kitten litters
- Avoid developing cancer of the uterus or ovaries; be less likely to have mammary cancer
When Should I Neuter/Spay My Indoor Cat?
The earliest age cats can be neutered is eight weeks old. Some believe they should be neutered at six months. Since felines become sexually mature by their fourth month, they should be neutered or spayed before such time.
What Happens Before Cat Neutering Operation?
On average, neutering a tom can cost £30–£60, whilst spaying queens may cost about £40–£80.
These are what you need to do before the surgery:
- Ensure your feline companion remains indoors on the eve of the procedure.
- Do not feed your cat a few hours before the surgery as he will be put on a general anaesthetic. Your veterinarian should tell you about the specific time when to feed your pet.
- Go to the veterinary clinic earlier than scheduled to complete paperwork.
- Bring your pet’s vaccination records if he has already been vaccinated.
With queens, a small portion of her belly or side will be shaved by the vet prior to surgery.
What Happens After the Sterilisation Procedure?
The resulting stitches will be visible and may dissolve in a few days. If the stitches are not dissolved, you will return with your pet to the vet after ten days to have them removed.
- Take note of the vet’s special instructions on the care of your neutered pet.
- Ensure that your cat has its cone collar on so it will not lick the incision.
- Keep your cat confined in a small room or in its crate overnight after the operation. It will be groggy for the first few hours until it recovers from the anaesthesia 18–24 hours later.
- Handle your cat with extra care as it may be quite aggressive or unsettled because of the anaesthesia’s effect.
- Assist your cat so no sudden movements are made when bringing it home. You would not want its stitches to be damaged.
- Gradually reintroduce the usual food it eats. Only feed your cat when it is finally fully awake.
Cats usually recover rapidly, more so kittens. Generally, it takes about fourteen days for your cat’s incision to be healed. To ensure that its recovery process is smooth, restrict its activities during this period and even one or two weeks beyond. That means it should not be playing, jumping, or running for at least two weeks after surgery.
Will My Cat Change After It Has Been Neutered?
Your feline friend may show changes in its behaviour after surgery, as follows:
- It may put on a bit of weight. That’s because it will not be as restless as before and will be content to just sit on your lap or sunbathe in a sunny spot and relax. It will also sleep more.
- It will be more dedicated to grooming its own coat.
- If you have a female cat, she will no longer vocalise during mating period.
- Your cat will be calmer and less likely to scratch or chew things (or you) around the house.
- You should also notice your cat will stop the nuisance humping behaviour towards your other cat.
Overall, your cat’s personality will remain the same but with a more laid-back temperament.
Although many cat owners have their feline friends neutered, there are still some who do not do so. Some owned cats get to breed before they are neutered or spayed. Do know that it is not necessary for cats to reproduce before getting spayed. Help animal charities and cat-dom by having your feline friend neutered.
If you find this information helpful, please share this with other cat owners you know.
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