Cat Facts: Spaying Or Neutering

Dedicated cat owners don’t take decisions about their pets lightly. They research and get all the relevant information before making their minds up about what to do. When deciding to bring a cat or kitten home for the first time, for example, a caring owner will have considered whether to buy or adopt; whether to get one or two cats/kittens; how to prepare for the arrival of their new pet.

So making the decision about whether to have your cat spayed will probably be made in much the same way. This article will try to give you the information to help you make this decision about your cat; facts that will tell you all you need to know about whether or not to get your cat spayed.

What Does Spaying or Neutering Involve?

As in humans, the surgical procedure to prevent pregnancies and reproduction is more complicated for females than for males. In female cats, the ovaries and uterus are removed, under anaesthetic, through an incision that will require stitches. In females, this procedure is called ‘spaying’. In males, the procedure (known as ‘neutering’) involves surgically removing the testes. Again, this is done under anaesthetic and stitches will be required.

What are the Benefits of Spaying or Neutering?

Spaying is best performed before your kitten has her first heat, to maximise the health benefits (they are far less likely to develop cancer and infections of the uterus and surrounding area). However, it is never too late to spay a cat. Neutering a male cat reduces the risk of prostate and testicular health problems.

Neutering a male cat or kitten should reduce the chance that he will roam in search of a female on heat (roaming outside his territory could lead him to become lost, hurt on roads or injured in fights with other cats into whose territory he unwittingly strays). Most owners of male cats report that their cat becomes less aggressive and stops marking his territory through spraying after being neutered.

Fewer health problems, aside from being a benefit to your cat, will benefit your wallet as your cat is less likely to need veterinary care in later life than if they were to remain un-spayed or un-neutered.

When Should You Get Your Cat Neutered?

As soon as possible. It is never too late to neuter or spay your cat, but the earlier you have the procedure done, the greater the health and social benefits to you and your cat. Vets usually advise that kittens be neutered or spayed from about 8 weeks.

If you adopt your cat or kitten from an animal charity, such as the RSPCA, your cat or kitten will already have been neutered or spayed by the time you take them home. This is a standard policy designed to reduce the birth of future kittens, since the RSPCA is all too familiar with the fact that there are more cats and kittens than there are people willing to care for them.

Tagged care, cat fact, desexing, health, neutering, spaying