From the age of 5 - 6 months, kittens are sexually mature and capable of breeding and reproducing.
This can be problematic, as not everybody wants more kittens running around the house. Nor do they want to add to the increasingly large numbers of kittens looking to be re-homed, which is a huge problem for charities and businesses trying to rescue unwanted cats.
It’s for these reasons that we advise cat neutering once they reach sexual maturity, but there are also benefits for your cat’s health and for you as a pet owner.
Spaying and Castrating
Below we will discuss the facts for both female spaying and castrating male cats.
What is Spaying?
This is how we neuter female cats, through removing the uterus and ovaries. The process is usually performed at 5 – 6 months of age.
There are many advantages to spaying your cat, including:
* Preventing unwanted pregnancies and homeless kittens
* Preventing “cat calling” – when on heat, female cats can be very vocal, demanding, and overly-affectionate, and you’ll receive lots of unwanted visits from tom cats.
* Preventing pyometra, a life-threatening infection of the uterus that requires costly emergency surgery to treat
Spaying operations are a very quick procedure, and in most cases, your cat can come home the same day. She’ll need to be brought back for a couple of quick check-ups three and 10 days after the surgery. She will either have stitches that will need removing, or dissolvable stitches that will disappear on their own, and she will have a patch of fur shaved on her side. It is important to ensure she doesn’t try to lick her stitches whilst she is healing.
What is Cat Neutering?
Male cat neutering takes place through removing their testicles. Again, the process is usually performed at 5 – 6 months of age.
There are many advantages to neutering your cat, including:
* Preventing unwanted pregnancies and homeless kittens
* Preventing male cats from “spraying” urine to mark their territory – the urine of an uncastrated tomcat has a very strong and unpleasant smell.
* Reduces the tendency to roam – roaming cats are at a much greater risk of injury from car accidents
* Reduces the spread of disease through fighting
Neutering procedures are also very speedy, and in most cases, your cat can take your cat home the same day. Because there are no stitches to be removed, there’s no need for any check-up visits.
Why Should I Neuter My Cat?
Apart from the benefits listed above, non-neutered cats – particularly toms – are susceptible to a number of conditions including:
* Cat bite abscesses
* Feline immunodeficiency virus (cat AIDS)
* Feline leukaemia virus
Cat Neutering Service
In fact, we recommend that all cats, whether they’re neutered or not, be vaccinated against feline leukaemia.
If you would like more information about cat neutering or want to book an appointment, please contact Spinney Vets today. We provide reliable routine neutering services to protect your cat and give you peace of mind.
