Cats reach reproductive maturity rapidly; we follow the RSPCA and Cats Protection guidelines recommending neutering both female and male cats around four months of age. Spaying a female cat involves removing their ovaries and uterus. Castrating a male cat involves removing both of their testes.
Neutering or spaying your cat:
-
Prevents unwanted pregnancies and womb infections
-
Can help prevent tumours and breast cancer
-
Can also help prevent testicular cancer and prostate disease
-
Assists in preventing roaming and aggressive behaviour
It’s normal to neuter! 86% of owned cats in the UK are neutered*
*PSDA Paws report 2020
Should I let my cat have one litter before spaying her?
This happens to be a common question, and there are no known health benefits to letting your cat have a litter; this is also the same for dogs and rabbits.
General anaesthesia
Your pet requires a general anaesthetic for neutering; here at Spinney Vets, we have measures in place to ensure their safety during the procedure. A dedicated Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) will monitor your pet throughout their surgery and recovery. All anaesthesia comes with some form of risk; however, these are very low, especially neutering, as pets are often young, fit, and healthy when having this procedure.
Risk levels of anaesthesia increase with a pet’s age, certain breeds, and if your pet has any underlying health conditions. We can perform a pre-anaesthetic blood test before your pet’s surgery to detect any underlying illnesses; this can be discussed when booking in for the procedure and on the day of their surgery. Your pet will receive a premedication to relax them and will also receive two types of pain relief. Rest assured the Spinney team will be with your pet every step of the way.
Your pet will stay the day with us
On admission, we will discuss the procedure and go through the consent form. Please note we must gain a signature from the registered owner (over 18) or authorised agent on the consent form. Your cat will be admitted as a ‘day patient’, and they will be discharged later that day once our team is happy with how your pet has recovered. During your pet’s discharge appointment, the team will go through everything you need to know about caring for your pet after their surgery and their pain relief medication. We are always at the end of the telephone for you and your pet, so please contact us if you have any further questions once you have your pet settled back at home on 01604 648221.
Please bring your cat in a secure cat basket with a blanket that smells of home. Cats are territorial creatures who prefer to stay in areas familiar to them; click here to read how you can prepare for travelling to us with your cat.
Pet Health for Life Plan Offer
Spinney Vets Pet Health for Life plan members can claim a 10% discount on neutering procedures. Our health club offers preventative health, and you could be saving each year on what you spend on your pet treatment.
Cat Neutering Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cat Neutering?
Cat neutering is a routine surgical procedure in which a male cat's testicles are removed (castration) or a female cat's ovaries and uterus are removed (spaying). This prevents reproduction and offers various health and behavioural benefits.
At What Age Can My Kitten Be Neutered?
We recommend neutering kittens from around four months of age. This helps prevent early pregnancies and associated health risks. If you adopt or rescue an older cat, neutering can still be performed at any age, provided they are healthy enough for the procedure.
How Long Does It Take for a Cat to Recover After Neutering?
- Male cats usually recover within 5 to 7 days and can resume normal activity soon after.
- Female cats need a little longer—around two weeks—for full recovery.
Our team at Spinney Vets in Northampton will provide aftercare advice to ensure a smooth healing process.
What Are the Benefits of Neutering My Cat?
Neutering offers a range of health and behavioural benefits, including:
- Preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing the stray cat population
- Lowering the risk of testicular cancer in male cats
- Reducing roaming behaviour, which helps prevent accidents and exposure to diseases
- Minimising spraying and territorial marking
- Preventing uterine infections and phantom pregnancies in female cats
Should My Cat Have a Litter Before Being Spayed?
There is no medical benefit to allowing your cat to have a litter before spaying. Early neutering prevents health risks and helps control the number of unwanted kittens.
What Happens During the Neutering Procedure?
Before surgery, your cat will receive a general anaesthetic. Our veterinary team follows strict safety protocols, and a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN) will monitor your cat closely throughout the procedure. Your cat will also receive pain relief, and we may recommend a pre-anaesthetic blood test to check for any underlying health concerns.
If you have any questions or would like to book a neutering appointment, contact Spinney Vets in Northampton today.
Further reading:
Neutering your dog | Neutering your rabbit
