Features of cats spaying – answers to popular questions
Every cat owner eventually faces a difficult decision that depends not only on peace in the house but also on the health of his pet. Is it necessary to spay a cat?
Puberty in cats, especially females, is quite difficult. Cats feel physical discomfort and pain if males only mark the territory and scream frantically, which already irritates the owners. Their physiology is such that if they do not mate and give birth, they can develop serious uterine and ovarian diseases.
This leaves the owner with a difficult choice: either find mates for the cat and then take care of the kittens, or sterilize the pet to prevent potential health issues.
What is the spaying of a cat?
As a result of sterilization, reproductive organs are removed from the body:
- ovary;
- uterus.
Depending on the age of the patient, the ovaries can be removed together with the uterus or separately from the uterus. As a result of the operation, the cat’s hormonal balance is stabilized; it stops marking, calling the cat, and suffering from discomfort. The pet’s mood improves, and she becomes calm. Occasionally, an animal can gain weight, but this will not happen with proper nutrition.
It is called an ovariectomy when only the ovaries are removed without the uterus. This is sterilization. Castration-ovariohysterectomy also exists. This term is not only for males; females can also undergo castration. As well as the ovaries, the uterus is removed in this case.
After ovariectomy, the uterus remains in the abdominal cavity of the animal. It can no longer fulfill its purpose, becoming a useless organ. True, she doesn’t have any problems either. Therefore, there is no atrophy or death in her, since her blood supply doesn’t stop. Nevertheless, several diseases that affect the female reproductive system, including uterine cancer, can occur.
Modern vet clinic do not perform classical sterilization operations – they mainly use the castration method, and the old terminology has acquired a new concept. Therefore, today, cat sterilization means removing both the ovaries and the uterus to reduce the risk of disease in pets.
When is it better to spray a cat?
When addressing the specific question, it is important to understand that the animal should be sterilized at a certain age. Puberty in cats begins at about 7-8 months; until this moment, it is dangerous to carry out such an operation since the organs are not yet fully formed. It is possible for a pet’s body to be damaged by such an intervention, which can lead to various abnormalities appearing.
The rules have some exceptions, but they directly depend on the animal’s health situation. In such cases, the operation is allowed earlier, but not less than 5-6 months, provided the female weighs about 3 kg.
Of course, there are cases of cat castration in later years as well. Furthermore, the consequences must also be understood. Individuals who are older often experience more difficult consequences after surgery and anesthesia. Therefore, for this process to be as effective as possible, consult a veterinarian promptly for consultation and direct surgery.
Cat behavior after sterilization
You should not worry that the cat’s behavior or character will change, with the exception, of course, of sexual desire – it will completely disappear. The animal’s character will remain the same. After the operation, the pet’s aggression attacks disappear, the cat becomes calmer, and estrus stops. There is a noticeable increase in obedience and affection from the animal.
The hunting instinct and playfulness also remain. Sterilized individuals have an increased appetite, so they often quickly gain weight, which can lead to obesity. Carefully monitor the frequency of food intake; do not feed more than is necessary for the usual daily rate. An overweight cat should be prescribed a special diet by the veterinarian.
Rules for caring for a cat after sterilization
As a cat recovers from surgery, stitches, and anesthesia, it needs time to regain strength and consciousness. It is also necessary to provide the animal with care until it has fully recovered.
As soon as a cat wakes up, it puts on a blanket. Bandages like this protect seams from dirt, bacteria, and germs. If not, the cat may try to lick the wound with its tongue, but cats’ rough tongues can damage the seam quickly, which will result in the wound opening again. Many clinics use special self-absorbing stitches to close the incision. In these cases, a protective covering is only used if the animal shows interest in the incision and licks it excessively.
The next stage is waking up from anesthesia. The cat is returned to the owner on the day of the operation after waking up, but its consequences can be observed for another 1-2 days. You should set up a bed on the floor, away from tables, chairs, and any objects that might fall. Place a diaper or absorbent pad on the sleeping area, as the animal may urinate or vomit.
Arrange the place so that the sun’s rays do not fall on it. If you have small children, restrict their access to the cat to ensure the animal can rest in peace.
It is necessary to check the seam constantly – it must be clean and dry. Ensure it doesn’t get infected, as this could make healing more difficult.
Usually, after cat spaying, special drugs are not required – veterinarians immediately apply special solutions or treat the wound. But in most cases, experts give recommendations for daily care of the seam.
It is generally recommended to clean the seam with an antiseptic solution:
- Dioxidine;
- chlorhexidine;
If the doctor prescribes a healing ointment, you can use it. However, you should not use such drugs on your own—it is better to consult a veterinarian in advance.
If it is a classic seam, the stitches must be removed 7-10 days after application. If the veterinarian’s recommendations are followed, complete healing occurs within 2-3 weeks.
Cat spaying is a straightforward and relatively low-risk procedure, and it is one of the most commonly performed veterinary surgeries. It is recommended if you do not intend to allow your pet to have kittens.
