Why should I neuter my cat?
What dos the operation involve?
Are there any disadvantages?
When should the operation be performed?
Myths about neutering.

Why should I neuter my cat?

1. Whether female or male, they will wander less, reducing the risk of them being injured in territorial fights or by being hit by cars.
2. Both sexes risk of contracting Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) and Feline Leukaemia(FeLV) is reduced.
3. Entire males often start urine marking in and around the home. This is extremely unpleasant, being both unhygienic and very smelly.
4. Females are prevented from developing a condition called pyometra. This is an extremely serious infection of the uterus, that requires emergency surgery. They are also less likely to develop mammary cancer, especially if spayed at a young age (6 months).
5. Spaying will prevent females “calling”. This is an irritating yowling and crying that will continue for days at a time. Frequently the cats will roll around as if in pain, to such an extent that it is not unusual for us to be contacted on an emergency basis! The behaviour and pheronomes produced will also attract entire males who apart from fighting will urine mark around or even in your house- very unpleasant!
6. Pregnancy will be prevented. Pregnancy can result in problems requiring veterinary intervention, such as caesarean section. This is of course distressing and expensive! Finding homes for kittens can also be difficult. Your cat will not suffer any emotional or physical problems by not getting pregnant.

What does the operation involve?

Females undergo a complete ovarohysterectomy; this means that their ovaries and uterus are removed.

The operation is usually performed through a small incision on the left flank. However, occasionally it is performed via a midline incision on the underside; since the hair will occasionally grow back a different shade. (This is often done for show cats.) . Usually only two or three stitches are required.

We perform this operation frequently so are very experienced with the procedure making it a very safe operation.Please take the time to discuss it with your vet or nurse, if you have any reservations or concerns.

Stitches have to be removed 10 days after the operation.

Males undergo castration which means that both testicles are removed. The operation is performed through two small incisions, directly over the scrotum on the cat’s back end, just under the tail. No stitches are required.

Are there any disadvantages?

The biggest problems in both sexes stem from the potential risk of weight gain. However, a neutered cat does NOT have to be overweight. By careful, controlled feeding of a good quality, but reduced calorie diet, a healthy body condition can be maintained. Please discuss ongoing feeding with your vet or nurse, and seek advice if your cat’s weight is increasing, for we can work with you to ensure a healthy body condition is restored.

Recovery from surgery is rapid. Occasionally cats try to lick their surgical wounds which can cause infections or soreness. Any indication that this is happening requires an Elizabethan (Buster) collar to be fitted.

When should the operation be performed?

Ideally at six months old, but it can be done as young as four months. Females generally don't reach sexual maturity until 8-12 months, so as long as you spay her before this age, you will avoid an unwanted pregnancy.

Myths about Neutering:

• Having a litter is good for a female cat. FALSE. Having a litter has no physical or psychological benefits. Bear in mind that complications can arise in pregnancies causing, at worse, tragedies, at best, the need for costly and stressful interventions such as caesarean section.
• Neutering will cause a change in personality. FALSE. The only behavioural changes that are seen are usually in male cats and relate to a reduction in undesirable traits such as aggression and urine marking. Vigour and vitality is unaffected unless obesity is allowed to develop.
• Neutering causes weight gain. FALSE. A mismatch between calorie intake, activity and metabolic rate causes weight gain. Being strict about feeding, changing to a lower calorie food and regular weight checks will ensure your cat maintains an ideal body condition.