Cat Spaying and Neutering : When to Do It & Why It's Important

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When do I Spay or Neuter My Cat and: Why is it Important?

Have you been hearing a lot of varied opinions about cat neutering and spaying? Are you confused about when or why to neuter or spay your cat? Are you noticing behavioral changes in your cat and are wondering if it is a sign to neuter or spay them? Or did you notice a stray cat giving litter after litter of kittens with no respite and the kittens getting lost time and again?


This article will answer all your questions on this topic, let’s dive right in:


What is the Difference Between Cat Neutering and Spaying?

  • When people say they want to ‘sterilize’ their cat or “get them fixed’, the medical term used for a female is ‘Spaying’, which means the surgical removal the uterus and ovaries.
  • The medical term used for a male is ‘Neutering’ which means the removal of a male cat's testicles.


  • Some even use ‘Neutering’ as a blanket term for both genders with spaying for females and castration for males.


  • Spaying is a more complex procedure than neutering and involves abdominal surgery.


  • Neutering, on the other hand, is simpler and involves removing the testicles through a small incision.


  • These procedures can be performed only by licensed vets.


What is the Right Age to Neuter or Spay Cats?

Choosing the right age to spay or neuter your cat is important for their overall health.

1. Optimal Age for Spaying Female Cats

The ideal age to spay a female cat is around four to six months, before their first heat cycle. Note that if they are born in a litter with male siblings, they may even go into heat earlier.

2. Optimal Age for Spaying Female Cats

The ideal age to neuter a male cat is around four to six months as well. Early neutering helps prevent a lot of behavioral issues which may develop in cats


NOTE: You must visit your vet for a pre-operative check-up to determine if your cat is ready to be sterilized. While the ideal age is a good time to start thinking about it, you can neuter or spay older cats as well with your vet’s go-ahead (I got my little orange buddy neutered at 1.5 years, but it was better late than never!)

Understand in depth about the Process of getting your Cat Neutered or Spayed and Post-operative care.

Female Cat getting a shot before getting spayed at the vet


What are the Signs that your Cat Needs Spaying or Neutering Immediately?

If your cat is exhibiting the below signs, it may indicate that your cat might need to be spayed or neutered soon.

1. Behavioral Changes in Female Cats

  • Increased mewing / vocalization (You can make out the from change in meow, almost as if crying or distressed).
  • Restlessness and inability to relax.
  • Extra Affection and Rubbing against things and people.
  • Excessive grooming of genitals (as they become swollen).
  • Turning her bottom up in the air with tail upright (as if in mating position).


WATCH: Symptoms Of A Cat In Heat



2. Behavioral Changes in Male Cats

  • Increased aggression and territorial behavior.
  • Getting into a lot of yowling and physical fights with other male cats.
  • Spraying urine at places in and around the house, outside the litter box to mark territory.
  • Increased attempts to escape the house (indoor cat) and outside for longer periods of time (indoor-outdoor OR outdoor cat).
Male Cats Fighting - Aggression in un-neutered cats


Why is Cat Spaying and Neutering Important and Beneficial?

Spaying and neutering your cat has numerous benefits for both you and your pet.

1. Health Benefits of Cat Spaying and Neutering

  • Reduced risk of testicular cancer and prostate problems in males.
  • Reduced risk of ovarian or uterine cancer and breast tumor in females.
  • Eliminates pregnancy complications and physical toll on body for constant mating and birthing for females.
  • Lesser fights and accidents means injuries and infections and longer life.

2. Behavioral Benefits of Cat Spaying and Neutering

  • Decreased territorial behavior and spraying of urine in males.
  • Decreased urge to roam out and escape.
  • Eliminates yowling to attract mates in females.
  • Decreased aggression and fights with other cats in males.


Summary of Key Points

  • Cat spaying and neutering prevent unwanted litters and improve health and behavior.
  • Optimal age for spaying/neutering is around four to six months.
  • Recognize signs that your cat needs the procedure, such as behavioral changes.
  • Health benefits include reduced risk of cancers and infections.
  • Behavioral benefits include decreased aggression and territorial marking.
  • Consult your vet for the best approach to spaying/neutering your cat.


Conclusion

Hope this would help you in taking the first step in your cat’s sterilization journey


FAQs

My cat does not go outdoors, should I still spay / neuter them?

Yes. Cats are very sneaky and will find a way to go out to mate if they determine to. Even if they cannot, constant heat cycles will be a problem for both you and your cat with their behavioral changes. Moreover, your female cat is at risk of pyometra which is a life-threatening disease that occurs when her progesterone levels are elevated during several estrus (heat) cycles and pregnancy does not happen.

Can I get a stray cat spayed / neutered if I don’t know their age?

If you plan on getting a stray cat spayed / neutered, first get a pre-op check-up appointment with your vet. The vet can help you with the age of the cat and suggest tests to determine when the cat can be operated on if eligible.

Should I let my female cat have one litter of kittens before I spay her?

No. It is a myth that having one litter before getting fixed is of any help to the female cat. Any pregnancy is not free of risks. Also, if you cannot find adopters or fosters for the kittens or if the kittens end up being outdoors, it is risky for them and you end up adding to the homeless cat population.

Are there any risks associated with spaying / neutering?

As with any surgery, there are risks. You will have to sign a consent form before the surgery as a standard procedure. But remember, the complications are rare and the benefits far outweigh the risks.

How many days does it take to recover from the spaying / neutering surgery?

Once the anesthesia begins to wear off, most cats start feeling better and recover in 24-48 hours. A male cat takes 4-7 days to bounce back or even sooner. Comparatively, a female cat takes 10-14 days. It is recommended you observe them closely during the recovery period and give them the required care. Take the vet’s opinion before letting them get back to their normal routine or releasing a stray cat back.

How much does spaying or neutering cost?

The cost varies depending on your country and veterinary clinic. If you are looking to sterilize a stray cat and are raising funds, try contacting animal shelters and organizations that offer low-cost spay/neuter programs.(I have gotten female cats spayed at INR 2500-7000 and Male Cats neutered at INR 1500-6000 in India). Also take into account pre-op tests, medicines and post-op care costs.

Will Spaying or Neutering Make my Cat Fat?

Spaying or Neutering are procedures that do impact the hormones and do affect the metabolism. Also, your cat becomes calmer and might not roam about a lot anymore. All these factors would add up to weight gain. However, it is in your hand to keep them fit by stimulating activities and reducing portion sizes.

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