Spaying and Neutering Guide for Cat Parents - Pre and Post Surgery

Table of Contents

How to Determine if my Cat is Ready for the Neutering / Spaying Surgery?

Before scheduling your cat’s spay or neuter surgery, ensure they are ready by checking the following:

  • Age: The ideal age to get a cat fixed is usually between 5 and 6 months old. If you are planning to get a stray fixed or do not know the age of the cat you have adopted, you must consult your vet to determine whether the cat can be operated upon.

  • Health: Ensure that your cat does not have underlying health issues.This can be ruled out by a set of pre-operative blood tests suggested by your vet (This usually includes a Complete Blood Count and a Serum Biochemistry Test).These tests can help rule out abnormalities in the blood, liver kidney and pancreas, which if found could postpone the surgery.

  • Weight: You must check with your vet whether your cat is of the ideal weight(At least 2 pounds / 0.9 kg) before the surgery. If your cat is too underweight, it may cause complications.

  • Vaccinations: It is recommended that your cat is vaccinated against communicable diseases (Feline Parvovirus, Distemper and Upper respiratory diseases) before the surgery. If you have had your cat since they were a kitten, you have probably ensured that their vaccinations are regular after 8 weeks of age. In case of stray cats, try to get them vaccinated much in advance. In case of emergency sterilizations, at least ensure that your vet vaccinates them after the surgery anyway.

Finding the Right Doctor for the Neutering / Spaying Surgery

Finding a qualified and experienced veterinarian is crucial for a successful spay or neuter surgery.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Vet

  • If you have a trusted vet that you visit regularly, you must inquire about sterilization there and check reviews of the clinic for the same thoroughly.

  • If you are searching for a vet for the first time, look at authentic reviews from local people or ask your local shelters and NGOs for trusted recommendations

  • Visit the clinic and interact with the doctor face to face. Ask relevant questions on the pre-op, surgery method and post-op process and clear all your doubts

  • Check the cleanliness and facilities of the clinic

  • Do not go for just the cheapest clinic but ensure that the cost structure provided by the vet is a testament to their output

Cat at the vet Pre neutering surgery

Pre-Operative Process

Preparing your cat for surgery involves several important steps to ensure they are in the best condition possible.

I have personally been involved in both pet and stray sterilizations, so below are the pre-operative prep instructions for both cases:

1. Pre-Operative Instructions for Neutering and Spaying your Pet Cat

  • Follow the fasting guidelines provided by your vet. It is usually recommended to fast your cat for 10-12 hours before the surgery i.e. no food, treats or water. Some people may keep water out at night but to be on the safer side, cut off everything.

  • Ensure that your cat has comfortable transportation to and from the vet clinic.

  • Prepare a comfortable recovery area at home, preferably a separate room (especially if you have other pets) and a cozy sleeping area.

2. Pre-Operative Instructions for Neutering and Spaying a Stray Cat

  • Most Stray Cat Sterilizations areTrap-Neuter-Release which means it’s preferable you trap the cat and keep them at your place overnight to ensure the fasting is done correctly.

  • If it is not possible for you to keep them at your place, find a foster who can keep them overnight and are adept at pre-op and post-op for cats. Some of them (in India) take care of the complete process including.taking them to the vet for the operation.

  • In either case, ensure you have the best arrangements for transport, stay and recovery.

Post-Operative Care

Post-surgery care is vital to ensure a smooth recovery and prevent complications.

1. Immediate After-Care

  • Your vet will tell you to monitor your cat closely for the first 24-48 hours when their anesthesia starts to wear out.

  • They may regain consciousness within this period (if they do not, contact your vet immediately) when they do, ensure that they are warm and comfortable

  • You can pet and talk to them calmly and make sure they are in a cage or a small restricted space for sometime. This is especially more important for a female cat whose surgery tends to be more complicated than a male cat’s.

  • Make sure that their physical activity is restricted to prevent strain on the incision.

  • Offer small amounts of water and food (only wet food) as recommended by your vet.

  • If you have a stray cat sterilized and being taken care of by a foster, make sure that the above steps are followed.

WATCH: DIY: How To Make A Cat Cone (E-Collar) Alternative

2. Long-Term Care

  • Consult your vet for a long-term diet and design an active playtime routine to keep your cat healthy post neutering / spaying.

Cat in e-collar after surgery

Conclusion

Spaying and neutering are essential procedures for responsible cat parents. By following the pre and post-surgery instructions, you can ensure your cat’s surgery is successful and their recovery is smooth. Proper preparation, choosing the right vet, and attentive aftercare are key to helping your cat stay healthy and happy. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice and support throughout the process.

Summary of Key Points

  • Ensure your cat is ready for surgery with a thorough checklist.

  • Choose a qualified vet with experience in spay/neuter surgeries.

  • Follow pre-operative instructions to prepare your cat for surgery.

  • Prepare a comfortable recovery area and have necessary supplies ready.

  • Provide attentive post-operative care and monitor for any signs of complications.

Hope this blog has been helpful for you to take those steps for a healthy and long life of your fur baby. So take that step and wishing your cat all the best and a speedy recovery!

Cat sleeping after neutering / spaying surgery

FAQs

Is spaying/neutering a dangerous surgery?

Any surgery comes with its set of risks. However, the mortality rate is very low just at 0.02-0.05%. Even there, the mortality is due to the anesthesia in most cases rather than the actual surgery as cats with undetected underlying conditions have a reaction to it.The concern should be choosing a qualified and experienced vet rather than the cheapest option. You have to proactively ask the vet about details on the fasting and anesthesia process (pre-anesthetic examination and bloodwork) they follow and the type of surgery they are planning for your cat and the post-operative process. Follow their instructions to the T.

How long does the surgery take?

The surgery typically takes 30-60 minutes, depending on the cat's age, size, and health.

What should I do if my cat won't eat or drink after surgery?

Contact your vet if your cat refuses to eat or drink within 24 hours post-surgery.

Can my cat go outside after being spayed/neutered?

No, you must keep your cat indoors for at least two weeks post-surgery to ensure proper healing.

How can I tell if my cat's incision is infected?

Signs of infection include redness, swelling, discharge, and a foul odor. Contact your vet immediately if you notice these symptoms.

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.

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