Handling a Cat in Heat: Tips for Pet Owners

Section 1: Reasons for a Female Cat's Estrus

Female cats experience estrus, or heat, primarily due to fluctuations in their hormonal levels. Once these hormones reach a certain threshold, the cat enters heat. During this time, cats often emit loud, harsh meows, sometimes even at night, which can disturb neighbors. In some cases, a female cat may even leap from a window or run away in search of a mate. To prevent such scenarios, it's advisable for cat owners who do not plan to breed their pets to schedule a spaying procedure for their cats as early as possible. After spaying, the symptoms of estrus are significantly reduced.

Section 2: The Spaying Procedure for Cats

Spaying a female cat involves a surgical procedure where the ovaries and uterus are removed to prevent the cat from cycling through heat.

It is crucial to avoid performing the spaying surgery during the cat's estrus period. During heat, the blood supply to the reproductive organs is abundant, making it more likely for the cat to experience excessive bleeding if surgery is performed. This could lead to surgical failure and pose a serious threat to the cat's life. The spaying procedure typically takes between 60 to 90 minutes, with the preoperative preparation time being relatively lengthy. The actual duration of the surgery largely depends on the cat's condition.

Specific Steps of the Surgery:

Before undergoing the spaying procedure, the cat should undergo basic health checks, such as blood and biochemical tests, to ensure the doctor has a comprehensive understanding of the cat's health status and to enhance the safety of the surgery. Most veterinary clinics use respiratory anesthesia for spaying, which is safer than traditional injection anesthesia. Respiratory anesthesia also has a faster metabolism rate, allowing for a quicker recovery for the cat.

Important Tips from Oxygen Pet Doctor:

Since the spaying procedure is performed under the cat's umbilicus, there will be a wound in that area after surgery, and the incision can be quite deep. Therefore, after the spaying procedure, it is common for cats to receive intravenous fluid therapy to prevent postoperative infections. However, in addition to this, cat owners should also take proper care of their pets. This includes regularly cleaning the wound area of dust and secretions, and following the veterinarian's advice to use antibacterial and antiseptic medications to promote healing.