Best Time for Cat Spaying/Neutering: Is It Too Late If

1. When Can Cats Be Spayed or Neutered?

Healthy cats over the age of six months are generally considered ready for spaying or neutering. Cats that are too young may not be suitable for surgery due to slower recovery times.

2. Is It Too Late to Spay or Neuter My Cat?

Many people believe that older cats may experience a decline in bodily functions, making surgery risky. However, as long as a thorough physical examination is conducted and preparations are made with caution, and the cat's health permits, spaying or neutering can be done at any age. Moreover, unaltered cats will continuously go into heat, with each heat lasting between 5 to 10 days, occurring approximately every three weeks. The hormonal fluctuations during this time can place significant stress on the cat's body.

Additionally, older, unspayed female cats are at a higher risk of developing pyometra. Every unaltered, nonpregnant female cat is at risk of pyometra, and the risk increases with each heat cycle due to the changes in the endometrium.

3. What Checks Are Needed Before Spaying or Neutering?

Before the procedure, it's important to conduct a temperature check, blood tests, abdominal palpation, and an assessment of heart function. If the spaying or neutering is due to a specific disease or if the cat has other health issues, additional tests such as liver and kidney function tests or ultrasounds may be required. New kittens should be kept at home for 10 days before their examination to minimize the impact of stress on the results.

4. Are There Risks Involved in Spaying or Neutering?

Overall, the spaying and neutering procedures are very routine, and deaths due to these surgeries are extremely rare. However, as with any surgery, there are risks, including:

Anesthesia risks—especially significant for cats with heart conditions. General anesthesia can be administered via injection or inhalation. Inhalation anesthesia is less risky and causes less pain, so it is often recommended. However, for short procedures, injection anesthesia can also be used.

Postoperative infection—partly related to the surgeon's technique and partly to the owner's postoperative care. It's advisable to have the surgery done at a reputable veterinary clinic and to follow the instructions for cleaning the incision site to prevent the cat from licking or scratching it.

5. What Is the Best Season for Spaying or Neutering?

It is recommended to have the procedure done in the fall or winter when temperatures are cooler, reducing the risk of infection.

6. Which Surgery Is Recommended for Female Cats: Ovariectomy or OvariectomyHysterectomy?

The ovariectomyhysterectomy is generally recommended. Some cats that undergo ovariectomy may experience secondary heat or develop hydrometra, which may require a second surgery. This is not ideal for the cat and can slow down wound healing.

7. Postoperative Care for Spaying or Neutering Surgery

Place an Elizabethan collar on the cat to prevent it from licking the wound and causing infection.

Keep the cat fasting and dehydrated for 12 hours postsurgery to avoid aspiration pneumonia due to the lack of recovery in the throat muscles after anesthesia.

Follow the vet's instructions to clean the incision site with iodine or alcohol.

Restrict the cat's movement to prevent the wound from opening. While the incision is small, cats that are usually wellbehaved may not require extensive restriction.

Return to the vet 710 days after surgery for suture removal.

8. The Cost of Spaying or Neutering Surgery

The cost can vary between $700 and over $1000.

Lastly, to all cat parents, take comfort in knowing that spaying or neutering is a relatively lowrisk procedure for healthy cats. Unless the cat has a special constitution, there is usually no risk of lifethreatening complications. Our animal hospital has performed thousands of spaying and neutering surgeries with no fatalities. So, if you have a cat of the right age, consider having the procedure done this fall. Afterward, you'll have a wonderfully affectionate and wellbehaved pet!