Essential Guide: Cat Neutering for New Pet Owners - Tip

Section 1: The Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

Preventing Reproductive System Diseases

Spaying and neutering significantly reduce the risk of reproductive system diseases in cats, such as ovarian and uterine tumors in females and testicular cancer in males. It also dramatically lowers the likelihood of breast cancer in cats. Additionally, it greatly diminishes the incidence of certain infectious diseases, such as feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus.

Reducing Behavioral Issues

After being spayed or neutered, cats tend to exhibit fewer behavioral problems, such as spraying urine (marking territory), pacing (territorial patrolling), and fighting (often over females). Addressing these issues can also help reduce the number of cats that are abandoned.

Delaying the procedure can make it more challenging to correct hormonedriven behaviors (such as aggression, territorial marking, and wandering) once they have become ingrained habits.

Effectively Controlling Feral Cat Populations

Spaying and neutering are fundamental in controlling the cat population, drastically reducing the number of feral cats that require euthanasia and improving the welfare of all cats.

Section 2: Optimal Age for Spaying and Neutering

There is no universal guideline for the best age to spay or neuter a cat. Opinions range from 4 months to 68 months, 1218 months, before or after estrus, and even after the first heat. In China, it is generally recommended to do so around 6 months of age.

Key Considerations:

Avoid Estrus

Spaying a female cat during estrus can lead to excessive bleeding due to the充血 of the ovaries and uterus. It is typically advised to perform the surgery 12 weeks after estrus.

Minimize Concurrent Dental Procedures

Since dental procedures involve a high risk of bacterial contamination, it is best to separate them from spaying or neutering to minimize the risk of surgical infections. However, combining them can be done to avoid multiple anesthetics.

Preventive Care

Cats should be fully vaccinated and dewormed two weeks before the surgery to ensure complete immunity and reduce the risk of infection and transmission.

Male Cats

The surgery involves making small incisions on the sides of the scrotum to remove the testicles. The procedure is relatively quick, and most male cats resume normal eating and activity the next day.

Female Cats

The surgery requires a small incision in the abdomen to remove the uterus and ovaries. It takes longer and the recovery period is longer, but cats can usually start eating again within one to two days postsurgery.

Fast before Surgery

Typically, cats should be fasting for 8 hours before the procedure and for 2 hours before water. Some hospitals may allow fasting for 4 hours before food and 2 hours before water. Individual instructions may vary, so follow your veterinarian's advice. Cats can start drinking water 2 hours after surgery and eating 3 hours later.

Preoperative Examination

Book an appointment with a vet for a comprehensive preoperative checkup (including blood tests and, for purebred cats, an echocardiogram) to assess the cat's health and determine the best surgery date. This also helps in planning specific surgical approaches for any special conditions.

Postoperative Care

Remove protective devices (like an Elizabethan collar or a surgical shirt) after 710 days (for female cats, after the stitches are removed and for an additional 3 days). Normal postsurgical observation is sufficient to allow the cat to go home.

Since these devices prevent the cat from grooming itself, manual grooming may be necessary during this period.

Avoid dusty litter for at least one week, especially for male cats, after the surgery.

Avoid bathing the cat for at least a few weeks to a month after the wound has healed.

Monitor the cat's wound healing closely during the recovery period and seek veterinary care immediately if any issues arise.