Spaying Your Cat: What To Expect And Why It Matters

7 Memorable Insights on Spaying Your Cat and Why It Matters

Deciding to spay your cat often comes with many questions. What are the benefits? When should you schedule the procedure? How do you ensure a smooth recovery? This guide covers everything you need to know about spaying, from its advantages to post-surgery care, so that you can make the best choice for your cat.

Understanding to Spaying your Cat

Spaying is a surgical procedure that prevents female cats from going into heat or reproducing. Veterinarians use two sterilization methods:

• Ovariectomy – Removing only the ovaries
• Ovariohysterectomy – Removing both the ovaries and the uterus

In the U.S. and Canada, veterinarians typically perform an ovariohysterectomy, while many European vets prefer an ovariectomy. Both methods are safe and effective in preventing pregnancy and reducing hormone-driven behaviors.

How Is a Cat Spayed?

Spay surgery is a routine but major procedure that requires general anesthesia. During the operation:

• The vet makes a small incision in the abdomen.
• The ovaries or uterus are removed.
• The incision is closed with stitches, which may need to be removed after 7-10 days.

Pre-Surgery Preparation

• Your vet will provide specific fasting guidelines before the procedure. Most cats should stop eating by midnight the night before, but drinking water is usually allowed. Always follow your vet’s recommendations for the best outcome.

Spaying is a common and safe procedure, with most cats returning home the same day. With proper post-surgery care, your cat should make a smooth and speedy recovery.

When Is the Right Time to Spay a Cat?

• Most veterinarians recommend spaying between six and seven months of age. If you’ve adopted an older, unspayed cat, consult your veterinarian to determine the best time for the procedure.

Can Older Cats Be Spayed?

• Even if your cat is past kittenhood, she can still be safely spayed. Spaying is possible at any age, including in cats well into their late teens. However, older cats may require additional health screenings, such as bloodwork and an ECG, to ensure they can handle anesthesia.

Why Spaying Your Cat Is Important?

Spaying offers several significant benefits, including:

• Millions of cats are homeless, and feral cat colonies threaten local wildlife. Spaying your cat helps curb this issue.
• Spaying reduces the likelihood of mammary tumors and uterine cancer, which can be fatal.
• Spaying eliminates the risk of uterine infections (pyometra), uterine rupture, metritis, and other conditions that can endanger your cat’s health.
• Intact female cats can go into heat as frequently as once a month, often exhibiting excessive meowing, restlessness, and attempts to escape outdoors.
• Cats in heat are more likely to wander, get into fights, or contract diseases from other animals. Spaying helps keep them safe and stress-free.

Possible Side Effects of Spaying a Cat

Spaying offers many benefits, including reduced disease risk and improved behavior. However, like any surgery, there are potential risks, though they are rare.

• In rare cases, a breakdown in the abdominal wall can lead to a hernia.
• If only the ovaries are removed (ovariectomy), but the uterus remains, there is a slight risk of infection. Even in an ovariohysterectomy, small uterine fragments left behind could lead to infection, though this is uncommon.
• The most common minor complications include inflammation, fluid buildup, or irritation caused by a cat licking the incision site.

While these risks exist, they are far less common than the health problems prevented by spaying. With proper post-surgery care and monitoring, most cats recover quickly and without complications.

Schedule regular veterinary assessments to prioritize your pet’s well-being. If your pet has health concerns, contact Autumn Trails and Veterinary Center. We provide comprehensive pet care and strategies to promote optimal pet health. Contact us to get precise guidelines for your pet. We are located in Charlottesville, VA. Appointments are conveniently available. Call us at (434) 971-9800.