Making the decision to spay your cat would probably raise many questions. What are the benefits of spaying your cat? When is the best time to spay? How should you care for your cat after she has been spayed? In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make an informed decision and how to prepare for your cat’s spaying procedure.
What is Spaying a Cat?
Spaying is a sterilization procedure that prevents your cat from going into heat and eliminates her ability to reproduce. Veterinarians use two primary sterilization techniques: ovariectomy (removal of the cat’s ovaries) which veterinarians in Europe commonly perform, and ovariohysterectomy (removal of both the ovaries and the uterus) which is typically performed in the United States and Canada. Both surgeries are considered equally safe and effective.
What Does Spay Surgery Involve in Cats?
Spaying your cat is a major surgical procedure that requires her to be placed under anesthesia. During the surgery, your veterinarian will make an incision in your cat’s abdomen and remove the ovaries and/or uterus. The incision is then closed with several layers of stitches, which are often removed seven to ten days after the procedure.
Before the surgery, your veterinarian will typically recommend fasting, with no food allowed for the last twelve hours. It’s usually fine to continue giving your cat water, but specific fasting requirements may vary based on your cat’s individual needs. Always consult with your veterinarian for precise pre-surgery instructions.
Spaying is a very common procedure, and most cats are able to return home the same day. They usually recover quickly with proper care.
Read also: Boosting Your Cat’s Health with Vitamins: What Every Pet Parent Should Know
When to Spay a Cat?
Most veterinarians recommend spaying a cat between six and seven months of age. However, if you have adopted an older, unspayed feline, it’s important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss the optimal time for the procedure based on her age, health, and lifestyle.
How Old Can a Cat Be to Get Fixed?
While most veterinarians recommend spaying a cat between six and seven months of age, intact adult cats can still be safely spayed, even as old as their late teens. Before the procedure, your veterinarian would recommend performing bloodwork and an ECG to ensure your cat is healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.
Spaying an older cat is safe and beneficial because it can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer and uterine infections, improving your cat’s overall health and quality of life.
Benefits of Spaying a Cat
There are many advantages to spaying your cat. Below are some of the most significant benefits:
Population Control
Animal shelters and rescues are overwhelmed with homeless cats, and feral cat populations in the United States have a significant impact on wildlife. Spaying your cat helps prevent her from contributing to the overpopulation crisis and saves you the responsibility of finding homes for unwanted litters. Additionally, pregnancy in cats can involve costly and potentially dangerous complications, which can be avoided with spaying.
Reduced Risk of Cancer
Spaying significantly lowers the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers, as well as certain types of mammary cancer, especially when performed at an early age.
Reduced Risk of Reproductive Diseases
Spaying eliminates the risk of life-threatening infections, such as pyometra (a severe uterine infection), and other reproductive diseases.
Eliminating Heat Cycles
Female cats in heat can display distressing behaviors such as loud vocalizations, restlessness, and frequent attempts to escape outdoors. Spaying prevents these hormonal cycles, creating a calmer environment for both you and your cat.
Behavioral Advantages
Spayed cats are often more relaxed and less territorial. They are less likely to roam, spray urine, or engage in aggressive behaviors, making them easier to manage as indoor companions.
Side Effects of Spaying a Female Cat
Like any surgical procedure, spaying is not entirely without risks, but the benefits of this procedure far outweigh the risks, with positive outcomes such as a reduced risk of disease and improved behavior.
While complications are uncommon, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects:
Rare Complications
Herniation: In very rare cases, a breakdown in the abdominal wall may lead to herniation.
Uterine Infections: If an ovariectomy is performed (removal of only the ovaries) and the uterus is left intact, there’s a small chance of uterine infections developing later. Even with an ovariohysterectomy (removal of both ovaries and the uterus), if small portions of the uterus are left behind, infections can occur. These situations are extremely rare, particularly if both ovaries are removed.
Minor Complications
Licking the Wound Site: Cats may lick the surgical site excessively, which can lead to irritation or minor infections.
Inflammation or Fluid Buildup: Mild swelling or fluid buildup around the incision site may occur but is typically temporary and easily managed.
While these side effects are rare or minor, it’s essential to follow post-operative care instructions closely. Monitoring your cat for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, and using an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) to prevent licking can help ensure a smooth recovery.
Read also: The Life Cycle of Cats: Stages, Longevity, and the Nine Lives Myth
Will My Cat’s Personality Change After Being Spayed?
A lot of people think that spaying would make huge changes in cat’s personality, but that’s not accurate. In other words, this procedure would reduce sexual behaviors, such as roaming, spraying, or excessive meowing in heat, but your cat's core traits—such as playfulness, energy levels, and affection—will remain the same.
Will My Cat Gain Weight After Being Fixed?
In fact, spayed are more likely to gain weight after being fixed. This is often due to a decrease in roaming and other sexual behaviors, which used to burn off a lot of calories. However, weight gain is not inevitable and can be effectively managed with a suitable diet and regular exercise.
Try to keep your cat active and healthy by engaging them with interactive toys that can encourage physical and mental stimulation. This would help your cat burn off extra energy and keep them entertained and well-shaped. You can find a variety of high-quality cat toys on MALLY PET.
Can You Spay a Cat in Heat?
Spaying a cat while they’re in heat is not preferred because the blood vessels in the ovaries, uterus, and fallopian tubes are more enlarged during a heat cycle, which can make the surgery more difficult and increase the risk of many medical complications. Additionally, your cat will need longer recovery time compared to being spayed when not in heat.
Furthermore, spaying in heat would probably come with additional costs due to the increased complexity. If your cat is in heat and you’re considering spaying, consult with your veterinarian to discuss the best course of action.
After the spaying procedure, proper nutrition and care must be applied to maintain your cat's health. Products like Mally Pet Sterilized Malt Paste can be an excellent addition to your cat’s routine. This specially formulated paste helps digest and eliminate swallowed hair, which is particularly beneficial for grooming cats. Packed with 7 essential vitamins and taurine, it meets the daily nutritional needs of neutered cats while supporting their immune system.