Nov 21, 2024
Neutering a cat is a procedure that has divided opinions among pet owners. Some oppose this idea, but many cat owners agree that this pet surgery is essential to pet ownership.
Neutering is the surgical procedure of removing a cat’s reproductive organs. It’s also known as spaying (for females) and castration (for males). These surgeries can be done on kittens when they turn four to six months old.
Spaying removes the ovaries and uterus of the female cats, while the testicles are removed from male cats through castration. These surgeries remove a cat’s ability to produce offspring and experience heat.
Neutering is a common veterinary procedure that benefits cats and the community. But before you decide whether or not to put your cat through this procedure, it’s essential to know everything there is to spaying cats.
The Benefits of Neutering a Cat
Neutering has several physical, mental, and behavioral benefits for cats. It also benefits communities in Dubai by controlling the ongoing concern of cat overpopulation.
Physical Health Benefits of Neutering
Cats are susceptible to many diseases, including infections and cancers. Spaying prevents cats from these health problems. Here are some specific physical health benefits of spaying cats.
Preventing uterine or testicular cancers and infections
Since the goal of castrating or spaying a cat is removing the testicles, ovaries, and uterus, the risks of getting diseases like uterine infections and testicular cancer will be totally eliminated. This means fewer diseases that your cat can acquire.
Reducing the risk of mammary gland tumors
Mammary gland tumors in cats can be a serious problem since, in most cases, they lead to cancer. Spaying a cat before its first heat cycle will significantly reduce the risk of tumors forming.
Prolonging a cat's lifespan
Neutered cats possess higher longevity than intact and unaltered cats. The longer lifespan in neutered cats is an effect of several factors following the procedure.
A neutered cat will have fewer urges to roam around, reducing its exposure to external factors such as cat fights and interactions with the outdoor environment, which can cause potential harm, such as injuries, diseases, and accidents.
Mental and Behavioral Benefits of Neutering
Apart from the physical health benefits, neutering also improves a cat’s mental health and behavior. Here are the noticeable changes after castrating or spaying your cat.
Reduced stress and aggression
Neutered cats are calmer and less territorial, making them less anxious, stressed, and aggressive toward other animals and people. The chances of fights in a home with multiple cats will also lessen, as these can be triggered when an unspayed female cat is around.
Lessened roaming and excessive vocal behavior
When a cat is in heat, it tends to exhibit mating behavior, including roaming and excessive vocalization. Their instincts to find a mate kick in. This behavior can become problematic when an unneutered female cat’s needs are unmet during its heat cycle, which occurs several times a year.
Neutering a cat will eliminate this hormone-related behavior, making your pet less disruptive and safer.
Minimizes risks of spraying
While spraying behavior is often associated with male cats, some female cats also do this to mark their territories. If you have a cat that sprays urine around your home, it won’t be an ideal living space for you and your family.
Neutering your cat reduces its spraying behavior, making your home cleaner and more pleasant.
Positive Impact on the Community
The stray cat problem in Dubai isn’t surprising for residents. The overpopulation of homeless cats is an ongoing problem in the community.
Many animal shelters and rescue groups strive to save all abandoned cats. However, as the number of stray cats continues to rise, concerned citizens and rescue organizations have difficulty keeping up.
Through neutering programs, such as the Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR), the population of strays can decrease, and shelters can be less strained. As a cat owner, you can help the cause by preventing unwanted litter unless you are ready to take on this responsibility.
The Preparations Before the Neutering Surgery
When you decide to neuter your cat, your veterinarian will guide you in preparing your pet for the surgery. At our clinic, here are the essential reminders we give cat owners.
Fasting
To avoid complications, your cat must fast at least 12 hours before the surgery.
Health Check-Up
Before the surgery, we must determine if your cat is in good health to prevent complications. The vet may request bloodwork, especially for senior cats, to know whether they can handle the anesthesia and surgery.
Recovery Space
Before the actual neutering procedure, we recommend that cat owners prepare an area for their pets’ recovery. It must be quiet, clean, hazard-free, and have soft bedding.
Transportation
Make sure to have a secure carrier for your cat to and from the vet clinic.
The Neutering Procedure for Cats
When the day of neutering your cat comes, it’s understandable to worry about your feline companion. This is why choosing a reputable vet clinic and an experienced vet surgeon to perform the neutering procedure is important.
To keep your mind at ease, we’ll give you an overview of what happens when castrating or spaying a cat.
Administering the Anesthesia
Your cat will administer anesthesia to your cat before the surgery. This ensures that they are unconscious during the procedure. Expert vets will calculate the exact dosage for the anesthetic based on your cat’s health status, age, and weight.
Proceeding With the Surgery
Spaying a cat involves making a small cut in the abdomen to remove the ovaries and uterus, or only the ovaries. For castration, the incision is made in the scrotum, and the testicles are removed.
Closing the Incision
After the removal of the ovaries, uterus, and testicles, the vet will close the incision using surgical glue or absorbable stitches.
Managing Pain After Surgery
As with any surgery, the anesthesia will wear off after some time, and the patient may experience pain. To help your cat have a comfortable recovery, the vet will prescribe pain medication and provide instructions on how to give it to your cat.
Most cats return home the same day after the neutering surgery. But before you head home, the veterinarian will check your cat thoroughly and give specific instructions on how to care for your neutered cat.
The Post-Operative Care for Neutered Cats
Most castrated or spayed cats recover from the surgery within 2 weeks since the incision generally heals in 10 to 14 days. During their recovery, you should give them extra care and attention.
Caring for Your Cat After Neutering
Post-surgery care requires time and proper knowledge so your cat can have a rapid and safe recovery. Here are some tips for caring for your neutered cat.
Limit Physical Activity
Keep your cat indoors in an area that restricts jumping or running for at least two weeks. This will prevent the incision from reopening.
Check the Incision Regularly
You’ll know the incision is healing when it continuously dries up every day. When you find signs of swelling, redness, or pus, contact your veterinarian immediately, as this can be a sign of infection.
Use an E-collar or Cone
An Elizabethan collar or cone prevents your cat from biting or licking the incision, which can cause infections.
Maintain a Clean Environment
Another important thing you must do to avoid surgery infection is to keep your cat’s resting and sleeping area clean. You should also regularly clean and change your cat’s bedding.
Possible Complications of Neutering a Cat
While most neutering procedures have no complications, there can be occasional risks that you must watch out for.
Anesthetic Side Effects
This complication is quite rare, but it still occurs in some cats, especially in senior cats or those with existing health conditions.
Infections
The neuter incision site may become infected when your cat recovers in an unsanitized area or licks or bites it.
Herniation
There are cases when internal organs go through the incision, which can be a serious problem that needs emergency vet care.
Loss of Appetite and Extreme Lethargy
Mild lethargy and a decrease in appetite are normal for the first two days after neutering your cat. However, when these symptoms prolong, you should take your cat to the vet for a checkup.
The Costs of Neutering a Cat
The cost of neutering cats may vary depending on your location and the vet clinic. If your cat has any underlying conditions that might make the surgery more complex, there could be additional costs.
At our clinic, spaying a cat costs 1,200 AED, while castration costs 700 AED. Both of these procedures are performed by qualified veterinary surgeons.
Conclusion
Neutering or spaying your cat is a responsible decision you can make as a pet owner. It can enhance your cat’s health and behavior. This procedure also contributes to reducing the stray cat population in Dubai.
Understanding the neutering procedure, preparing your pet, and following recovery advice from your vet can ensure that your cat has a safe and comfortable experience.