Sterilization of cats
The sterilization of cats is probably one of the cat care that generates more insecurity among cat lovers. What exactly does feline sterilization consist of? Are the sterilization methods used dangerous for our cat? Is neutering a cat completely necessary?
Since these doubts are very common when making a decision, it is not superfluous to know all the details about cat spaying or neutering. In this way we will be able to clear up doubts and we will forget about the false myths that exist about it.
Neutering your cat: Everything you need to know
Far from what you may think, neutering a cat is a quick and simple procedure. The sterilization of cats is a surgical intervention that does not last more than twenty minutes and that does not suppose any risk for the kitten. In fact, neutered cats can return home the same day of the operation.
Feline sterilization for cats and female cats
Although the surgical procedure is the same, the reasons for neutering a male cat are substantially different than those for a female cat neutering operation. Knowing the postoperative period in the sterilization of female cats, as well as the recovery steps when neutering a male cat, are essential to give our kitty the attention and care it deserves.
Effects of spaying and neutering on the behavior of cats
Neutering a cat has an impact on those behaviors related to the reproductive pattern or hormone-dependent processes. Thus, neutering in cats can be a possible solution (or prevention method) to behavioral problems that may be uncomfortable for the owner. Some of these problems end up motivating the abandonment or even the sacrifice of the cat. That is to say that neutering a cat can serve to:
Control the cat’s instinct to escape from home and roam in search of a female in heat.
Reduce aggressiveness towards other male cats and avoid fights.
To reduce the marking with urine that the cat makes of its territory: the cat can stop urinating inside the house.
In addition, as explained by the Feline Medicine Group GEMFE, “the aggressive behavior of an unneutered male cat puts him at much greater risk of contracting infectious diseases such as feline immunodeficiency (equivalent to AIDS) and feline leukemia, since both are transmitted by bites from other cats”. As for the effects of neutering on the cat’s health, it is true that sterilization can cause the cat to put on weight, but this problem is very easy to control if the cat is given the necessary play and exercise and is fed a special food for sterilized cats.
What is the best age to neuter a cat?
It is not entirely clear what is the best age to spay or neuter a cat. In reality, a cat can be spayed or neutered at any age, but it is most often done between 4 and 6 months of age, when the cat enters adolescence. Some veterinarians recommend early spaying (around 2-3 months), which does not seem to have adverse effects.
Postoperative care
The recovery of the animal after the sterilization operation is usually surprisingly fast and the next day its behavior is practically normal. It is preferable to try to limit the animal’s activity for one or two days to allow the internal tissues to heal. However, if you notice that your cat is more inactive and listless, consult your veterinarian.
It is important to remember that once the cat has been sterilized it has a greater tendency to develop obesity, so you will have to adjust the amount of food you feed it; we will advise you on the type of food you should follow.