Getting a Cat Fixed: When and What to Know

Getting a Cat Fixed: Why is it Recommended?

Every year, a large number of unwanted cats and kittens arrive at shelters across the United States. Having your cat spayed or neutered is the single most effective way to reduce the number of unwanted cats in Des Moines shelters.

However, the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet don't stop at population control. Along with reducing the unwanted kitten population, a spayed or neutered cat also has a reduced risk of certain medical conditions.

At what age should you have your cat spayed or neutered?

Did you know that your kitten can be spayed or neutered at the age of just 8 weeks? Standard spay and neuter procedures are typically performed on kittens between the ages of five and six months.

It is important to note that your cat can be fixed at any point in their life as long as they are healthy. Your veterinarian can examine your cat and advise you on the best time to schedule a spay or neuter surgery.

Spayed and Neutered Cats: Are These Surgeries Different?

The main difference between spayed and neutered cats is that male cats are neutered and female cats are spayed. Here is more about these two surgeries:

Having Female Cats Spayed

Female cats who have been spayed have their ovaries and uterus surgically removed, or just the ovaries. Your cat will be unable to have kittens after she has been spayed.

Having Male Cats Neutered

Neutering (sometimes called castration) refers to the removal of a male cat's testes. Your neutered male cat will not be able to father kittens. 

The Procedure For Getting a Cat Fixed

There are a number of steps during the process of paying or neutering a cat. They are:

1. Your vet will conduct the appropriate diagnostic tests before surgery to ensure your pet is healthy enough to safely undergo the operation. Spay and neuter procedures are done using general anesthesia and typically take between 20 and 90 minutes to complete, depending on your pet's size and any specific medical considerations.
2. Following anesthesia, the hair on your pet's abdomen will be shaved down and the skin thoroughly disinfected. The organs are then removed, either laparoscopically (with surgical lasers) or with a traditional scalpel, both of which are safe.
3. After the procedure is complete, the vet will use skin glue, sutures (stitches), or surgical staples to close your pet's skin. Staples or stitches will need to be removed by your veterinarian 10 to 14 days after the procedure. 
4. While the actual procedure is relatively quick, you can generally expect your pet to spend a few hours at the hospital, allowing time for check-in, initial physical assessment, the surgery itself, and time for recovery from anesthesia. 

Recovery After Being Spayed or Neutered: How to Help Your Cat Recover

You should notice a significant improvement in your performance within a day or two, with a complete recovery taking about two weeks. Keep your pet calm and do not allow them to jump during this time, as this can cause their incision to reopen. Examine the incision daily for signs of infection, such as swelling, discharge, redness, or a foul odor. If you notice any of the following, please contact your veterinarian.

Should be sure to continuously monitor your cat throughout recovery to ensure that they are not being overly active or showing signs of complications.. If they still seem lethargic or are not eating or drinking after 48 hours, this could indicate infection. Bring them to an emergency veterinarian for care or follow up with your primary vet. 

Benefits of Spayed Female Cats

Controlling the Cat Population

Before she is even six months old, your tiny little kitten may actually be mature enough to have kittens of her own. By spaying your female cat before she reaches this age of maturity, you can help reduce the population of unwanted cats in your neighborhood. 

In addition, female cats can birth as many as four litters a year. When we consider that the average litter can range in size from two kittens (from a young mother) to as many as 10 kittens, that's a staggering number of potentially unwanted cats. 

Keeping Your Pet Healthy

Spaying your kitten before her first heat can help reduce her risk of pyometra (womb infection) and mammary tumors. It's also worth noting that female cats carrying infectious diseases can pass serious conditions on to their kittens, who then spread the disease even further. Pregnancy and the birth process can be dangerous for young cats and costly for their owners.

Preventing Attacks on Wildlife

It is estimated that cats in the United States kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds each year. Keeping the number of homeless cats to a minimum can help save the lives of thousands of birds and other animals.

Deterring Bad Behaviors

Female cats that have not been spayed will go into heat frequently throughout the year, attracting male cats from all over the neighborhood to your home and garden. Unneutered male cats prowling around your property looking for your female can be a problem because they tend to spray, fight, and caterwaul. Spaying your female cat may help keep male cats out of your yard.

Benefits of Neutered Male Cats

Reducing the Risk of Unwanted Kittens

While male cats do not produce kittens, one unneutered male cat in your neighborhood can impregnate many female cats. That is why neutering male cats is just as important as spaying females in terms of population control!

Protecting Your Cat Against Health Concerns

Neutering your male cat may help slow the spread of serious cat diseases such as Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) that are often spread between cats during fights. Neutering can help to reduce cat aggression and may mean fewer injuries from fighting. Neutered males also tend to stay closer to home which helps to reduce their risk of being injured by vehicles. 

Deter Undesirable Behaviors

Unneutered male cats are more likely to spray inside the home than neutered males and can be aggressive towards their owners. Having your male kitten neutered at a young age can help prevent these behaviors from developing. Unneutered male cats frequently roam large areas, looking for unspayed females to mate with. These males will spray to mark their territory and regularly fight with other male cats, which can be aggravating, noisy, and unpleasant.

What happens if I don't get my cat fixed?

When a cat is not fixed, you can expect them to exhibit more territorial behaviors, such as marking their territory with urine and becoming more vocal during mating season. Unfixed cats may also be at a higher risk of getting into fights with other cats over mating rights, leading to injuries and potential infections. Furthermore, female cats that are not fixed may experience multiple heat cycles throughout the year, which can be stressful for both the cat and their owner.

Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.