Spaying and neutering do more than just prevent unwanted litters, it can also protect your furry friend's health. Today, our Oceanside vets talk about when you should bring your kitten in to be fixed and what the additional benefits are of spay and neuter surgery.
Pet Spay & Neuter Surgery
When we talk about having your cat "fixed," we're referring to having your pet spayed or neutered. Male pets are sterilized by removing their testes, whereas female pets are sterilized by removing their reproductive organs.
When should you spay or neuter your kitten?
There are many different opinions about when you should have your kitty spayed or neutered. Early or pediatric spay/neuter is generally done at approximately six to eight weeks of age, whereas standard spay and neuter procedures are most often conducted at about five to six months of age. Although, these procedures can be performed at any time during your cat's life as long as they are healthy. Therefore, it is never too late to have your cat spayed or neutered, even healthy cats in their teens can safely have this procedure done.
When can kittens begin to reproduce?
Kittens can begin reproducing as young as 4 to 6 months of age, you may want to have your kitty 'fixed' before puberty or their first heat cycle to avoid accidental pregnancy or certain health conditions.
It's always best to talk to your veterinarian so they can inform you when the best time is to have your kitten spayed/ neutered.
The Benefits of Getting Your Female Cat Spayed
It's estimated that in as little as seven years, one female cat and her offspring can produce approximately 420,000 kittens. Having your female cat fixed can make a big contribution to lowering the number of unwanted kittens living in your community.
Aside from preventing unwanted kittens, having your female cat spayed has several health benefits. For example, if your cat is spayed before her first heat cycle, she is less likely to develop malignant mammary tumors later in life.
Spaying can also help keep your cat from developing an infection of the uterus and developing cancers of the reproductive organs.
Spaying might also help eliminate several unwanted female cat behaviors such as heat-induced howling, increased and overly intense affection, intense rubbing on objects, marking territory with urine, and the desire to wander.
The Benefits of Having Your Male Cat Neutered
Some health benefits of having your male cat neutered include a reduced risk of your cat developing prostate or testicular cancer.
Male cats that are neutered often show less inclination to fight with other male cats, helping to reduce the risk of serious injuries caused by fighting.
Neutering your male cat may also reduce his desire to roam in search of females. Less desire to roam contributes to a lower risk of injury from traffic accidents as they travel long distances.
Having your male cat fixed may also help to prevent him from spraying around your home and property to mark his territory, and will prevent your cat from fathering countless kittens.
Are there risks involved in neutering or spaying my kitten?
Spaying and neutering are common surgical procedures, but they still need to be performed by a qualified and experienced veterinarian, as some degree of risk is involved with any veterinary surgery requiring general anesthesia.
Some orthopedic conditions and diseases such as prostatic cancer are slightly more common in kittens who have been spayed or neutered.
However, the advantages of spaying or neutering a kitten will outweigh the disadvantages in most cases.
What should I expect while my kitten recovers from spay or neuter surgery?
Your vet can recommend pain management techniques and prescribe pain medication in case it’s required. Though your kitten may be recovering well and feeling playful, do not let him or her run around before they are healed.
You can help ensure your kitten has a comfortable, safe recovery from a spaying or neutering procedure by taking some of these precautions:
- Check your kitten's incision daily to ensure it’s healing correctly. If you notice swelling, discharge, redness, or a foul odor, contact your vet immediately as this could be a sign of infection.
- Contact your vet if your kitten seems lethargic, or uncomfortable, has a reduced or non-existent appetite, has diarrhea, or is vomiting.
- Have your kitten wear a cone (commonly known as a “cone of shame”) or another accessory that will help prevent them from licking their incision site, which could lead to infection. Your vet can recommend the appropriate cone for your kitten.
- Refrain from bathing your kitten for at least 10 days following surgery.
- For up to two weeks after surgery (or as long as your vet advises), prevent your kitten from running around or jumping.
- Keep your kitten inside, away from other animals as they recover
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.
