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Spay or Neuter Your Cat
By Karen Sueda, DVM
Spaying or neutering is one of the greatest gifts you can
provide your pet and your family. These routine medical
procedures not only help control pet overpopulation, but
they may also prevent medical and behavioral problems
from developing, allowing your cat to lead a longer,
healthier and happier life.
What is spaying? What is neutering?
Spaying is the surgical removal of a female cat’s ovaries
and uterus, while neutering is the removal of a male
cat’s testicles. While both operations are conducted
routinely with few complications, only licensed veterinarians are allowed to perform
them. Prior to surgery, your veterinarian may carry out a complete physical examination
of your cat or draw a sample of his blood for analysis. To minimize pain and discomfort,
both spaying and neutering are conducted while your cat is under general anesthesia.
Following surgery, your veterinarian will instruct you on how to care for your cat while he
is recovering. Most cats are back to normal within a few days. The surgery site usually
heals within two weeks and any skin stitches are removed at a follow-up appointment
with your vet.
Why should I spay or neuter my cat?
Spaying or neutering your cat prevents unwanted births and reduces the infl uence of sex
hormones on your pet’s behavior. Millions of unwanted animals end up in shelters or on
the streets each year. Only a lucky few are adopted; the rest are either euthanized or die
from trauma, exposure, starvation or disease. By spaying or neutering your cat, you do
your part to prevent this tragedy.
Behavior problems can also be prevented or minimized by spaying or neutering your cat.
Sexual behavior in both male and female cats is reduced following surgery. In most male
cats, regardless of their age when neutered, neutering reduces roaming, urine spraying,
and fi ghts with neighborhood cats. The plaintive howling of female cats in heat is
eliminated. Overall, cats who are sexu