All About Cat Spaying and Neutering with Country Hills Pet Hospital
What is the difference between a cat spay and a neuter?
Spaying is the term used for a female cat, and neutering is the term used for a male cat.
At what age should I have my cat spayed or neutered?
We tend to do spays and neuters after 3 lb, which is usually 4 to 5 months of age.
What are the benefits of spaying and neutering my cat?
By spaying or neutering your cat, you can decrease the risk of certain types of cancer, including mammary and testicular cancers. Also, preventing unwanted pregnancies and reducing roaming and marking behaviors in male cats.
Are there any risks associated with spaying or neutering my cat?
Anesthesia does come with risks, but we do our best to mitigate those risks by running presurgical blood work and observing your pet to ensure they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia.
What is a typical recovery time after a spay or neuter for my cat?
We're looking at 10 to 14 days of restricted activity to ensure they don't tear any stitches, and using a cone or some lick deterrent to keep them from bothering their incision.
How should I prepare my cat for surgery?
You're preparing your home to ensure they have a safe and comfortable place to recover without a lot of high furniture that they could be jumping on and off, which could damage their incision.
Can my cat eat or drink before surgery?
They can drink water up until the time of drop-off for surgery. We recommend withholding food for about 12 hours prior to any anesthesia to decrease the risk of nausea and vomiting.
How do I care for my cat's surgical site after surgery?
Check the incision several times per day to ensure it doesn't look red, swollen, or have any discharge. If there are any problems with the incision, please call us so we can take a look at it.
Can spaying or neutering affect my cat's behavior or personality?
It can, in some respects. We're decreasing the risk of unwanted behaviors such as roaming and marking. Some cats become more lovable after the procedure because their hormones are no longer out of control.
How does spaying or neutering impact my cat's weight?
Their metabolism does change slightly after spaying or neutering. You may need to transition them to an adult diet or cut back on the amount of food you're feeding per day, ensuring they maintain a good body condition.
If you have questions, we would love to answer them for you. Please give us a call at the office at (920) 477-3003, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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