Cat Neutering and Spaying
One of the most important reasons for spaying or neutering your dog is that it reduces certain health risks, such as pyometra and mammary cancer in females and prostate cancer in males. Also, spayed female cats are more relaxed, playful and affectionate, while neutered males are calmer and less likely to ‘spray’ or urine-mark their territory, wander away from their home or fight. Plus, sterilization has health benefits – it minimizes the risk of breast cancer in females.
What is spaying or neutering?
Spaying and neutering refers to the surgical removal of the reproductive organs. In males, this would include the removal of the testicles, and in females, it involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries.
When should I neuter/spay my cat?
Around the 5-6 months of age your kitten will begin to enter the puberty stage, some would say this is similar to a teenager going through puberty. This is around the time when their body starts to change, females wi ll “go into heat”, and male cats will start spraying or marking territory. During this time, your cat will experience both physical and physiological changes – the more aware you are of these changes, the easier it will be for you to help him or her through this stage. It is important to keep in mind that each pet is different and speak to your veterinarian about when is the right time for your pet to have their surgery.
What is the procedure to spay/neuter a cat?
At PetWorks Veterinary Hospital, we understand that this is a big day for our pet parents who are often feeling anxious about leaving their pet. We pride ourselves on ensuring your pets surgical experience is a positive one. Patients receiving general anesthetics are assigned a nurse who is with the patient at all times during to procedure before anesthesia each pet receives a pre-surgical examination and an IV catheter is placed to allow for IV fluids during surgery to maintain good hydration and blood pressure. Pre-surgical blood work is required for all pets over the age of one as it ensures that your pet’s organs are working effectively to process the anesthesia. We measure blood oxygen levels, respiratory and heart rates, blood pressure, a level of anesthesia, EKG and other things. All in the interest of patient safety and early detection of potential problems. Also, we have decided as a team that our hospital will be a pain-free zone for our patients. Our registered veterinary technicians are trained to assess patients for pain and discomfort in a consistent manner, and we pride ourselves in pain management for our patients.