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The idea of lots of tiny kittens taking over your home is adorable, but in reality, very few people are ready for the responsibility. This is why neutering your cat is so important. Not only are there proven health benefits, but it will also help to keep your cat safe and mean you as an owner have less to worry about, including surprise litters!
The Benefits of Neutering
Neutering is an operation usually performed early on in a cat’s life which leaves your cat ‘sterile’ and no longer able to reproduce. Spaying or neutering is usually recommended by vets very early on and can be done from around 4 months old. Here are some of the benefits of the process:
Prevents diseases
Specifically for females, spaying hugely reduces the risk of cervical cancer and eliminates the possibility of ovarian cancer. It also reduces the risk of diseases that can be spread through mating or fighting like FIV as their hormonal urge to reproduce or fight over territory is significantly reduced.
Reduces roaming
Males cats are renowned for roaming far and wide, neutering gives them a little less push to go so far but won’t eliminate the behaviour completely. Female cats don’t tend to go so far, but if they are in heat they will try to escape and find a mate based on instinct and may end up further than they’ve ever been. Although we love our little adventurers, reducing how far they roam will keep them safer and more content with their home comforts.
Cleaner home
A big one for the cat humans, cats in season and intact males will tend to spray and mark their territory. This can create a pretty pungent smell around your home and relentless cleaning to keep the smells at bay. Neutering will reduce the urge to mark their territory and keep everything cleaner.
What happens when my cat is neutered?
For most kittens, this will be their first and hopefully only operation in life, and although the procedure is routine and performed every day by vets this can still be scary for you and your floof
Your cat will be placed under general anaesthetic, so they won’t feel or be aware of the operation underway. For males, the procedure is pretty swift, with a small incision made to remove the testicles. For females it is a little more intense, requiring a larger incision to remove the ovaries and/or uterus. As it’s a larger op for the ladies, they will usually be kept at the vet’s overnight for observation just to be certain everything has gone smoothly.
As an owner, rest assured your cat is in good hands and prepare to shower your pal with love and affection on their return home – usually complete with cone. The comical cones are there for good reason though and stop your fuzzy one scratching or licking at their wound so it can heal. It’s likely your little one will be feeling pretty sorry for themselves, so make them up a super comfy spot to recover and give them plenty of fuss for being so brave.
If you want any more advice on neutering, it’s best to speak to your vet directly for all the scientific specifics!
