Neutering Your Cat

Neutering your cat, not only prevents reproduction but also prevents the female cat from coming on to heat, or calling. This is called spaying in the female cat. The operation in the male cat is called castration, and reduces the cats tendency to spray and the odour of the urine is reduced.

The operation will change the behaviour associated with sexual desire, establishing and marking territory. The result is that a neutered cat is normally more stable and affectionate, and bonds more easily with the family. Recent research has shown that this operation can be carried out earlier than was previously thought with no ill effects. Some rescue organizations will now desex kittens before they are rehomed at 8-12 weeks old. Most vets however, prefer to do the operation on cats at 4 - 6 months. No food or water can be taken 12 hours before the operation as it is done under general anaesthetic. The operation cannot be reversed in either sex.

The castration operation involves the removal of the cat's testes. Tiny incisions are made and usually no stitches are required. The cat normally recovers in 24 hours. Both kittens and cats can be castrated. If you want to give a stray cat a home castration will ensure that he will settle in quickly and be less territorial. This also means that the cat is less likely to pick up infections and be involved in road accidents.

Female cats do not miss motherhood, and gain security, as then no longer roam when they are on heat, and are no longer targeted by unneutered males. Spaying or neutering a female cat is more complicated than that of a male cat. The cat's ovaries and womb are removed to prevent her coming in to heat. The cat should not be on heat at the time of the operation. A small area of the fur is shaved on the abdomen and an incision made, which has to be stitched afterwards. The spayed female cat will recover quickly but will appreciate care, warmth and light meals for about a week until the stitches are removed.

Often your cat will be very disorientated after the operation, and may show signs of distress when you get it home. The best thing to do, is give your cat and prescribed painkillers, and then put it somewhere warm and quite to sleep, as it will still be drowsy. Your cat will come and find you when it is feeling better.