If you live with a cat and don't intend to breed it, the best course of action is to have it spayed or neutered. You might think there's no risk of unwanted litters since it doesn't go outside. That's a perfectly logical argument, but... what if, through carelessness, it escapes through a window, patio, or poorly closed door? It is always better to prevent y make a responsible decision on time.
Although the cat can be given contraceptive pills sold in veterinary clinics, their prolonged use is contraindicated since they increase the risk of uterine and breast cancer, and pyometra. So I'm going to tell you what are the benefits of sterilizing my catalso resolving frequently asked questions about the appropriate age, post-operative period, possible drawbacks and approximate cost.
What is sterilization and what is castration?
Before we begin, I think it's important to explain what sterilization and castration are, as they are often used interchangeably when they are not exactly the same. Understanding this difference will help you talk to your veterinarian and choose the right procedure. most appropriate procedure for your feline.
- SterilizationSpaying is a surgical procedure that involves tying the fallopian tubes in females and removing the vas deferens from the reproductive organs in males. With this intervention, cats continue to experience heat cycles and maintain their reproductive capacity. intact sexual functionHowever, reproduction is prevented. In some cases, especially in females, this can be done using minimally invasive techniques such as laparoscopy.
- CastrationThe ovaries are removed in females, and the testicles in males. After the procedure, the animals will no longer go into heat or produce the same amounts of sex hormones. This significantly reduces the behaviors related to reproduction, such as marking, fighting, or intense meowing during mating season.
In practice, when speaking in clinics and shelters When people say "sterilize" a cat, they most commonly mean surgical castration (ovariectomy, orchiectomy, or ovariohysterectomy). In all cases, the goal is the same: to avoid unwanted litters and improve quality of life of the animal.
What does the operation involve and at what age is it best to have it done?
The intervention is always performed under general anesthesia and with a prior pre-surgical study to assess the cat's health status (weight, basic tests, age, possible pathologies). duration of the intervention The protocol will depend on the type of surgery and the animal's condition. The veterinarian will ask you to bring your cat in on the day of the operation fasting from food and, for a few hours, from water as well, to reduce risks during anesthesia.
Castration of a male involves the removal of both testicles through a small incision in or near the scrotum. In many cases, internal stitches or minimal sutures are used, and external stitches are not always visible. Recovery is usually very quick. And some males resume almost normal life the next day, although it is advisable to limit their jumping and intense play for a few days.
The castration of a female cat, sometimes called sterilization, involves the removal of both ovaries and, occasionally, the uterus as well (ovariohysterectomy). It is a somewhat more invasive surgery, as it involves accessing the abdominal cavity, so the cat will wear a mask. visible spots in the abdominal area and may need a few more days of medication and rest.
Castration It involves a major surgical operation, although it is considered a routine procedure and the risk of complications is low. When performed in an experienced clinic and following all veterinary instructions, you can usually take your cat home the same day after a successful operation.
You can spay or neuter your cat at any age, although it is most recommended to perform the intervention before reaching sexual maturityMany veterinarians recommend doing it between four and eight months of age, and in animal shelters it is common to early sterilization (From 12 weeks) without adverse developmental effects. Females do not need to have a heat cycle or a litter before being spayed; that belief is a misconception. widespread myth but without a scientific basis.
Main benefits of neutering your cat
Unwanted litters are eliminated and overpopulation is controlled.
Female cats can go into heat several times a year and become pregnant during each of those cycles. After each pregnancy, one to fifteen kittens will be born, which could add up to dozens of kittens throughout a single cat's fertile life. Of those kittens, the vast majority will end up living on the street or by overcrowding already overflowing shelters.
In addition, although there are people who are dedicated to taking care of them, do not expect them to try to solve a problem that we could have eliminated Simply by taking our cat to be spayed or neutered. Spaying or neutering prevents births that can later end in abandonment, abuse, or euthanasia due to a lack of adopters, and it helps to to keep cat colonies under control.
Positive changes in lifestyle and behavior
With sterilization, cats undergo a series of changes that are very positive This benefits both them and their human family. The reduction in sex hormones decreases the urge to escape, the stress associated with being in heat, and many annoying behaviors at home.
Male cat
- Urine marking is reduced inside the house, both in frequency and intensity of the smell.
- It reduces the need to go out on the street in search of females, reducing the risk of fights, being run over and losses.
- Se It reduces the risk of developing infections. of the reproductive tract, testicular and prostate problems.
- They drop significantly fights with other malesThis also reduces injuries, abscesses, and the spread of diseases such as feline immunodeficiency or leukemia.
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- The reduction is very marked. risk of developing breast cancer If sterilization is performed before the first heat cycle, uterine infections such as pyometra are also prevented.
- She becomes calmer in the sense that the insistent meows disappear, the restlessness and anxiety typical of jealousy.
- She won't meow as much at night during her heat cycle because, once she's spayed, it will no longer have reproductive cycles that alter it.
- It reduces the risk of false pregnancies, persistent jealousy, and other hormonal problems that affect your emotional well.
Medium and long-term health benefits
It protects against numerous serious diseases.In females, it reduces uterine infections, ovarian cysts, and uterine and mammary tumors. In males, it prevents testicular tumors, certain prostate conditions, and some hormone-related hernias.
The risk of contracting the virus is also reduced in both sexes. infectious diseases transmission between cats, since by reducing fights and sexual contact, exposure to viruses such as feline leukemia or feline immunodeficiency is reduced.
Post-operative care, diet, and potential problems
A few hours after the surgery, they can return to their homesSince surgery is more invasive for kittens, your veterinarian may recommend that your pet spend a full day under observation.
Try to keep your cat indoors for at least three days after the operation To minimize the risk of infection and so you can monitor the operated area. If you notice any redness, swelling, or abnormal discharge around the wound, whether it's a male or female, it's important to contact your veterinarian immediately.
Generally, Male cats do not require stitches after the operation And although they may be a little drowsy for the first 24 hours, they usually return to their mischief quite quickly. Females may take a little longer to recover, as their surgery is more complicated. The most important thing you can do to help them is to make sure they don't move around too much during the first few days and that Don't make sudden jumps while the incision heals.
In many cats, the use of an Elizabethan collar or a post-surgical bodysuit is recommended to prevent them from licking or biting the stitches. If non-absorbable sutures have been used, it will be necessary to remove the points The veterinarian will prescribe antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and painkillers, as well as follow-up appointments to ensure that everything heals properly.
Nutrition and weight control after sterilization
After surgery, it is also very important to give your cat a highly nutritious dietSince their body requires nutrients to heal properly, once your cat has fully recovered, it's important to consider switching from their growth food, which is usually higher in calories, to a maintenance diet adapted for neutered cats.
After spaying or neutering cats, it's normal to observe certain changes in their metabolism. They often tend to gain weight more easily and their metabolism slows down, which is why it's necessary to carefully manage their diet. A specific diet for neutered cats is usually lower in calories, moderate to high in protein, rich in fiber, and with a adequate control of urinary pH to prevent urinary tract problems.
In addition to the type of food, it is important to monitor the daily amountAvoid excessively high-calorie treats and encourage exercise through games, scratching posts, obstacle courses, or interactive feeders that make the cat move. This reduces the risk of obesity, diabetes, and joint problems.
Rare risks and common myths
Like any surgery, sterilization can have some complications, although these are rare when performed under veterinary supervision. Possible problems include wound infection, swelling, suture dehiscence, or slight bleeding. loss of appetite during the first few days. In some females, if ovarian tissue remains, the so-called ovarian remnant syndrome may appear, in which they again show signs of estrus and require a new veterinary evaluation.
One of the most common myths is that "the cat will become obese and lethargic" after neutering. What actually happens is that some of their sexual activity decreases and their appetite increases, so without adjustments to their diet and exercise, they can indeed become obese and lethargic. gain weightHowever, with good nutrition and environmental stimulation, it will remain a curious, active cat eager to play.
Knowing all these aspects—benefits, precautions, and potential drawbacks—allows for informed decision-making. informed decisionSterilization, performed at the appropriate age and with good follow-up, is one of the most responsible actions you can take to ensure your cat enjoys a healthy life. a longer, safer, and more balanced life by your side.
