There are many myths around feline neutering and spaying, and one of them is that after the intervention the females become much less active and begin to gain weight. But, That's right? And if it is, can it be avoided in any way?
In this special we will know whether or not there are changes in the sterilized cat, and what can we do so that from now on I can lead a quiet life, smoothly.
What is castration? And sterilization?
Before we get into the subject, let's know what neutering and spaying first consists of. In this way, we will be able to understand much better the changes that will occur in our cat.
Castration
Castration is a surgical procedure in which sexual organs are removed, which in the case of females can be only the ovaries (oophorectomy), or also the useful one (ovariohysterectomy). As these organs disappear, hormonal processes disappear and the character of the animal may be altered that, far from harming her, can help her lead a better life.
Sterilization
In this operation sexual organs are left intact, but playback is prevented. In females the fallopian tubes are ligated. They will not be able to have offspring, but they will continue to have zeal.
If, in addition to wanting to avoid unwanted litters, it is intended that the cat lead a somewhat calmer life, it is highly recommended to castrate her. However, if you do not want to harm the sexuality of the animal, then you will opt for sterilization. As you can see, choosing one or the other is a very personal decision, what I would like to tell you is that we don't have to humanize catsI mean: a spayed cat will not miss heat, but will simply continue with her routine as soon as she recovers from the operation.
Changes in behavior
Now, let's know whether or not there are changes in their behavior. If we sterilize our cat, how the hormonal processes will continue will not change anything; Now if we castrate her then yes we will notice a series of changes, especially during the first weeks.
Each cat is a world, unique and unrepeatable, and cannot be generalized. But when you have cared for a cat for many years, and today you continue to share your life with these incredible animals, yes. over time you notice certain changes In his character. The ones I have seen so far are:
- They become more homemade: All the cats that I have always had we have given permission to go outside, and the ones that we have now can also do it. I had my cats castrated when they were six months old (except for Keisha who was very precocious and I took her at 5 months, now 5 years ago). From 2 months to 6 they were tremendous puppies, very, very rambunctious and mischievous. From the age of 6, they began to spend much more time at home.
- They calm down: It is not something that happens suddenly, but little by little you notice that they are calmer, more sedentary. Of course, this change may not last forever and that as soon as you expect it, the kitten inside will come out again.
In addition, by not having the heat you will not have to worry about the desperate night meows calling a cat, because your furry will have no need to attract the attention of anyone, except his human to give him a caress or his favorite food. - They do not get fat: How many times have we heard that a spayed cat tends to get fat? A lot, right? Well, that's half true. In fact, they will only get fat if they are not played with, which will make them spend many hours sleeping, bored. But if you dedicate some time each day to having a good time, it won't even be necessary to give them a light food or a special one for spayed cats, believe me  .
- They live longer: castration prevents several serious diseases, such as breast or ovarian cancer, which can be fatal in up to 90% of cases. An effective way to avoid them (not completely, but drastically decreasing the chances of contracting it) is by operating on them, removing their sexual organs.
How to help my neutered cat?
If it is the first time that we live with a cat and we take her to neuter, it is very normal that we wonder if she will need help for her new life, or if the intervention will harm her in something. Well stop worrying then these animals recover quickly of the operation (normally, after 7 days), and then you just have to continue taking care of them as has been done to date, perhaps giving more importance to the game sessions to avoid gaining extra pounds.
Of course, it is important that let's not give him more than his food, since then yes you would get quite fat, especially if you lead a very sedentary life.
As we have seen, feline spaying or neutering are very different surgical operations. Decide together with your vet which is the best for your friend, and then you just have to continue enjoying their company.
Price of sterilizing cat
Although it is not a very important expense, it is true that it is necessary to make a piggy bank for a few months so that the family economy is not affected. Even so, it will depend above all on the veterinarian and the type of operation, but more or less I can tell you that the cost is the following:
Sterilization:
- Cat: 50-100 euros.
- Cat: 40-70 euros.
Castration:
- Cat: 150-300 euros.
- Cat: 100-200 euros.
Postoperative of a sterilized cat
How to care for our furry friend after surgery? With great care  . We have to leave her in a quiet room, with her bed on the floor so she doesn't have to jump. Likewise, it is highly recommended to put his litter tray close to but as far away as possible from his feeder, since a few hours after waking up he will urinate the anesthesia. An alternative to putting your litter box in the room is to place it on the floor bed protective diapers, which are used to cover the beds where those who cannot move must stay.
It is very necessary that we administer the medications that the veterinarian has given us to prevent our cat from feeling pain or discomfort. What's more, we don't have to leave her alone at any timeWell, you could hurt yourself.
If we have more cats we have to keep them away from the cat. Why? Very simple: the recently operated cat smells of a vet but also of stress. Cats are very guided by smell, so much so that if they perceive a different smell they will see it as an enemy. To avoid this, the cat must be left to recover in a room before reuniting her with the rest of the cats.
Can a cat be spayed without surgery? With pills?
Yeah right. exist birth control pills for cats administered orally. A veterinarian has to prescribe them, who will tell us how many we have to give and on what days, otherwise they will not be as effective as they should be.
There is also contraceptive injections, that the professional puts them. The advantage is that we will not have to remember when to give him the pill as it will not be necessary to give it to him, and that is not to mention that we will not have to not force him to go through a bad time (cats, in general, hate tablets).
But still and everything keep in mind that there may be side effects, like these:
- Increased risk of breast cancer
- Increased risk of uterine cancer
- Increased likelihood of uterine infections
- Diabetes
- Increased appetite
- Loss of hair
- Behavior changes
- Irregular jealousy
For this reason, can never be used as a long-term treatment.