Spaying cats is a procedure that has marked a before and after in the care of our pets, improving their quality of life and avoiding problems of feline overpopulation. Thanks to this surgery, cats stop experiencing heat, which allows them to lead a calmer life focused on their family environment. For owners, it is also an advantage, since it avoids the worry of unwanted litters, which, unfortunately, often have difficulty finding a suitable home.
However, when we adopt a new cat, an important doubt arises: How to know if a cat has been sterilized? This article offers you a complete and detailed guide to identify whether a cat, male or female, has undergone this procedure.
How to identify if a male cat has been neutered?
To know if a male cat is neutered, physical signs and certain changes in his behavior can be considered. Below we detail the most relevant aspects:
- Examination of the testicles: Place your cat in a comfortable position, wearing latex gloves to avoid discomfort. Examine the genital area. If the cat is spayed, you will only notice an empty sac, as the testicles have been removed. Otherwise, you will be able to feel a small lump inside.
- Distance between anus and penis: In a neutered adult cat, this distance is usually shorter, around 2,5 cm. In young cats, it can be approximately 1,3 cm.
- Mark on the ear: In many population control programs, veterinarians make a small cut at the tip of an ear as a sign that the cat has been spayed. This cut is painless and is done while the cat is still under anesthesia.
How to know if a cat has been spayed?
Female cats show some physical signs after being spayed. Pay close attention to their abdomen and other key areas:
- Scar on the abdomen: Spayed cats often have a scar on the lower abdomen, which is a thin, straight line. If the operation was recent, you may also notice a shaved area.
- Tattoo brands: Some veterinarians place a small tattoo on the abdomen to indicate that the cat has been spayed.
- Cut on the ear: As in males, this is a visual indicator used primarily in stray cats participating in population control programs.
Behavioral changes that may indicate sterilization
In addition to physical signs, a cat's behavior can offer key clues about his or her condition:
- Reduction of territorial needs: Spayed cats tend to urinate less to mark territory and show less aggressiveness towards other cats.
- Less restlessness during heat: A spayed cat does not go into heat, so she will not exhibit behaviors such as intense meowing or escape attempts.
- Greater peace of mind: After sterilization, both males and females tend to be more sedentary and enjoy more time at home.
Importance of visiting the vet
If, despite the signs mentioned above, you still have doubts about whether your cat has been sterilized, it is best to go to the vet. A professional will be able to perform a complete physical examination and even use techniques such as ultrasound to confirm the animal's condition. In some cases, scars may not be visible due to the time elapsed since the operation or if a laparoscopic technique was used.
Your vet can also check for hormone-related behavior, such as marking or signs of heat, and advise you on specific care if you discover your cat has not been spayed.
Benefits of spaying your cat
Spaying and neutering not only benefits your cat, but also the community and the relationship you share with your pet:
- Population control: Preventing unwanted litters helps reduce the number of stray or abandoned cats.
- Health improvement: This procedure reduces the risk of diseases such as uterine infections, breast cancer in females and testicular tumors in males.
- Calmer behavior: Spayed cats are usually more docile and less likely to escape or fight with other animals.
- Longer life expectancy: By eliminating certain health risks, sterilized cats tend to live longer and with a better quality of life.
Welcoming a sterilized cat into your home is an opportunity to offer him a full and happy life. Not only will you be improving his physical and emotional well-being, but you will also be part of a collective effort to care for and protect these wonderful animals.