9 Reasons Why It's Important to Get Your Cat Spayed
We all worry about the health of our pets. Spaying and neutering your cat is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Even for indoor cats that will not mingle with others, this process can enhance their well-being and happiness.
As a cat owner myself, I have personal experience with the heartache of holding a sick pet. Regardless of placement in the list, all of these reasons are vital information to go into the veterinarian or shelter’s office.
Spaying Reduces the Risk of Certain Cancers
An unspayed female cat has a considerably higher chance of developing various cancers and other health problems. The most common disorder for a cat who experiences heat often is that of mammary cancer. Protecting your pet by desexing them can reduce their chances by nearly 50%.
Mammary cancer (breast cancer) is a severe health problem and will most often develop in senior cats. Those who come down with this condition can expect nearly all tumors grown to be malignant.
It is an incredibly painful disease that can cause an excruciating and slow end for your pet’s twilight years. Mammary cancer is not exclusive to older cats, as unspayed youths have a significantly higher chance of developing it.
There are many other potential medical issues that a cat can present during its lifetime. Desexing, along with vaccination, is essential to reducing the number that is affected by crippling debilitation.
Spaying Can Prevent Urinary Tract Infections
Female cats are especially vulnerable to urinary tract infections (UTI) during periods of heat. Ensuring that you spay a kitten before her first heat can significantly reduce the chance of reoccurring conditions. Repeated UTI can lead to disorders within the urinary tract and increase the likelihood of certain cancers.
Cats who endure these infections will often have problems using the litter box, leading to the kitten having a painful experience. If your cat is not spayed and uses the litterbox very often, it can sign an infection. Normal litter box behavior can depend on your cat’s diet, and you should consult a vet for what is regular for your pet.
Spaying is Beneficial to Young Kittens
Having your kitten desexed early in life will benefit them greatly. It may seem cruel, setting a baby to two-month-old to have surgery; however, the sooner is better. It should be noted that spaying and neutering should not take place sooner than eight weeks of age.
- The time within the operation room will be shorter.
- The cost is significantly reduced due to less anesthesia and quicker time.
- Due to most procedures being done at this time, surgeons are more practiced.
- Maladies and cancers have not had a chance to develop yet.
- Your pet recovers faster, as growing animals heal more quickly than adults.
- Your cat’s behavior will not change as radically, as they have not become accustomed to the process of mating or entering heat.
- Prevents early diseases in the ovaries or testes from developing before becoming inoperable.
- Kittens are still learning their personalities, and having it done early can help them grow into adults that are unique characters.
While two months is the earliest that a cat should be spayed, waiting until a kitten is a bit larger does not pose much of an issue. It is recommended to have the procedure done before five months of age and sexual maturity.
Spaying Reduces Dramatic Overpopulation
It may be tempting to allow your cat to have a litter before getting her spayed; however, there is a severe feline overpopulation issue worldwide. While making for loving pets, cats have an enormous impact on the environment as they are generally invasive species to an area.
We, as humans, have brought and bred cats within nearly every nation. This spread makes the issue of population control the responsibility of every cat owner.
Even if your cat is an indoor cat, life can be unexpected, and pets do run away from their homes.
If a tom or female has not been unsexed, they will have a programmed drive to roam, leading to difficulty keeping them inside. Spaying can help ensure that she does not come bearing unexpected kittens when your cat returns, thus increasing the overpopulation problem.
For outdoor cats, this problem is even more widespread. When a feral or even outdoor family pet has children, she will need to feed them. Well known for their hunting ability, a mother will stalk and kill local birds or small animals for her prey.
The hunting of feral cats has led to the extinction and near extinction of many bird species worldwide.
Spaying Can Have Possible Behavioral Improvements
Female cats, when they enter heat, can become quite a nuisance. A frustrated lady will generally be on the prowl for mates, as is her instinct, and will make it known. When your cat is in heat, they will yell and have a temperament that may not reflect their normal behavior.
When spayed, the cat will not go into heat, and if you rent your home, you will be much happier. As when a female cannot locate a partner, they tend to spray urine throughout their territory while searching. This territory is generally your home and will not be within the litter box. To save on smells, cleaning sprays, and security deposits, this can all be easily prevented.
Male cats that have been neutered will often become more relaxed and less territorial. You may see your cat become lethargic, sleeping more and eating less. You can counteract this behavior by providing ample stimulation in the form of cat climbing trees, scratching posts, and plenty of love.
Spaying Cuts Back on the Roaming Instinct
While it is generally not recommended to have outdoor cats, desexing your cat will reduce the area they roam. Cats who are seeking a mate will travel considerable distances in their pursuit. There are several dangers inherent in having a feline with a large territory.
It is dangerous for a cat to explore unfamiliar spaces, as hazards are not immediately apparent. Cars are the largest threats because of their common usage and speed. However, when entering foreign areas, your cat could be threatened by predators larger than themself.
Indoor cats are affected by this behavior as well. They will often take their frustrations out on your furniture or you. Cats who feel the need to mate will feel trapped in their home rather than comfortable and can lead to large messes and considerable damage.
Spaying Has a Low Impact Response
Right after having their procedure, your cat may show some signs and behaviors you are not used to. This is normal, and most will fade as the cat recovers. It is important to remember that while this procedure is standard, it can still be traumatic for our little friends.
Common Behaviors:
- Sleepiness and lethargy, they will want to rest and should be allowed to.
- Walking slowly and with difficulty. Your cat may walk sideways or with a slight bend in the back.
- Lack of Jumping. Jumping should be discouraged and is difficult for a healing kitty.
- Loss of appetite. Despite not wanting to eat, a cat should still be offered fresh food.
- Unfriendly attitude. Your cat may be grumpy, and it will pass.
- Crying and meowing. If the procedure was complicated or the healing is uncomfortable, your cat will most likely let you know.
- A constant need for attention. Just like any human that goes through a rough time, they may want a bit more attention.
- Difficulty using litter ( Particularly if they are on medications). You may find that your cat has loose and uncomfortable stools. These are normal and are not a concern unless they contain blood or continue beyond the recovery process.
Spaying Has Cost-Saving Benefits
Paying for the surgery of spaying a cat can be a daunting hurdle for some owners. While it is not expensive, the process and upfront fees can be too much for many. It is essential to keep in mind that desexing your can reduce healthcare costs down the line.
The number of potential health drawbacks of having a cat that has not undergone surgery can quickly outweigh the benefits. These disorders can significantly outweigh the relatively low cost of desexing. Additionally, there is the possibility of having to manage and house a litter of kittens.
Many options offer low-cost procedures that have been subsidized by local governments. One example is the agreement of some clinics within Queensland with the state to provide vouchers on surgeries.
These subsidized and sometimes free methods have opened up the option to spay and neuter to nearly everyone.
Spaying is Required for Access to Cat Boarding
Some catteries and boarding houses require pets to be desexed. This is because those that offer open play areas have cats that intermingle. This requirement is not essential for locations that have separated cat boarding.
Despite not being required, it is heavily advised to have your pet spayed before committing to a boarding house.
The unlikely, yet still possible, nature that your cat may want to escape the facility and begin roaming the area. This can be dangerous as they will be in a foreign location without a home reference.
The attitude of a cat can also affect their access to a cattery. If a pet has an ill temperament and a destructive personality, you may find your cat will not be invited for a return visit. Additional cleaning fees can be tacked on your bill, so having a healthy and well-behaved cat can be beneficial.
Cat Spaying Myths
There are plenty of reasons why you should spay your cat. But there are also some common misconceptions that prevent cat owners from spaying. Let’s debunk a few of those myths right here.
Spaying Causes Weight Gain in Cats
There is a common misconception that animals who undergo surgery will become overweight. This is generally untrue and does not merit being considered an actual drawback. Your cat’s lethargy and laziness from surgery are temporary and should fade as the healing process completes.
Ensuring that your cat has plenty of exercise and is eating a healthy diet is essential to them, maintaining a healthy weight. This can be accomplished by purchasing foods with real meat.
Since cats are naturally carnivores giving them food that is high in grains or artificial ingredients can harm their long-term health.
Recovery Time is Long After Surgery
After undergoing surgery, your cat will most likely need anywhere from 10-14 days before their body has healed enough to resume normal activities. It can be a rough two weeks for both pet and parent as both go through the process together.
It is essential during this time to allow your cat to heal, and you can do so by providing a comfortable and warm place for them to rest.
Showering your cat with love is essential to keep them happy and to help with the process. Making sure you are treating your cat the way you would a family member after having major surgery.
Usually, a veterinarian will issue a surgery collar, the cone we are all familiar with, and it is imperative to ensure your pet wears it.
Animals allowed to try and clean the surgical area can develop infections and slow down the healing process. Speaking with your veterinarian and following recovery instructions can lead to a quick and relatively painless healing time.
Things to Remember During Recovery
There are a few key important factors to keep in mind while your pet is recovering from surgery. Making sure to follow these guidelines can help with a swift healing process.
- Ensure they have a quiet place, often dark and warm, with something comfortable to lay on.
- Guarantee, your cat has access to ample amounts of water and is still fed on the same schedule.
- Keep other pets away from them. Many will seek to care for the healing wound, which can lead to infection.
- Wear the cone.
- Check on the surgical scar twice a day to ensure it is healing correctly. Look for signs of inflammation/swelling, discoloration, or discharge from infection.
- If your pet is on medication, ensure they continue to take it regularly. These can be pain killers for cats with complex operations.
- Do not allow them to engage in any very strenuous activity. They mustn’t jump or run around during healing as it can tear the stitches.
- They shouldn’t have a bath until healed. You should bathe your cat before the surgery so they are clean for the entire recovery process.
Cats Can be Un-Spayed
It is a permanent procedure that, while having several benefits, does have lasting effects. You cannot reverse this surgery. When you desex a pet, it cannot become pregnant or cause pregnancies.
Only Kittens Can Be Spayed
There is no limit to the age of a cat who receives this procedure. It is generally recommended that a cat should be spayed as a kitten. The older a cat gets, the riskier the operation; however, the benefits often outweigh these risks.
You Can Spay Your Cat Right After She Has Kittens
A cat that recently gave birth should wait at least two weeks to be spayed. The kittens will need the mother’s milk, and it should be dried up with them weaned before considering surgery.
Drawbacks of Spaying and Neutering
Despite all of the glowing benefits desexing your pet has, there are some risks and potential drawbacks. These detriments are considered to be worth the low level of risk and change. Most of these issues increase in likelihood the older or more unhealthy a cat is.
- A pet may become disinterested in some things that it found stimulating before.
- Your pet has been physically changed, and a part has been removed.
- Spaying and neutering mean a pet will be sterilized and unable to have children.
- The surgical site can become infected. This is often caused by an owner neglecting to follow recovery steps.
- Having a pet go through surgery is scary. No one wants to see a beloved pet go under the knife. You have to weigh the benefits with the risks and choose which is better for your cat’s health and well-being.
Do Cats Change After Being Spayed?
In the short term, a cat’s attitude will change; however, she will quickly return to her personality once healed. The demeanor of older cats going through this process can vary. Due to the hormones and habits developed as a cat becomes an adult, desexing can be traumatic.
Spaying a senior cat can still have numerous benefits for the cat’s health, with behavior changes being mostly mild if existing at all. The decision to desex an older cat comes with some dangers and should be considered with a veterinary professional.
Do Spayed Cats Live Longer?
Cats that have been desexed tend to live longer and more full lives. Fixing your pet can lead to them living 5-10 years longer. Due to the removal of certain diseases by spaying, the chances of debilitating problems are significantly reduced.
