Cat Sterilization and castration of males prolong the life of pets and save them from many problems. After surgery, the animal becomes calmer and more affectionate; it stops marking territories. Sterilization also reduces the risks of tumors and other diseases of the reproductive and genitourinary systems.
When can you sterilize a cat?
Veterinarians consider the optimal age of sterilization of cats to be 6 months. Sexual maturity in cats and cats, as a rule, begins at 7-8 months. In some individuals, this process can begin 1-2 months earlier. The operation should take place before the first signs of sexual maturity appear.
If we are talking about breeding individuals, it is recommended that they be sterilized as soon as the cat stops participating in breeding. The operation in mature cats reduces the risk of cancer and other diseases. Is it possible to sterilize a cat during estrus? During estrus, sterilization is contraindicated. During estrus, the reproductive system organs are filled with blood, which can negatively affect the operation. So you have to wait until then and do the surgery at once. However, one would do well to seek a veterinarian first before knowing the best time to sterilize a cat.
Methods of sterilization of cats
There are different methods through which surgical female sterilization can be undertaken.
- Removal of the ovaries. Suitable for young, nulliparous individuals.
- Removal of the uterus. The ovaries will continue to make hormones. This will prevent pregnancy during mating, but heat and the associated behavior will continue.
- Removal of the uterus and ovaries. Used in adult cats that have given birth.
Laparoscopy has become very popular recently. It allows sterilization through a small incision. Such kind of surgery helps in reduced trauma and more rapid, comfortable rehabilitation.
Castration of cats can be achieved in the following ways:
- Surgical. This method entails surgical intervention, conducted under general anesthesia.
- Chemical. The method is anesthesia-free, without preparation or rehabilitation. However, it has some disadvantages: unreliability, danger of radiation, and a risk of developing tumors and inflammatory processes.
Preparation and implementation of cat sterilization surgery
It is advisable to check your pet for chronic diseases beforehand. Only healthy animals with regular bowel movements and a good appetite are allowed to undergo the operation. Vaccinations should be carried out approximately a month before the operation, and worms should be removed 10 days before. Sometimes, a doctor will order several tests.
Before the surgery, the claws of the cat must be cut down to avoid the injury of the wound after the surgery. A blanket will help to completely prevent damage to the sutures. At least 12 hours before the sterilization operation, the animal must stop feeding. 5 hours before it, water must be removed.
Before surgery, the cat is weighed, anesthetized, and operated on. The operation completely lasts about 5-10 minutes in males and 20 minutes in females. For females, surgery is more complicated compared with males because the procedure is performed intracavitary.
How long does it take for cats to recover from anesthesia after sterilization?
The time it takes for a cat to return to a full life depends on several factors: the drug used, the dose administered, the characteristics of the body, the age of the animal, and the physical condition it is in. Usually, the pet wakes up and tries to walk in the first hours after the procedure, but at least a day passes before full recovery. It cannot be left unattended in this period. Recovery time is around one day for males and two days for females.
Monitor how and how long the cat will recover from anesthesia. If on the 2-3 days after the operation, the pet does not eat and coordination is not restored, you should consult a doctor.
Veterinarian’s Advice on Caring for a Cat After Spaying
- It would be great if it were possible to leave the pet in the clinic for a couple of hours, under the doctor’s supervision. He will know how the animal feels. This is particularly so if the cat owner lives far from the clinic.
- The cat needs to be cared for fully after the sterilization operation. Upon arrival home, it should be laid on the floor, having previously placed a film and something warm under it. After anesthesia, the animal will be cold, so it should be covered.
- After the operation, you need to constantly monitor how the cat feels after anesthesia. During the first 24 hours, its movements will be uncoordinated, and involuntary urination is possible immediately after the operation. The cat may start wandering around the apartment, constantly stumbling and falling. In this case, it should be carefully picked up and placed on the bedding on its right side, so as not to put additional strain on the heart.
- There should be no bright light, noise, or drafts in the room where the animal is after the operation. Remember that the pet feels bad after the anesthesia, so it needs complete rest.
- Since cats can sleep with their eyes open under deep anesthesia, you need to close and open your pet’s eyelids at least twice an hour, thereby moisturizing the mucous membrane.
- If vomiting suddenly starts, turn the animal’s head to the side, otherwise it will choke. Severe and continuous vomiting is a reason to call a doctor immediately.
- After anesthesia, you should not allow your cat to jump on elevated surfaces – a chair, table, sofa, etc. Otherwise, it may get injured.
- 3-4 hours after sterilization, you can give the cat water. It is introduced into the mouth from a syringe without a needle or a pipette very slowly, drop by drop. The animal must be awake, otherwise it may choke.
- 12 hours after the surgery, the cat can be offered food. If the animal refuses, you have to wait and place the food in front of it again after a couple of hours, but no later than 24 hours after the surgery. The food should be easily digestible, preferably in a semi-liquid state. At first, the food should be given in small portions.
Rehabilitation period
The rehabilitation period for females can take up to 15 days, for males – up to 5 days. During these days, it is also important to follow certain rules.
- In the first days of rehabilitation, it is advisable to protect the cat from loud sounds, active games, and stressful situations.
- Often after surgery, especially in the case of sterilization of females, the doctor prescribes various medications. It is necessary to follow the entire course, otherwise there is a high risk of complications. Sometimes special ointments are also prescribed for treating the suture.
- Some animals try to lick or scratch the seam. Therefore, the owner must constantly monitor the pet, not allowing it to do this. For females, a special blanket is used to prevent access to the seam. It should not restrict movement and dangle. It is advisable to choose products made of breathable natural fabric. It is better to buy two blankets so that they can be washed. In case of excessive activity of the cat and increased interest in the blanket, you need to buy a special collar.
- It is recommended to remove the filler from the tray during the first three days, otherwise it may negatively affect the wound. Instead, you can temporarily put torn paper there.
- After anesthesia, the cat may experience constipation for 2-3 days. If the delay in defecation lasts more than 3 days, you should give it a laxative for animals or Vaseline oil. If there is no result, you should consult a doctor.
- In males, the stitches do not need to be removed. In females, they are usually removed after about 1.5 weeks. However, now more and more often in veterinary clinics, cats are given cosmetic stitches that do not require removal.
- Over time, a sterilized animal will begin to gain weight. This calls for proper dietary nutrition and an active lifestyle to avoid the side effects of obesity. In addition, there are special foods specifically prepared for cats that have undergone the sterilization process. Make sure that the menu of animals eating natural food does not include fatty, smoked, salty dishes and food with a high carbohydrate content (pasta, bread). Fish is not desirable for cats, but you can give it occasionally – once a month in boiled form. It is important to remember that such a feeding scheme of natural food is true not only for sterilized animals.
- If the operation was performed when the sexual instinct had developed, some habits may be observed for another 2-3 weeks after sterilization. For example, the animal may continue to mark or meow at night. However, after a month the cat should calm down since all the hormones will have left during this time. If there is no result, you should contact a veterinarian.
The most important rule is that sterilization and castration must be performed in a specialized clinic by a highly qualified doctor! Remember, we are responsible for those we have tamed.
