Spaying A Cat : Proper age to spay a cat or dog?

Proper age to spay a cat or dog?

Do you need to spay my cat or dog?

There are health benefits, to spaying your cat or dog it will ensure that he or she will not be able to contribute to the dog and cat overpopulation problem we are currently facing. Even if your cat lives indoors it still has a chance of escaping and producing unwanted kittens.

Are there behavioral problems with cats that are not spayed?

All cats can spray urine to mark their territory, and males who have not been spayed will most often engage in this behavior.  Intact male and female cats often try to escape so they can roam around outside. The female cats yowl when they are in estrus (heat) to attract male cats.

When is the safest time to spay or neuter a cat?

The safest time to spay or neuter your feline is when it is an eight week old kitten.  It is advisable that you schedule surgery before your cat reaches six months of age. You can have your female cat spayed while she’s in heat, but this is not recommended because it can increase the amount of blood loss.

Will he or she act differently?

Sterilization may give you a calmer feline.  Many people think once a cat has been neutered it will become lazy and overweight. When in reality fixed males require fewer calories to maintain their body weight. Feel free to speak with your veterinarian about what to expect once your cat or dog has been spayed.  

What do I do to prepare my pet for surgery?

Any questions you have about spaying or neutering your cat or dog your veterinarian can answer any pre-surgical or after surgery questions you may have. One of the main pre-surgery rules to follow will of course be: do not feed your cat or dog anything after midnight the night before surgery. However, a kitten needs adequate nutrition, your veterinarian will advise you what food and liquids should be withheld.

What is the recovery process like for a spayed cat or dog?

Your cat or dog will probably experience some discomfort after the surgery, but he shouldn’t be in pain. Depending on the type of the procedure preformed, they probably will prescribe medication to control the pain.  

Make sure your cat or dog has a quiet place to recover indoors and away from other animals

Try to keep your cat or dog from running or jumping for the first few days following surgery.

Do not let your cat or dog lick their incision site, because this may cause an infection. Ask your veterinarian about treats or the Elizabethan collar.

Use shredded paper instead of cat litter, because the dust from the litter can cause an infection.

Do not bath your cat or dog for at least ten days after surgery.

Keep a close eye on the incision site to confirm it is healing correctly.

Warning:  Should the incision open, look red or swollen, there’s discharge, diarrhea, your cat or dog is lethargic, vomiting, or has no appetite contact your veterinarian immediately.