A female cat’s uterus and ovaries are surgically removed during an ovariohysterectomy, sometimes known as a “spay” Young female cats that haven’t been spayed will go into heat, and their chances of getting pregnant rise significantly if they’re around intact (unneutered) males. As early as four months old, a girl can begin bearing children. Each cat is affected differently.
Although a cat should normally be spayed at about six months of age, recent study suggests that doing so earlier may offer advantages. The benefits of spaying will now be discussed, as well as whether it should be done early or late in a cat’s life, the process itself, what to expect afterward, and any concerns owners may have.
Which Benefits Exist?
Spaying is essential for a female cat’s overall health and for cat ownership. Contrary to its risks, spaying provides numerous benefits. Advantages include the reduction of unwanted kittens, the avoidance of loud and occasionally unpleasant heat cycles, the prevention of breast cancer (when spayed early), and possibly even the prevention of urine marking in the home.
The Spay Approach
Although spaying is considered to be a dangerous surgical procedure, it is one of the most common procedures. Prior to spaying, your veterinarian will perform a head-to-paw check and may suggest bloodwork to ensure the health of all vital organs. The procedure for doing spays is general anesthesia. Sedatives and painkillers will be given if the cat is healthy. After feeling tired, an injection will be given to encourage longer, deeper slumber. Throughout this time, she won’t be aware of what is occurring or feel any pain. The next step is to intubate your cat, which entails placing a tube in her trachea and attaching it to a breathing aid. Some vets may also place a catheter in a vein to administer fluids.
Then, a gadget that monitors your cat’s temperature, respiration rate, blood oxygen levels, and heart rate will be linked to her. She will be placed on a warming pad to preserve her body temperature while the surgical site is cleaned and groomed. An inccan beion forms directly below where a human’s belly button would be. The incision extended down the abdomen and varied in length based on a number of variables. The uterus and ovaries are cut out, and the cervix is tied off. The uterus and ovaries are often removed, although some veterinarians may decide to leave the uterus in place. The heat cycles, potential breast tumor development, and behavioral disorders are ultimately controlled by the ovaries.
Once the veterinarian is certain there is no bleeding, the wound will be patched. The top layer of skin and pores are then sealed using skin sutures, skin staples, or skin glue after stitches are placed beneath the skin. Once the treatment is finished, your cat’s breathing tube will likely be removed. The veterinary personnel will keep a close eye on her till she is sent home. If your cat has sutures or staples after the treatment, you would go back to have them taken out within ten to fourteen days.
What to anticipate after a spay
Some vets choose to keep a newly spayed cat overnight in order to restrict its movement. If the spay is performed in the morning, the cat can be ready to go home that same day. In either case, the first night may find your cat drowsy and disinterested in eating. This is a common answer. They should exercise greater caution the following day. Their appetite should also return to normal in a day or two.
Since some cats experience some ache in the initial days following treatment, painkillers are frequently sent home with the kitties. The incision site usually leaks fluid, which owners frequently notice. It is vital to have your veterinarian assess the problem as soon as this is observed. Some cats might require further care, including antibiotics. An Elizabethan collar may be given to them to wear at home to stop them from licking the incision site, which can cause discomfort, infection, and occasionally an opening.
After the surgery, the owner is concerned
Is My Cat Going to Gain Weight?
Naturally, estrogens make you feel less hungry. After a cat has been spayed and estrogens have been removed, appetite may increase. Additionally, it is known that spaying slows a cat’s metabolism. Your veterinarian can help if a change in diet and level of exercise is necessary.
Does a neutered cat still experience periods of heat?
Without ovaries, a cat cannot enter the heat cycle. However, ovarian tissue does occasionally enter the ovarian ligament. Unfortunately, this is invisible to the unaided eye. Ovarian tissue may be left behind as a result, which could make a cat act hot. The veterinarian must determine whether an ovarian remnant will be present even though the cat cannot become pregnant because the uterus has been removed in order to prevent other issues. The diagnosis can be made through blood tests, and to remove the remaining ovarian tissue, exploratory surgery will likely be needed.
RELATED: Can My Spayed Cat Still Be in Heat?
If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your family pet, know the pet’s health history, and may make the best recommendations for your pet.
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