Are you considering getting your cat neutered, also known as castration? Desexing comes with many benefits such as keeping the feline population under control and promoting better health for your pet. In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to understand about desexing a cat – from the basics of the procedure to taking care of your furry mate afterwards.

Key Insights:

desexing, or castration, is the surgical removal of a cat’s testicles, making them incapable of reproduction. Besides curtailing the breeding ability, desexing bestows a multitude of other advantages.

The ideal time to neuter a cat is approximately 6 months old, though some circumstances might necessitate early desexing.

By opting for desexing, you’re ensuring your feline’s holistic wellness, contributing positively to a healthy cat population.

Understanding Cat Desexing

The surgical procedure of cat desexing involves the removal of testes from a male cat, thereby rendering them sterile. This is a common practice around the globe and is also referred to as orchiectomy or orchidectomy.

As pet parents, we often grapple with the decision of desexing, questioning if it’s the right choice for our feline companions. But it’s important to know that the procedure is broadly endorsed and frequently conducted across many countries.

The Ideal Time to Neuter a Cat

The usual advice is to neuter your cat when they are around 6 months old. However, in some cases like shelters and rescue organisations, kittens as young as 8 weeks old might be neutered.

It’s noteworthy that allowing cats to mature with their sex hormones until they are 6 months old could improve their orthopaedic development. So, delaying the desexing process till this age is typically preferred.

In scenarios where a male cat is living with an intact female, such as a littermate, early desexing might be more fitting. Desexing can be done at any age as long as the cat is in good health. However, desexing later in life might make certain behaviours, such as spraying, more entrenched.

Should there be any confusion regarding the right time or risks involved, our team of veterinarians at WonderVet are available for assistance. They can provide the necessary guidance and help you decide what’s best for your cat.

Indications That Your Cat Might Need to be Neutered

Keep an eye out for the following signs to determine if your cat needs desexing:

• Territory Marking: Unneutered males are known to spray urine as a means of marking their territory.
• Roaming Tendencies: Intact males may try to escape and roam due to the instinct to find a mate.
• Aggression: Unneutered males can exhibit heightened aggression, especially towards other males.
• Excessive Vocalisation: Unspayed females in heat may become excessively vocal to attract mates.
• Escape Attempts: Unspayed females may try to escape outside when in heat.
• If your feline exhibits any of these symptoms, a consultation with your vet to discuss the best timing for desexing could be helpful. desexing not only prevents unwanted behaviours but also promotes your cat’s overall health.

The Desexing Process and Recovery

Understanding what happens during the desexing procedure and the subsequent recovery period is crucial if you’re contemplating getting your cat neutered.

The Desexing Procedure

• Pre-surgery Assessment: Your cat undergoes a detailed examination to ensure they’re healthy enough for the surgery. Blood tests might be carried out to uncover any underlying health conditions.
• Anaesthesia Administration: Once your cat is deemed healthy, anaesthesia is administered to make sure the cat is pain-free and unconscious throughout the surgery. The anaesthesia dosage is carefully decided based on the cat’s age, health, and other factors. The vet will closely monitor the cat’s vital signs during the procedure.
• Surgical Preparation: The surgery site, typically the scrotum, is meticulously cleaned and sterilised to lower the risk of infection. The fur around the area might be trimmed to maintain cleanliness.
• Incision and Testicle Removal: A small incision is made in the scrotum to remove the testicles. Each testicle is isolated, and the corresponding blood vessels, spermatic cord, and other structures are carefully severed. Bleeding is effectively controlled throughout the process.
• Closure: After removing the testicles, the incision is closed with sutures or surgical glue. External stitches are usually not needed, and the incision is generally small.
  
  

Post-Desexing Recovery

• Post-surgery Care: Your cat is monitored closely as it recovers from the anaesthesia. It is kept in a warm and quiet recovery area. Pain relievers and antibiotics may be administered to manage pain and prevent infection. The cat’s behaviour, appetite, and incision site are observed during recovery.
• Discharge and Home Care Instructions: Once your cat has recovered adequately, it can be taken home from the vet clinic. You’ll receive detailed instructions on aftercare – including how to look after the incision site, signs of complications to watch out for, and when to schedule a follow-up visit.

Advantages of Desexing Your Cat

Desexing your cat brings multiple benefits:

• Behavioural Advantages: Neutered cats are generally calmer, less aggressive and have reduced tendencies to roam. They are also less likely to spray urine, keeping your home cleaner.
• Population Control: By preventing reproduction, desexing helps manage the overpopulation of cats. It reduces the number of unwanted litter and stray cats.
• Health Benefits: Neutered cats are less likely to get into fights, reducing the risk of bite wounds and subsequent infections. They are also less likely to contract diseases like FIV, have reduced chances of encountering accidents due to roaming, and have a lower risk of certain cancers.
• By desexing your cat, you’re contributing to their overall happiness and health, leading to a better quality of life.

In Conclusion

Desexing your cat is a responsible decision that can greatly improve their life. It helps manage the cat population, enhances their behaviour, and bolsters their health.

When you’re ready to schedule a mobile cat desexing appointment, WonderVet is at your service. Our team of experienced veterinarians offer convenient, compassionate mobile vet services, including cat desexing. Step up to responsible pet ownership by booking an appointment with WonderVet today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is desexing a cat painful?

Every surgical procedure brings a level of discomfort. But rest assured, our veterinarians are skilled in offering high-quality, multi-modal pain relief before, during, and after surgery, ensuring your cat is as comfortable as possible.

How much does it cost to neuter a cat?

The cost of desexing a cat varies between locations. However, you can check your cost on our website or app before confirming your appointment.

What are the risks associated with desexing a cat?

The risks associated with desexing a cat are minimal. Some cats may have a drug reaction to the anaesthetic, or an infection or inflammation around the surgical site.

Can a neutered cat still mate?

Neutered cats are sterile and cannot reproduce. However, some may still exhibit mating behaviours.

What changes can be expected in a cat’s behaviour post-desexing?

Changes in behaviour can occur within a few weeks post-desexing. However, the time frame varies from cat to cat. Some behaviours may take longer to fade, while others may change more rapidly.