Female cats can be neutered on reaching puberty at approximately five months (in some cases this can be done earlier – discuss with one of our Veterinary Surgeons). The most important reason to spay a cat is to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Neutering will also reduce the risks of a uterine infection and certain cancers e.g. mammary tumours. Cat spays are usually performed through an incision in the flank (side), and both ovaries as well as the uterus are removed. Following this the veterinary surgeon will place sutures to close the wound; these will usually need to be removed after ten days at a post operative check.
Tom cats can be neutered from approximately 5 months (in some cases neutering can be done earlier and we recommend discussing this with one of our Veterinary Surgeons.) Tomcats undergo various behavioural changes following puberty including an increase in territorial behaviour and venturing further from the house which may lead to territorial fights. Fights can lead to infections and abscesses, as well as diseases such as FIV and FeLV which are transmitted through bite wounds and bodily fluids. Finally, neutering will ensure that your tomcat doesn’t add to the already surplus cat population. Cat Castrates are performed under general anaesthetic, and the testes are removed via two small incisions in the cat’s scrotum. It is rarely necessary to stitch this wound as it heals quickly on its own.