Advice on Cat Spaying
The decision whether or not to spay is one of the first major health decisions of cat ownership. Spaying a female cat can ultimately save feline lives, yet many pets remain unfixed due to popular misconceptions about the procedure. Unspayed cats are prone to a host of reproductive diseases, some of which are fatal. Lack of spaying often contributes to cat overpopulation. Pet owners should learn about the spaying process to make an informed decision.
Reasons to Spay
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), spaying a female cat will increase its life expectancy and protect its health. The Humane Society of the United States recommends that all cat owners spay their female pets to fight animal overpopulation. Around six million homeless cats wander as strays or get euthanized at shelters each year, reports the National Cat Protection Association.
Spaying a cat will eliminate the possibility of contracting serious reproductive disorders, such as ovarian cancer, mammary cancer, chronic uterine infections or pyometra. Unspayed cats are also at higher risk for diabetes mellitus.
Getting a cat spayed will also prevent the behavioral issues associated with heat cycles. A cat in heat may try to run away to find a mate. A spayed pet is generally less aggressive than a reproductively-in-tact cat.
Recommended Age
The recommended age for spaying a cat is traditionally six months old but today many veterinarians spay younger cats, says the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Veterinarians prefer to spay a cat before the first heat cycle, if possible. The ideal age for spaying a cat is between five to seven months. Cats should weigh at least four pounds or more before undergoing spay surgery, according to the Mar Vista Animal Medical Center.
Spay Surgery
Spaying or ovariohysterectomy is a veterinary surgery that removes an animal's ovaries and uterus to prevent pregnancy. The cat will receive general anesthesia to sleep through the surgery and medication to minimize pain. A pet owner who fears subjecting a pet to surgery under general anesthesia can rest assured that spaying is a routine veterinary surgery with a fast recovery rate and few complications. Most cats try to resume normal activity three to five days after surgery.
Care and Recovery
A cat owner should follow all veterinary post-surgical care instructions in order to help a pet recover quickly. Cats should be kept from chewing or scratching at their stitches while the incision heals. Any signs of infection, such as redness or puss, around the incision should be reported to the veterinarian. It is also a good idea to keep a cat from engaging in active play or jumping for at least five days to encourage healing as well as prevent any stitches from ripping open.