When is the best time to sterilize a cat? When to spay a cat? How to care for her during this period? What is the best time to sterilize a cat?

The question of sterilization of cats worries many owners of these graceful and mystical animals, since everyone understands that a recently purchased kitten quickly reaches puberty and becomes an adult cat. Already in the first year of life, the animal can have offspring. During heat, the pet begins to behave in a special way: meows loudly, marks the territory, scratches, and takes positions characteristic of mating.

But not all owners plan to breed kittens. The optimal solution in this case is sterilization. This article will tell you what sterilization of cats is and when it is better to do this operation.

Before considering at what age cats are sterilized, you should understand what this operation is. So, sterilization involves the removal of the animal’s genital organs: the uterus and ovaries. As a result, the female can no longer reproduce.

If this is not done and the cat is not bred, then there is a high probability that your pet will develop hormonal diseases. For example, cysts may appear that only a competent and experienced veterinarian can detect and treat. It is important to know at what months cats are sterilized in order to avoid such consequences.

After removal of the genitals, the animal's behavior changes. The cat stops asking the cat. True, there are cases that even after the operation the pet continues to walk, scream and mark its territory. This is possible with late sterilization. The cat instinctively continues to ask for a male, but can no longer become pregnant. Therefore, you need to know so that she does not wander around.

When is the best time to sterilize an animal?

The opinions of veterinarians regarding at what age it is better to sterilize a cat differ somewhat. Some believe that it is better to carry out this operation with the onset of puberty. Others are sure that sterilization can be done at any age, as long as the cat is healthy.

But still, at what age can a cat be sterilized without consequences? Some veterinarians believe that it is advisable to perform surgery to remove the ovaries and uterus between 2 and 6 months. The percentage of complications at this age is the lowest. The procedure for removing genital organs is much easier for animals. And the stitch heals faster.

True, other veterinarians express quite compelling arguments against such early sterilization. After all, the cat does not yet have time to reach sexual and physical maturity. The operation may cause irreversible hormonal changes. The development of the genital organs is greatly influenced by the hypothalamus. He is also responsible for the behavioral reactions of his pet. This means that a pet can become completely unpredictable after early sterilization. Therefore, when asked when a cat can be sterilized, veterinarians answer that at the end of puberty. And this is approximately 7-10 months.

Due to the fact that doctors have different opinions regarding the age of surgery, many owners begin to look for information on the Internet. By entering a query into a search engine: at what age is it better to sterilize a cat, many sites with answers appear. But still, in order to understand when it is best to do sterilization, it is better to contact a competent veterinarian. Therefore, it is extremely important to choose a good veterinary clinic. After all, the implementation of this procedure depends not only on how many months the kitten is, but also on its state of health. In addition, different animals reach sexual maturity at different ages.

Before sterilization, the cat must be given antiviral vaccinations. This will help prevent infection from developing. It should be noted that in some veterinary clinics the doctor may refuse to perform an operation if the animal has not completed the course of vaccination.

The answer to the question of how many months can a cat be sterilized is ambiguous. After all, some individuals reach puberty early. Already at 3-4 months the pet begins to behave extremely defiantly. In this case, the need for a procedure to remove the uterus and ovaries becomes obvious. Don't wait until 7 months. It's better to consult a veterinarian. Most likely, the doctor will recommend sterilization. Thus, at what time to sterilize a cat depends on the characteristics of each individual animal.

But most often, the optimal age for sterilizing cats is 9 months. It is better not to perform surgery on a fragile and not fully formed animal. As for purebred cats, it is advisable to perform surgery on them after breeding is completed. And this is approximately the age of 6-7 years. But in this case, it is important that the pet is preliminarily examined, the functioning of the kidneys, heart and other organs is assessed, and urine and blood tests are taken. If the pet is healthy, sterilization is possible.

It is also worth remembering that if the operation to remove the genital organs was performed on a cat that had already walked, and not once after sterilization, the pet’s behavior will not change much. The animal will still mark its territory, scream and ask for a male. But it will no longer produce offspring.

At what age should a pet be spayed?

It is clear at what age it is advisable to sterilize an animal. But until how old a cat can be sterilized so as not to harm its health, we still have to figure it out. In fact, there are no restrictions here. The operation can be successfully performed at 3, 4, 5, or 7 years of age. The only thing is that the pet must be healthy.

There are some points to consider when thinking about sterilizing your cat:

Their health depends on the age at which cats are sterilized. A timely procedure to remove the genital organs reduces the likelihood of developing a breast tumor to a minimum. With age, surgery has a lesser preventive effect.

Statistics regarding the risk of this problem occurring are as follows:

When is sterilization contraindicated?

Although sterilization is always successful and, as a rule, does not cause any special complications, there are still some contraindications. It is highly undesirable to operate on older animals in this manner. Also, at what age sterilization is not recommended, a veterinarian can tell you during an examination of your pet. If the cat is sick, the operation is not performed. If your pet has recently suffered a serious illness, you should definitely inform your doctor about this. The veterinarian will conduct a thorough examination, examine the animal and make a conclusion whether sterilization can be carried out now or whether the procedure should be postponed to another time.

Thus, when answering the question of when can a cat be sterilized, the age of 9 months is considered the most optimal. Of course, you shouldn’t wait for this exact mark.

If the animal begins to behave strangely, the owner begins to notice signs of heat in the kitten already at the age of 4 months, the operation can be performed earlier.

Cat sterilization- a surgical operation that veterinarians around the world have been successfully performing for many years. The methods used by different doctors may differ, but the essence is the same: during the operation, the reproductive organs are removed, which helps to reduce hormonal levels and stop the reproductive functions of the body.

What is the purpose of sterilization?

The question of sterilizing a domestic cat sooner or later arises before every owner. With the onset of puberty, a cat can turn a quiet house into a real hell, and drive the owner into a white heat with her endless purring and loud concerts at night. Such active vocalization is not due to the fact that your pet’s character has deteriorated, and not to her desire to not let you rest. This is simply how she informs her relatives that she is ready for mating and calls the cat “on a date.” That's the nature of a cat. Her wild ancestors have shaped this type of behavior for centuries, and she is simply obeying ancient instincts.

But what to do if there is no cat nearby, and the owner has no desire to breed his pet and then deal with the adoption of kittens? A mutually beneficial solution is to sterilize the cat. After the operation, the production of female sex hormones (estrogens) stops within about a month, the hormonal levels decrease, and the cat again turns into a cute, harmless pet.
With a high degree of probability, sterilization will also help rid the cat of excessive aggressiveness. As the level of hormones in the blood decreases, the character improves, the animal becomes calmer, and aggression toward others and the owner decreases or disappears altogether.

Spaying and neutering cats

The term "sterilization" is used, as a rule, to cats (females), and the term "castration" - to cats (males). It is believed that cats are spayed and male cats are neutered. For ease of communication with clients, veterinarians also use the same terminology. However, female animals undergo both spaying and sterilization. Let's look at the differences.

Surgery to sterilize a cat involves removing only the ovaries, without removing the uterus (oophorectomy). Castration is the complete surgical removal of all reproductive organs (ovariohysterectomy).

What is better - castration or sterilization? Let's figure it out.
During an oophorectomy, only the ovaries are removed, while the uterus lives its own life in the abdominal cavity and does not perform any useful function. It will not atrophy or die, since its blood supply is not impaired. She will never fulfill her destiny and will not be able to bear fruit. But since the organ is completely alive, the risk of developing uterine diseases remains fully intact. These can be neoplasms and inflammatory diseases (endometritis, pyometra, etc.). So why preserve an organ that will act as a time bomb, with the risk of exploding at the most inopportune moment?
That is why, at present, almost no one performs ovariectomy (classical sterilization); veterinarians prefer castration as the only reliable method. But for ease of communication, they still say “sterilization”.

Where is it better to perform the operation - in a clinic or at home?

It is better and safer to do any abdominal surgery in a veterinary clinic. In an operating room there are more opportunities to take emergency measures if something suddenly goes wrong.

It’s even better if the clinic provides a postoperative hospital service. Then your pet will be under the supervision of specialists throughout the crisis period. Of course, emergency measures are not always required.

In the photo: day hospital in our veterinary clinic. The animal remains under the supervision of a doctor until it completely recovers from anesthesia.

Typically, young and healthy cats tolerate ovariohysterectomy well and, with minimal care recommendations, recover well at home. You will only need one more visit to the clinic to remove the stitches.

Advantages of sterilization in the clinic: all necessary conditions for the operation are provided, the risk of emergency situations is reduced, and there is a high probability of overcoming them.

Disadvantages of sterilization in the clinic: the owner’s time spent traveling and waiting for the operation to complete.

Despite the obvious advantages of surgery in a veterinary clinic, sterilization of cats at home is also practiced by most veterinarians and, with proper training and responsibility of the specialist, is technically no different from surgery in a clinic.

In the photo: preparing to sterilize a cat at home.

Advantages of sterilization at home is the absence of stress for the cat from traveling and being forced to stay in a place that is foreign to it (some cats are terrified of leaving the apartment), as well as the absence of risks of contracting infectious diseases (if the animal is not vaccinated). In addition, the doctor can be invited at a time convenient for the owner, which is also very important for people who are constantly busy at work.

Disadvantages of home surgery: It is difficult to ensure high-quality sterility.

Age of sterilization of cats

We recommend spaying cats after they reach 7-8 months of age. Earlier sterilization is not advisable, because The animal’s body is not yet fully formed and there is a high risk of postoperative complications. In addition, there have been cases of retardation in growth and development of those cats that were sterilized at 4-5 months of age. The operation is allowed at 6 months of age, provided that the cat is large and weighs at least 2.5-3 kilograms.

In a later period (over 8 months), cats, of course, are also sterilized. But it should be remembered that the risks of postoperative and post-anesthesia complications increase in proportion to the age of the animal. Do not delay the operation - every year your cat gets older, the risk of negative consequences increases, and the effectiveness of the operation decreases.

Our long-term practice of sterilizing animals shows that cats aged 7 months to 10 years tolerate the operation well and without problems. Animals over 10 years of age require additional examination. For such cats, we recommend donating blood for a biochemical analysis, diagnosing the functioning of the heart and consulting with a cardiologist.

Can a cat be spayed while in heat?

During the hunting period, the operation can be performed, but recovery from anesthesia and healing of the sutures may be somewhat more difficult. We generally recommend surgery two weeks before or two weeks after the heat. However, it often happens that a cat’s heat lasts for a very long time, with minor breaks (from 1 to 5 days). In this case, it is not possible to maintain a two-week interval, and we recommend sterilizing the cat to avoid exhaustion and deterioration in the quality of life.

Should a cat be allowed to give birth before being spayed?

No! If you do not plan to breed cats, then it is better to carry out the operation as early as possible, without allowing the cat to be bred. Moreover, you should not specially knit it, knowing that you will sterilize it later.
Many cat owners are mistaken, believing that the cat must first give birth, “feel like a woman,” “let it know the joy of motherhood,” etc. (quotes from real conversations with cat owners at the reception).
I will try to explain why this should not be done. At the hormonal level, the process of cat “purring” and night cries is carried out through the production of estrogens, which cause typical manifestations of sexual heat. Initially, these hormones are produced only in the ovaries and after sterilization, all unwanted effects for the owner disappear. If the cat has already kitted, then other endocrine glands begin to produce female sex hormones, and sexual behavior can persist for a long time, if not forever.
Thus, the owner’s stereotypical thinking can delay the achievement of the main goal of cat sterilization - to avoid sexual estrus in the pet.

Is it possible to sterilize a pregnant cat?

Yes, you can. The procedure is called “extirpation of the pregnant uterus” and is usually performed for medical reasons to save the life of the female. We usually do not recommend sterilizing a healthy pregnant cat, since during pregnancy the animal’s body undergoes significant changes at both the hormonal and physiological levels. There is a possibility of high blood loss and longer recovery of the animal after sterilization. In addition, the suture after sterilization of a pregnant cat is much larger in size.

However, situations are different and, if the owner is aware of the risks associated with such an operation and insists on it, we perform extirpation of the uterus and fetuses.

Does a cat need to be vaccinated before sterilization?

It is highly desirable that the cat be vaccinated at least a month before sterilization. In this case, there is no risk of getting a viral infection when visiting a veterinary clinic, because animals with various diseases, including viral ones, are brought there. Anesthesia given to a cat during surgery can reduce the body's immune response, and an unvaccinated animal will become ill.
Many veterinarians offer to protect the cat by injecting her with a special hyperimmune serum (globulin), which provides protection against infections for several weeks. Unfortunately, the introduction of globulins does not provide 100% protection. Therefore, it is advisable to vaccinate your pet in advance and plan surgery in a month.

Methods for sterilizing cats

We will describe the most common surgical methods used throughout the world.

1. Classic method. A skin incision 1 to 3 cm long is made in the center of the abdomen, 2-3 cm below the navel. The abdominal wall is incised along the linea alba. The uterus is removed through the incision, a ligature of absorbable suture material (catgut, caproag, PHA, etc.) is applied to the vessels or a coagulator is used.
After this, the uterus along with the ovaries is removed, and sutures are placed on the peritoneum and skin. The skin suture can be either removable or non-removable. The first one must be removed after at least 7, maximum after 10 days. There is no need to remove the second one.

In the photo: removal of the uterus and ovaries from a cat using the classical method

2. Method of sterilizing a cat through a side incision. It differs from the previous one only in the place of tissue separation. A skin incision is made on the side, the muscles are separated in a blunt manner. The method is considered less traumatic than the classic one, but there are several nuances. First, a muscle tear does not guarantee that there will be no bleeding. Secondly, sterilization rather than castration is often performed through such a wound, since it is not always possible to extract and remove the uterus completely. The method is recommended for sterilization of stray animals, as it does not require suture care. If a special intradermal suture is applied, the cat can be released into the wild immediately after the operation.

In the photo: applying a ligature to the ovarian ligament during sterilization of a cat using a side incision.
Photo courtesy of colleagues. As you can see in the picture, the bleeding is no less than with classical sterilization.

3. Ultra-small incision sterilization method using a surgical hook. Some veterinary clinics position this method as “laparoscopic sterilization,” but it has nothing to do with laparoscopy. The skin and peritoneum are dissected in the same way as in the first case, only the incision is made less than a centimeter long. The surgeon inserts a sterile hook into the wound, picks up the ligament and removes the ovary. After applying the ligatures, either only the ovary is removed along with part of the ligament, or the uterus is pulled into the wound and removed completely. As in the previous case, it is not always possible to completely remove the uterus.

In the photo: oophorectomy using a surgical hook through a very small incision

4. . Using endoscopic technologies, complete removal of the uterus and ovaries is performed through one or more punctures of the skin and abdominal wall. The operation is technically complex and requires expensive equipment and special personnel skills. In Russia it is not widely used and is much more expensive than conventional sterilization.

In the photo: capture of the uterine horn during the laparoscopic method of sterilization of cats.

I would also like to note that the best method of performing an operation is one that the surgeon knows perfectly. Any technique mastered by a doctor to its intricacies will lead to a successful outcome in cat sterilization. You should not force the doctor to do what you read on the Internet. He may do it your way, but he will do it better and safer in his own way.

Another method of sterilizing cats should also be mentioned - medication. This method is based on the introduction of a special implant with medicine under the skin. Slowly released and entering the blood, the active substances cause a reversible castration (sterilization) effect in cats, lasting up to 3 years. In this case, you will not have to expose the animal to anesthetic risks. Using a special device, the veterinarian will insert a small implant under the skin in just a few seconds. .

Preparing a cat for sterilization

There is no need to take any special measures to prepare the animal for sterilization. A prerequisite is to ensure a 12-hour fasting diet. If the operation is planned, say, at 10 o’clock in the morning, then the cat can be fed for the last time at 10 o’clock in the evening, and then the food can be removed altogether.

If several animals live in the house, everyone will have to go hungry. Or the cat will need to be placed in a separate room, without access to food. On the day of surgery, in the morning, it is recommended to remove the water.

This requirement is due to the side effects of substances used for anesthesia in cats (most veterinary clinics use a combination of xylazine and tiletamine), which manifests itself in the urge to vomit when there is food or water in the stomach. Aspiration of vomit can cause a serious complication - aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, we recommend that you take a responsible approach to the recommendation of fasting before surgery.

Caring for a cat after sterilization

Typically, post-operative care is not difficult for the pet owner. The main thing is to have some free time to observe your pet.

It is advisable for the cat to have a horizontal, soft place in a warm place, preferably without access to direct sunlight (bright light irritates the cornea of the eye when recovering from anesthesia and the animal becomes more anxious).

When you bring your cat from the veterinary clinic, place it in a pre-prepared area and leave it to rest. It is advisable to limit the access of children and other animals to the recovering cat during the first 24 hours after sterilization so that they do not disturb it.

A small nuance that frightens many animal owners - cats do not close their eyes while under anesthesia. To ensure that the animal does not experience discomfort from drying out of the cornea when it begins to wake up, it is recommended to periodically instill contact lens solution (artificial tears) or regular saline solution (0.9% NaCl). If none of this is available, you can simply close your eyelids every 5-10 minutes with a few light movements. The tear will spread over the surface of the eyeball, wetting the cornea. Following this recommendation will make recovery from anesthesia more comfortable for the animal.

In the photo: a cat in deep anesthesia. The eyes don't close. In order not to provoke the development of postoperative conjunctivitis, it is recommended to periodically moisten the cornea.

Over the course of 7-10 days, it is also necessary to check the condition of the skin sutures (if any). The seam should remain dry and clean after sterilization. The seam should not become soaked or rotted.

Treatment of seams usually involves wiping with antiseptic solutions (chlorhexidine, dioxidine, hydrogen peroxide). Some veterinarians prescribe additional treatment with wound healing ointments.

Sutures placed during sterilization in our veterinary clinic do not require additional processing at all.

In the photo: treating the seam with a spray that prevents infection from entering the wound.

In the photo: a suture in a cat on the 8th day after sterilization. After treatment with a special spray, the seam does not require special care.

To prevent contamination of the wound, the cat is given a special bandage (blanket), in which it must remain for the entire postoperative period, until the sutures are removed. The cat's discomfort from the blanket usually disappears within the first 24 hours after sterilization, and then she calmly wears this forced “clothing.”

In the photo: the cat is wearing a special blanket that prevents damage to the seams

If the wound was sutured with an intradermal suture, it is simply wiped with a 0.05% chlorhexidine solution.

A slight swelling around the wound is allowed due to tissue swelling during healing. Usually the swelling subsides within 2-3 days, no additional therapy is required.

Veterinarians prescribe postoperative antibiotic therapy during the postoperative period. As a rule, 2 injections of a long-acting antibiotic, given at intervals of 48 hours, are sufficient. The first injection is carried out immediately in the veterinary clinic after the end of the operation, the second is prescribed two days later. The owner can give the cat a subcutaneous injection himself (we give the drug in a syringe) or bring the cat to the veterinary clinic.

Sutures are scheduled to be removed 7, maximum 10 days after surgery.

Cat after sterilization. Answers to frequently asked questions

In conclusion, I would like to answer questions that our clients often ask when calling or after surgery.

How long does it take to sterilize a cat?
The “net time” spent by our specialists on the operation itself is 10-15 minutes. But before the operation, it is necessary to examine the animal, talk with the owner about its health, give anesthesia and prepare the surgical field. And after sterilization, it still takes some time to put on the blanket and consult the owner. As a result, the average time a client spends in a veterinary clinic is 40-60 minutes.

When can a cat that has given birth and is nursing kittens be spayed?
First you need to wait until the kittens are weaned. Then, after stopping feeding, it is advisable to maintain a time interval of 2-3 weeks so that the mammary glands completely return to normal. After this, sterilization can be carried out.

But during this time she will become pregnant again!
It's OK. Sterilizing a cat in early pregnancy will not cause any serious complications.

How will a cat's behavior change after sterilization? Will she become fat and lazy?
Changes in the body's hormonal background can stimulate physical inactivity, but obesity, as a rule, is stimulated by the owner himself. If your pet always has dry food in her bowl and the cat has unlimited access to it, yes, she will most likely develop obesity. If you follow the food manufacturer's recommendations printed on each package and feed food in portions according to the animal's weight, significant weight gain will not occur. In addition, many manufacturers offer a line of food for sterilized cats. These diets are specifically low in calories to prevent obesity.

Will my cat catch mice after surgery?
Yes, it will. Sterilization does not affect the hunting qualities of the animal in any way. It's a delusion. The same as the fact that a cat must first be allowed to give birth.

Yesterday they did sterilization, but today the cat doesn’t eat anything. This is fine?
Yes, it is normal. Depending on the physiological state of the animal, the cat may refuse to eat for up to 3 days after surgery. But, as a rule, appetite appears the very next day after surgery.
In any case, if something bothers you, it is better to show the animal to a veterinarian.

Will sterilization help if a cat shits?
There is no clear answer to this question. If the word “shits” means marking the territory, then after sterilization this will stop. If we mean lack of upbringing or if the cat takes revenge on the owner for something, then consultation with an animal psychologist and long-term responsible work on behavior correction will be required.

Dmitry Golovachev,
Chief physician of the Agata veterinary clinic.

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For decades now, veterinarians have been practicing such a procedure as cat sterilization. Some owners deny it, because they believe that the animal must leave offspring. In fact, there is nothing scary about it, because the latest drugs and professional surgical equipment are used, so you don’t have to worry about the health of the animal. In addition, this procedure will protect your pet from various diseases and prolong its life.

At what age is it best to sterilize a cat?

If your cat has reached 8 months of age, she can already be sterilized.

If you decide to sterilize your cat, you should know that this the procedure is carried out when the animal’s reproductive system has already formed so as not to harm her. As a rule, the owner understands when the animal can be taken to the veterinarian. In common parlance they say that a cat is “walking.”

The optimal age for sterilization is considered to be from 8 months to 1 year.

If your cat doesn't yet show signs of sexual desire, it's okay - you can have surgery. The main thing is to do it before the animal.

If your pet is too small or, conversely, has already reached 6 years of age, it is better to contact an experienced veterinarian for advice.

At what age can a cat be sterilized?

If you do not know at what age a cat can be sterilized, then it is better to seek help from a veterinarian. Doctors are inclined to believe that it is better to carry out this operation if the owners do not plan to breed kittens. Otherwise, for the health and peace of mind of the cat, it is better to sterilize it.

Sterilization of cats

As mentioned above, the optimal age for this procedure in cats is from 8 months to 1 year. Of course, it can be done later if the owners do not have time, but in this case it is better not to delay and carry out the operation before 2 years. Concerning cats, then they are recommended to be castrated during the period from 10 months to 1.5–2 years. But owners must understand that the sooner they go to the veterinary clinic, the safer the operation will be for the health of the animal.

Owners should be aware of the risks when they take a pet aged 2-3 years or older for spaying or neutering.

In veterinary practice, there are cases when owners treat five-year-old pets. In this situation, it is necessary to take appropriate tests from an adult animal that will tell about the state of its health. If everything is in order, then the operation is successful.

What is sterilization?

Sterilization is carried out among cats; in cats this operation is called castration.

If in the first case the operation is deep, then in the case of males it is performed on the surface, so it is easier for the animals to tolerate.

It is better to do sterilization if you do not want to breed kittens.

As practice shows, a cat can kitten up to four times a year. If the owners do not let the animal go outside and do not want to engage in breeding, then sterilization can be carried out. This procedure is an abdominal operation during which the genitals are completely or partially removed.

Types of sterilization

Cat sterilization is divided into several types:

Complete removal of the ovaries and uterus - ovariohysterectomy .

Tubal retraction – tubal occlusion .

Removal of ovaries only – ovariotomy .

Removal of the uterus only - hysterectomy .

In our country, the most common surgical method is during which the cat’s genitals are removed under anesthesia. Owners can consult a veterinarian about the features, pros and cons of each type of surgery.

Consequences

Sterilizing a cat is stressful not only for the pet, but also for the owner.

After the operation, the cat will have a small mark left at the site. It takes 10-14 days to heal. Sterilization is carried out strictly under anesthesia, so the animal doesn't feel anything . After the procedure, the cat recovers from anesthesia. takes an average of 1-2 days depending on his weight and breed.

Neutered cats feel great after just a few days. The operation has a beneficial effect on their psycho-emotional state, they become kind, obedient, friendly, and do not forget about everyday games . The owners will be glad to see their cat in a good mood and enjoy her mobility and carelessness.

The main advantages of cat sterilization

One of the consequences of sterilization is a change in the cat's behavior - it becomes more obedient and affectionate.

Of course, some owners are very worried when deciding whether to perform surgery on their cat or not. The procedure is quite serious, especially since the owners take responsibility by depriving the cat of offspring in the future. But on the other hand, animals that constantly walk expose themselves to various dangers from various diseases and accidents.

Advantages of the operation:

It has a beneficial effect on the cat’s psyche.

Increases.

In the future, the animal will not develop such dangerous diseases as polycystic disease, pyometra, cancerous tumors, etc., to which ordinary cats are susceptible.

The cat becomes completely domestic and calm.

If your kitten has already grown up, and you notice that she is agitated, then while there is time, think about surgery. Sterilization will improve the quality of life for her and for you.

Cons of the operation

To carry out the procedure, it is necessary to measure the cat’s weight and select the optimal dose of sleeping pills for the pet.

There are some disadvantages to sterilizing cats:

Video about at what age is it better to sterilize a cat?

Bottom line

Cat sterilization – one of the main types of operations in modern veterinary medicine. If the procedure is carried out under high-quality anesthesia and a highly qualified specialist, then there is no danger to the life and health of the cat.

Owners who decide to sterilize a cat should remember the optimal age for this operation. The animal is sterilized, as a rule, from 8 months to one and a half years, always before the first heat. In this case, the procedure is considered as safe as possible.

All living things reach puberty, resulting in the desire to reproduce. If we talk about cats, then this stage can become difficult for owners - this includes the animal’s whims, aggressiveness, and unwanted offspring.

What is sterilization

All operations involving the removal of reproductive organs from animals are called castration or sterilization. People often do not understand what sterilization and castration of cats are separately, and therefore do not separate the concepts, considering them equivalent. However, in medicine both concepts have their own definition.

Sterilization- This is the removal of the genital reproductive organs, but preserving the gonads. It turns out that the production of hormones remains at the same level, and sexual desire in cats is preserved. In this case, cats have their fallopian tubes tightened or their uterus removed.

Castration- This is the complete removal of the reproductive organs, including the gonads. As a result, the animal does not experience changes in behavior during puberty. When castration occurs, a cat's uterus and ovaries will be removed (ovariohysterectomy).

Note! If the gonads are preserved, the risk of inflammation of the uterus remains the same as before the operation. That is why castration, i.e. Complete removal of the reproductive organs, including the uterus, is considered the optimal way to protect the cat from neoplasms and inflammatory processes.

Puberty in cats

Puberty in cats occurs from birth and reaches its peak at 6-10 months. This is the time of the first heat, during which the pet begins to “beg” the cat. 1-4 days before estrus, the pituitary gland begins to secrete a special hormone that stimulates the follicles. Estrogen accumulates in the follicles, which induce the animal to mate. In a cat, you can detect a decrease in appetite and clear discharge, and the genital mucosa is swollen.

A cat during heat can behave aggressively, often rushes at people, sleeps less - often sexual desire begins at night or in the morning. The cat makes characteristic sounds similar to howling, can meow loudly, and fall on its hind legs.

It is important! You should not assume that once the first heat begins, a cat can be mated with a male. At such an early age, the body will not tolerate pregnancy, and childbirth can become deadly for the animal.

Reasons for sterilization and is there an alternative?

Among the explanatory factors for sterilization are:

Theoretically, you can do without abdominal surgery - we are talking about taking hormonal drugs that reduce the frequency of estrus in a cat. But this method does not always help; it often causes the development of pathologies, even the formation of cancerous tumors.

Note! Hormonal drugs are allowed to be given no more than 1-2 times a year. It will not be possible to prevent estrus with such a scheme.

There is another ineffective option - treating the cat with special sedatives. These are homeopathic herbal remedies, so they have only a superficial effect on the psyche - libido does not decrease.

As a result, the cat may feel lighter, but only for a short time. Such remedies include “Cat Bayun” and “Bach Drops”.

At what age should a cat be spayed?

A kitten can be sterilized by six months, since by 5 months the entire reproductive system reaches full development. But this is not recommended, since at such a young age the animal does not tolerate general anesthesia well. The most favorable and correct time for sterilization is 7-12 months. However, this can be done at any age in the absence of contraindications.

The older the cat, the higher the anesthetic risk. Anesthesia can provoke an exacerbation of chronic diseases and lead to the death of the animal. Therefore, it is better for adult cats over 8 years of age to undergo additional examinations before surgery as prescribed by a doctor.

If you purchased a kitten from a nursery as a family pet, the contract may stipulate at what age the cat must be sterilized. In this case, sterilization is a guarantee that you will not engage in unauthorized breeding of the breed.

Practical advice! You should not delay the operation, since in the process of hormone production, the risk of developing pathologies dangerous to health and life increases. In most cases, cats are diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome, which is explained by the increased content of the hormone estrogen - its increase occurs in the absence of mating during estrus.

Can I be spayed during estrus, pregnancy, nursing or after childbirth?

Estrus is not a reason for refusal to sterilize - the cat will easily tolerate anesthesia, and hormonal disorders will not affect the animal's body.

Another thing is during pregnancy or after childbirth. The following factors need to be examined here:

From the above, it becomes clear that the most appropriate time to sterilize a cat is during estrus or after it ends.

Pros and cons of sterilization

There are advantages and disadvantages to sterilization that you should know about before surgery. The advantages of sterilization include:

preventing unwanted offspring;
reduction of symptoms of hormonal surge– a sterilized cat suffers less, since characteristic estrus does not occur;
reducing the risk of infection infectious diseases, sexually transmitted diseases;
opportunity to continue life pet.

TO cons include the following factors:

Cat owners must decide what is more important to them - the health of their pet or the prevention of negative consequences that may arise from the wrong actions of a veterinarian. By choosing a qualified specialist with positive reviews, risks can be reduced.

How to prepare a cat

Sterilization is an operation that requires careful medical preparation. Preparation is necessary due to the anesthesia used. As a result, the pet owner should take the following actions:

Undergo tests and ultrasound to identify possible contraindications to surgery. An examination is ordered by a veterinarian who suspects possible abnormalities in the cat.
It is important to see a cardiologist - this will reduce the risk of cardiac arrest during surgery.
cat no food for 12 hours before surgery.
Stop giving water 2-3 hours before before surgery.
It is recommended to wash furry cats thoroughly before surgery to minimize the risk of infection in the wound.

Veterinarians shave the cat's belly hair and perform a thorough grooming before surgery, but extra precautions are also important.

Where is it better to carry out operations: at home or in a veterinary clinic?

Of course, only a doctor with the appropriate education can operate on a cat. However, this can be done in a veterinary clinic or at home - which is better?

For surgery at the veterinary clinic include the following advantages:

there is a sterile operating room - this minimizes the development of infection;
the cat is placed in the postoperative unit, where proper care is provided;
the chances of quickly solving the problem of an emergency situation are increased, thanks to the availability of the equipment necessary for this.

Disadvantages include travel costs and the wait time that the owner spends in the corridors of the clinic.

Despite the benefits of having the procedure done at a veterinary clinic, some veterinarians prefer to spay at home. Firstly, they do not have a room to receive patients. Secondly, it is cheaper, so there is more clientele.

The advantages of the operation performed at home, include:

lack of stress in the pet before surgery;
no risk of contracting viral and infectious diseases that a cat can get in the veterinary clinic itself;
the ability to schedule the operation at a more convenient time for the owner.

Among the disadvantages, the only highlight is the lack of ability to ensure high-quality sterility.

Note! On-site veterinarians use a minimal set of tools and materials, which is why if a complication occurs during surgery, they will not be able to provide assistance properly. It is also noted that not all veterinarians working on field trips have the appropriate license to conduct operations.

Features of the operation

There are several types of surgical interventions that allow you to sterilize an animal - abdominal surgery, using a hook and laparoscopic surgery. Each method has advantages and disadvantages that will help pet owners decide on their choice.

Abdominal surgery

Abdominal surgery is a classic method that is performed in the following sequence:

The advantages of the operation include good visibility of the abdominal cavity - the doctor will be able to remove organs with minimal risk of damage to internal organs. During surgery, a special material can be used that does not require the removal of sutures.

The only disadvantages include serious damage to the skin and abdominal wall, which is why recovery will last for 1-2 months.

This is interesting! The method can be improved somewhat by making an incision on the side. In this case, the internal muscles are separated in a blunt way, which is less traumatic - recovery occurs faster.

Through an ultra-small incision using a surgical hook

This method carries the risk of incomplete removal of the uterus. The sequence of operation is as follows:

The advantages of the presented method include the possibility of reducing the size of the seam. But this is not a compelling argument, since the skin and abdominal wall are also injured, and the risk of damage to internal organs with a surgical hook increases.

Laparoscopic sterilization

If desired, you can subject your cat to laparoscopy, a more modern method of sterilization that requires expensive equipment. The operation is technically complex, but entails less trauma, which means quick recovery of the operated animal.

During the operation, endoscopic instruments are used that only puncture the skin and abdominal wall. Through punctures, with the help of displaying a picture on the monitor screen, the genital organs are removed.

The advantage of the operation is the absence of stitches and quick recovery. Disadvantages - the method is not widespread in Russia, therefore it requires a more significant monetary contribution.

Cat behavior after surgery

After the operation, veterinarians put a blanket on the cat and send it home with the owner - this happens if there are no obvious signs of complications after surgery (the bleeding has stopped). Next, the owner needs to monitor the behavior of the pet, where the following recommendations are observed:

Note! The cat feels good if during the first 2-3 days it starts drinking water and eating small portions. During this time, she may not have bowel movements, and urination will be rare and scanty - everything will return to normal with a full return of appetite.

Often, after sterilization, a cat does not feel well. This could be:

In the first days the cat will be lethargic - this is normal, but the condition should gradually improve. If the animal becomes less and less active, you should immediately contact a veterinarian.

Postoperative care

Postoperative care lasts for a month, during which the pet should feel better. Proper care requires compliance with the following rules:

If you have any questions, you should contact the veterinarian who operated on the animal. It is better to show the patient for a personal examination by a specialist.

Useful video

The pros and cons of sterilizing a cat, as well as its consequences, see the video below:

Cost of the procedure

The cost of the operation varies depending on the status of the clinic and the sterilization method used. Average price is from 1500 to 5000 rubles. The use of absorbable sutures increases the cost of the operation, but avoids difficulties in the postoperative recovery of the cat.

If owners do not want to breed kittens, they must have the cat spayed. The presented operation will help prevent the development of numerous animal health problems. Otherwise, more serious and expensive operations will be required.

Sterilizing a cat is an operation during which the animal's ovaries are removed, most often along with the uterus. This operation can be performed either in a clinic or at home.

How long does it take to sterilize a cat? It depends on the place where it is carried out, most often it does not take more than two hours.

Neutering cats is becoming increasingly popular. Many people are bothered by the wild screams of cats every spring; someone is afraid that their pet will become infected with a sexually transmitted disease. Also, the popularity of the operations is due to the overabundance of kittens given “in good hands” and street cats.

The most popular reason for sterilization is spring cries. This only happens because a cat, ready to mate, invites the cats on a “date.”

Hormones, special pills and, in fact, sterilization will help prevent this process. It is good if you do the operation before the first heat.

After the operation, the pet is “rehabilitated” for about a month and becomes calm and sweet. She temporarily stops producing female sex hormones, which reduces hormonal levels and stops the desire for sexual desire. With a decrease in hormone levels, the animal becomes cute not for a certain time. The animal may lose excessive aggression and improve its character.

Advantages of sterilization

This operation has practically no disadvantages, as it is useful for both owners and pets:

Sterilized animals do not shed or cry in the spring;
They do not suffer from inflammation, including pyometra, a common disease in unsterilized animals;
Their mammary glands almost never swell;
Pregnant animals need to be cared for, and that care often requires a visit to a veterinarian. In addition, the kittens that are born will have to be placed somewhere.

As you can see, this operation has a lot of advantages; it has almost no negative sides.

Duration and progress of the operation

In terms of time, cat sterilization does not last long, especially sterilization at home. In this case, the operation lasts up to 20 minutes. The price of this procedure will practically not differ from the operation in the clinic.

Sterilization takes on average 30 minutes(not taking into account the time of rehabilitation and preparation for surgery). Before the procedure itself, the pet is prepared for surgery and anesthesia is administered. The owner is not allowed to be present during the operation; during this time he can take a walk.

In general, sterilization takes about one to two hours. After the procedure is over, she is transferred to another room, where she wakes up from the anesthesia. Sometimes the animal is given an injection to help it wake up faster. After some time, the pet is picked up by the owner.

Surgery is a wise decision. It does not take much time, and therefore it is better to carry out this procedure once than to care for and distribute kittens to everyone you know.

Also, with this operation you will protect the animal from many unpleasant diseases.

Preparation for sterilization

Since this procedure is an abdominal operation performed under anesthesia, the animal must be prepared for it:

Keep the animal on a fasted diet for twelve hours before surgery;
A day before surgery, you should give your pet a tablespoon of Vaseline oil. This will help cleanse the intestines;
Before surgery, the animal must be checked and examined by a veterinarian;
This procedure can be carried out only from the onset of puberty, that is, when the pet is six months old.

It is important to know that the operation is performed only on a healthy cat. Also Sterilization of a nursing cat is unacceptable. This is due to the fact that during lactation the cat may get injured or lose a lot of blood. It is best to wait for the reverse development of the uterus, and only then operate on the animal.

Post-operative care

After the procedure, a special blanket is put on the cat, eliminating the possibility of stress. The best place for a cat at such times is a warm place on the floor or in its own corner.

She will be able to stand on her own within 12 hours. Once a day, the seam is treated with alcohol. Sutures from the wound are removed 10-14 days after surgery.

Sterilization is a responsible step that requires a thoughtful decision. If you decide to do it, know that the procedure will save you and your pet from many problems.