When Can You Spay And Neuter Kittens

When To Spay A Cat After Having Kittens

A female cat can come into heat about eight weeks after giving birth. It coincides with the time that its kittens are already weaned, which is why its the best time to spay it. Besides, spaying a female cat while its still nursing can make the surgery difficult for veterinarians to perform.

Spaying a female cat while its babies are still breastfeeding is very much possible. Some vets even agree that there is no need to wait for the kittens to be completely weaned before fixing their mothers.

However, spaying a nursing cat can come with risks and complications. For instance, the incision, which is made just below the female cats belly button, can become infected when the kittens dirty paws come into contact with it while breastfeeding and kneading most of the time, it takes two weeks for the incision to heal fully.

Some veterinarians also wait for the kittens to be completely weaned before spaying their moms. Thats because the enlarged mammary glands of nursing cats can get in the way of the surgical procedure.

Common Cat Spaying/neutering Misconceptions

Some believe that sterilizing your cat can cause weight gain, but the reality is that your cat wont become overweight or less active after their spay or neuter surgery. Your cat will only gain weight if theyre overfed or dont exercise often. As long as you continue to provide opportunities for your cat to exercise and monitor their food intake, your pet will remain fit. Many animals stay active for years to come after their spay or neuter surgery, so you can rest assured that your furry companion wont lose their zest for life.

Another spay/neuter myth is that its a guaranteed fix for all behavioral problems, but this isnt true either. While your cats behavior will likely improve, theres no guarantee that their behavior will change drastically or that any negative habitual behaviors will go away. The effects of spaying or neutering your cat rely on your cats individual personality, but the procedure wont create any negative impact on their behavior.

Benefits Of Spaying Your Cat:

There are many benefits of neutralizing or spaying your cat. All these reasons are enough to opt for a spaying method as it will lead to a healthy lifestyle for your cat.

• Many times your cat might attract unwanted attention from other male cats. By spaying your cat, you will reduce the chances of your cat getting unwanted pregnancy.

• Spaying eradicates the chances of showing rancid behavior your cat might show during the time of mating. When cats desire to mate, they yawl, cry in pain, and pee all over the place as an indication. Their desire to mate can be neutralized by spaying.

• Spaying eradicates the chances of them from developing breast cancer before the first heat of mating is sensed.

• Pyometra is a type of infection that spreads in the uterus. The treatment is expensive and can even be life-threatening for the cats. Spaying eliminates the chances of your cat ever contacting the pyometra infection.

Spaying or neutralizing your cat doesnt indicate that your cat will be sexually frustrated. It only indicates that their sexual urge will be suppressed as their estrogen receptor will be removed by the procedure. They can focus on their own being more than having to focus on reproduction. You can find a free cat spaying near me in order to get this procedure done.

Read Also: Cat Treats For Bad Breath

Help Prevent Unwanted Kitty Litters

Spaying and neutering are two of the most common surgeries for cats, and both help to prevent undesired kitty pregnancies and possible reproductive health issues. Plus, they may even reduce some upsetting-to-humans cat behaviors, like urine spraying and yowling.

Health benefits of neutering and spaying cats

Spaying your girl cat when shes a kitten means your kittyBAE wont have litter after litter of unwanted kittens. Shes no longer at risk for uterine infections and has a much lower chance of girl-part cancers. Plus, she wont go into heat. This makes it more likely shell stay safely at home instead of prowling for a potential mate, or screeching from the top of your fence at night every three weeks.

Neutering your boy cat also has potential behavior upsides. Neutered boy cats may stop spraying jetting out pee around the house to mark their territory. It can also help prevent your boyBAE from catting around on the streets for female cats in heat, which can mean fewer cat fights and a lowered risk from predators and cars.

The best age to neuter male kittens and spay girl cats

You can spay or neuter your cat at any age, but we recommend the procedure when your kitten is anywhere from 12 weeks to 6 months old. Kittens typically recover quickly, and usually get back to romping with a minimum of fuss.

Changing The Landscape For Cats

For 30 years, Mechler, founder of Spay USA, worked at the forefront of the spay and neuter movement in the United States. But it wasnt until she retired in 2010 as director of Spay USAhaving radically improved the accessibility and affordability of spay and neuter servicesthat she started to ponder the importance of the age at which veterinarians perform these surgeries.

When I retired and stepped away from the everyday work, the missing piece of the puzzle became clear, she says.

Mechler read a 2009 study by IPSOS Marketing for PetSmart Charities that showed more than 75 percent of the public doesnt know the appropriate age to spay and neuter pets. Another study that influenced Mechler revealed that spayed female cats and dogs in four Massachusetts towns accounted for the majority of all the litters bornbecause they bred before they were spayed.

Mechler realized that if cats could be prevented from having even one litter, that could greatly reduce the number of cats who are euthanized in animal shelters. To achieve this, consistent veterinary guidelines that promote spaying and neutering before cats can breed would have to be in place.

Mechler says she that there is a need to campaign for spay and neuter before a cats first heat, which is usually at about 4 or 5 months, in the hope that veterinarians would be more willing to change the customary age from 6 months.

You May Like: How To Get Cat Urine Smell Out Of Carpet

When Is The Best Time To Spay Or Neuter Your Cat

Reviewed by Dr. Sarah Wooten, DVM.

Getting a new feline friend is exciting with so much to check off your checklist. To make sure they live a long and happy life, you want to make sure your kitty is as healthy as can be. If youre welcoming a new cat into your home, you might be wondering whether or not its time to spay/neuter them.

While both are common procedures, there are a number of misconceptions about them. In this article, well walk you through the benefits of spay/neuter surgery, the best time to do it, and how to get started.

What To Expect After Cat Spaying Or Neutering

Before fully enjoying the many perks that come with fixing your cat, you and your feline pal will have to go through some post-surgery matters. For instance, a male cat will remain unconscious for 10 to 15 minutes after the vet stitches up the incision it can take a female cat longer to wake up due to a higher dose of anesthesia .

For the next 24 hours, your cat will not seem like itself. It will act groggy or spend a lot of time sleeping. In some instances, a cat may be aggressive or agitated about a day after spaying or neutering.

Do you have other pets? Then its a must to check out the answer to this question

Don’t Miss: Why Are My Cats Eyes Watering

How Old Do Kittens Have To Be To Get Fixed

Contact us for further details regarding our services and urgent care procedures. Learn More

You are preventing more than just the birth of unwanted kittens when you get your cat spayed or neutered. You are also protecting them from some serious health conditions. Today, our Los Angeles vets discuss the best age to have your kitten fixed as well as the benefits of having your cat spayed or neutered.

Is The Spay/neuter Surgery For My Cat/dog Free

The surgery is not free. However, many places have very low-cost surgeries, especially for people with low income. Some programs and clinics are open to all regardless of income. Each program is different, and we have about 2,000 programs nationwide. We try to match you with the most appropriate and nearest clinic or veterinarian. Clients are required to pay the veterinarian at the time of surgery.

Recommended Reading: How To Care For A New Kitten

How Do I Get Rid Of Cat Spray Smell

6 TIPS TO GET RID OF CAT SPRAY SMELLClean it quickly. If you catch your cat in action, act fast. Try non-toxic, natural cleaners. If soapy water alone does not work, you can try using baking soda, which is a natural cleaning agent. Use an enzyme-neutralizing cleaner. Clean and repeat. Air the room. Things to Avoid.

What Do They Do When They Neuter A Cat

The male cat to be neutered is put under general anesthesia, which means that it will be unconscious throughout the surgical procedure. A small incision is made on the scrotal sac, and the testicles are removed. Afterward, the incision is closed using either dissolvable sutures or surgical glue.

Male cats are easier to neuter than male dogs because of their size. As a matter of fact, the process of feline neutering can be done in under two minutes only!

However, it doesnt mean that the cat will awaken as soon as the procedure is over. Veterinarians usually use a reversible anesthetic shot that allows male cats to recover rather quickly. Usually, a cat that has undergone neutering is awake enough for it to walk around in about 10 to 15 minutes. For male dogs, its usually from 15 to 30 minutes.

Besides pet cats, stray and feral cats can be neutered, too, which brings us to this question

Don’t Miss: Safe Flea Treatment For Kittens

What Age To Spay/neuter Your Cat And What You Need To Know

In a veterinary, there is probably no more common surgery than spaying a female cat or neutering a male.

For many feline parents it is relatively easy to understand the need and relevance of this procedure, but for others spaying or neutering their cats may still be cause for much doubt and concern.

Is this your case? Dont worry, we can explain everything here are all the answers to the most frequently asked questions!

How Much Does It Cost To Spay Or Neuter A Cat

4.2/5costcost spayneutercost spayneuterCost SpayNeuterseen here

It usually costs $70 for a female cat and $60 for a male. “By reducing the cost we are making this more accessible for people to spay and neuter their cats, which will mean those cats are not out there in the community reproducing,” Strooband said.

Secondly, how much does it cost to neuter a cat and get shots? Cat Costs

Subsequently, question is, how much does it cost to neuter a female cat?

While the cost to spay a cat varies, the operation typically runs from $300 to $500 for a female cat and around $200 for a male when it’s done at a private, full-service veterinary practice, said Cory Smith, spokeswoman for The Humane Society of the United States.

How much does it cost to spay a cat UK?

As a rough guide, neutering a male cat usually costs around £30-£40, and spaying a female £50-£60. You vet will be able to give you an accurate price. The cost of neutering goes up if you would like your vet to microchip your cat during the operation.

No appointments necessary for ferals.

• S/N Clinic. Mesa AZ. 480-633-1734.
• Spay Neuter Clinic. Tempe AZ. 480-829-1002.
• Pet Pride of Arizona Scottsdale AZ. 480-829-2444.
• Burke Vet Hospital. Tempe AZ. 480-838-2020.
• Humane Society of Tucson. Low cost spay/neuter clinic.
• Spay and Neuter Assistance Program.

Don’t Miss: How Long Are Cat Pregnant

Why Spay Or Neuter A Cat

Sterilizing cats come with an assortment of perks. It may seem like its a cruel process because it keeps felines from reproducing as nature intended. However, its also important to note that nature did not intend for a lot of cats to become free-roaming and wind up getting hungry, suffering from all sorts of diseases and being hit by cars.

This is why spaying and neutering are beneficial not only to the cats themselves but also to cat lovers and the entire community.

Unfortunately, there are also some disadvantages associated with getting male and female cats fixed. Its important to get to know both the pros and cons of spaying and neutering before you bring your pet cat to the nearest veterinary clinic or report a stray or feral cat to the local shelter for sterilization.

Lets begin weighing the pros and cons by answering this question

Do Kittens Change After Being Neutered

Pet parents may be concerned that after spaying or neutering, their kittens behavior will change, losing playful, outgoing qualities theyve come to know and love. Vets havent noticed these types of changes. That said, the procedure can reduce less wanted behaviors, including:

Its important to note that experts say its not a cure-all for behavioral issues, and it may take longer to notice changes in an older cat.

Recommended Reading: Hills Prescription Diet C D Cat

Why Should I Spay Or Neuter My Cat

Simply put, neutered cats stay safer, tend to experience fewer health problems and dont produce unwanted kittens. Undesirable behaviours like spraying, nervousness, roaming, demanding behaviour and noisiness are reduced or eliminated even in adult cats.

Other reasons to neuter or spay include:

• Reduced fighting and straying
• Reduced risk of feline leukemia and feline AIDS
• Spayed female cats have a lower risk of uterine infection
• Spayed female cats develop mammary cancer less often
• Neutered cats develop hormonal imbalances less often

Does Spaying Too Early Stunt Growth

Does Spaying or Neutering Cause Stunting? Having your dog spayed or neutered early will not stunt your puppys growth, but it might affect the joints of large breed dogs. Studies show that early spay/neuter does affect the growth plate, delaying its closure and causing dogs to grow taller than they should have.

Don’t Miss: What To Feed 6 Week Old Kittens

What Happens If You Neuter A Cat Too Early

There is a ton of information out there about early spaying and neutering. It can cause some confusion among pet parents, who understandably just want to do right by their kitty.

Since cats hit sexual maturity at five months, some advocates have pushed for the standard age for neutering a kitten to go down from five to six months to four to five months. The ASPCA supports spaying or neutering pets when they reach two months and are over 2 pounds. The American Veterinary Medical Association also promotes early-age spay and neuter.

There have been concerns raised about early spaying or neutering, including stunting growth and increased shyness. The research doesnt support these claims.

That said, it is possible to neuter a kitten too early, and doing so can complicate the surgery. Vets will generally wait until the kitten reaches about 2 to 3 pounds before spaying or neutering. If a vet performs the procedure before this time, it can be more of a challenge for the vet to manipulate the tissues.

When Is The Best Time To Spay Or Neuter A Kitten

There are many different opinions about when you should have your kitty spayed or neutered. Early or pediatric spay/neuter is generally done at approximately six to eight weeks of age, whereas standard spay and neuter procedures are most often conducted at about five to six months of age. Although, these procedures can be performed at any time during your cat’s life as long as they are healthy. Therefore, it is never too late to have your cat spayed or neutered, even healthy cats in their teens can safely have this procedure done.

Because kittens can begin reproducing as young as 4 to 6 months of age, you may want to have your kitty ‘fixed’ before puberty or their first heat cycle to avoid accidental pregnancy or certain health conditions.

It’s always best to talk to your veterinarian so they can inform you when the best time is to have your kitten spayed/ neutered.

Don’t Miss: Siamese Kittens For Sale Florida

The Best Age For Surgery

Most veterinarians will spay or neuter cats at around four to five months of age. The surgery may be performed earlier, as a kitten, but they will need to typically weigh at least two pounds. Early spaying and neutering are preferable for cats to prevent mammary cancer and heat in females and secondary sex characteristics such as urine marking in males.

If you have any questions or concerns about spaying or neutering your cat, you should make an appointment with your veterinarian. They are the best source of reliable, up-to-date information on the medical decisions for your cat.

Does Spaying And Neutering Hurt Dogs

Many dogs experience postoperative discomfort for a few days following spaying or neutering, so it is important to properly and safely administer pain medications provided by your vet.

When administering pain medication, there are a few factors to keep in mind, including the type of medicine, how much to administer, and how often it should be given. Some pain medications may be harmful if given too often or in high doses, so always check the label for instructions.

If you suspect your dog is experiencing pain after being spayed or neutered, there are some signs to look out for, including depression, lethargy, lack of appetite, and unwillingness to move around. Contact your vet for advice if concerned.

Recommended Reading: At What Age Should A Kitten Be Spayed