When To Spay And Neuter Kittens

Your Pet’s Health And Longevity

The average lifespan of spayed and neutered cats and dogs is demonstrably longer than the lifespan of those not. A University of Georgia study, based on the medical records of more than 70,000 animal patients, found that the life expectancy of neutered male dogs was 13.8% longer and that of spayed female dogs was 26.3% longer. The average age of death of intact dogs was 7.9 years versus a significantly older 9.4 years for altered dogs.

Another study, conducted by Banfield Pet Hospitals on a database of 2.2 million dogs and 460,000 cats reflected similar findings, concluding that neutered male dogs lived 18% longer and spayed female dogs lived 23% longer. Spayed female cats in the study lived 39% longer and neutered male cats lived 62% longer.

The reduced lifespan of unaltered pets can, in part, be attributed to an increased urge to roam. Such roaming can expose them to fights with other animals, resulting in injuries and infections, trauma from vehicle strikes and other accidental mishaps.

A contributor to the increased longevity of altered pets is their reduced risk of certain types of cancers. Intact female cats and dogs have a greater chance of developing pyometra and uterine, mammary gland and other cancers of the reproductive system. Neutering male pets eliminates their risk of testicular cancer and eliminates the possibility of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia which can affect the ability to defecate.

Is Early Spay/neuter Associated With Orthopedic Problems

Three fairly recent articles discuss orthopedic concerns associated with early neutering of large breed dogs. These articles have led to confusion about the appropriateness of and age at which spay/neuter surgery should be performed.16-18 These articles were published in open access journals and have generated questions from veterinarians and the general public. With regard to these articles, 2 key points should be considered. First, the articles focus on large breed dogs, and their findings should not be extrapolated to cats. Second, no similar studies have found a relationship between spay/neuter and orthopedic conditions in cats.

What Care Is Needed After The Surgery

There are three main conditions to uphold giving the prescribed medication, keeping the surgical area clean and preventing any kind of trauma.

For the first, and despite cats extraordinary abilities to spit out pills and avoid any external maneuvers, medication for pets is becoming increasingly palatable which makes it easier for cats to take their medication. And if your cat is one of the exceptions, dont despair! Try pill pockets or other strategies to trick your cat into taking medication with little fuss and, remember, itll only be for a few days.

For further tips on post-surgical care, dont miss our previous article.

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How Long To Keep A Cone On A Cat After Spaying Or Neutering

After a cat has undergone surgery, it should wear a cone for 10 to 14 days. The goal is to keep the cat from licking the incision until its fully healed. Some cats may need to wear a cone for a shorter or longer time period. There are instances, too, in which the wearing of a cone is unnecessary.

If it seems like your cat likes to lick itself a lot before spaying or neutering, its very much likely for it to lick its incision after the procedure, thus keeping it from healing properly and without any complications.

Make sure that your cat wears a cone for up to two weeks or until the incision looks fully healed.

Some cats seem oblivious to the fact that they have an incision on their abdomens or testicles. If such is the case, wearing a cone is no longer necessary. But just to be safe, its a good idea to have your feline friend wear a cone for a while that is, if its not showing any signs that it doesnt like to wear a cone!

Fret not if your cat seems unhappy donning a cone, which is also referred to as the cone of shame. Thats because there are alternatives to it that your four-legged chum may find trouble-free to sport.

One example is SunGrow Cat Recovery Cone, which is a wonderful replacement for a cone out of hard plastic that can startle a cat each time it comes too close to the wall, tackles a toy, or eats kibbles. The product is made of lightweight foam and fabric and has an adjustable collar size. Its so pretty, too, that your cat wont mind wearing it.

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.

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The Benefits Of Having Your Male Cat Neutered

Some health benefits of having your male cat neutered include a reduced risk of your cat developing prostate or testicular cancer.

Male cats that are neutered often show less inclination to fight with other male cats, helping to reduce the risk of serious injuries caused by fighting.

Neutering your male cat could also lower your kitty’s desire to roam in search of females. Less desire to roam helps to reduce the risk of injury caused by traffic accidents as they travel long distances.

Having your male cat fixed may also help to prevent him from spraying around your home and property to mark his territory, and will prevent your cat from fathering countless kittens.

Note:The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet’s condition, please make an appointment with your vet.

Misconceptions Of Spaying And Neutering

Weve been in procedure rooms and know how these surgeries work. We also know what happens when people dont spay and neuter their pets. Lets debunk some rumors.

11. Spaying and Neutering Dont Change Your Pets Personality.

• Hormone levels will indeed change when your pet gets neutered. But that only eliminates bad behaviors like spraying, roaming, and aggression.
• Historic spay and neuter facts and statistics show that the procedure wont make your pet overweight. Pets get fat from incorrect diets and no exercise. So you should always select high-quality kibble for your pets specific needs. For example, large breeds need the best food for their bodies. Feeding a Chihuahua and a Great Dane the same food doesnt work.
• Some vets do the procedure on feral animals as early as six weeks of age.You shouldnt wait either. Spay and neuter your animals before they reach sexual maturity.

These procedures are incredibly safe and common for vets to perform. Dont overthink it. Its the responsible thing to do as an owner.

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Just Before You Spay Or Neuter Your Cat

When it comes to feline spaying or neutering, there are many factors to consider. They include the amount of money you will need to shell out, where you will have to take your pet and who will sterilize your cat. Its also important that the advantages and disadvantages of spaying or neutering your cat are taken into account.

Above, we answered some of the most pressing questions that cat owners would love to ask about getting their cat fixed. By now, hopefully, you have an idea of whats best for your purring buddy.

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Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of The Pet Rescue.

Does Spaying Or Neutering Hurt My Cat

Like humans, cats are given anesthetics during operations. Cats are completely unconscious while theyre spayed or neutered, so they dont feel any pain. A long-acting pain relief injection administered immediately after the procedure eliminates post-surgery discomfort. Your vet will give you anti-inflammatories and painkillers to give to your cat at home, too.

Generally speaking, cats bounce back quite quickly after theyre neutered. Male cats usually only need painkillers for a day after castration. Female cats usually need medication for three days after being spayed.

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Is There An Optimal Age For Cat Spay Or Neuter

Philip A. Bushby

DVM, MS, DACVS

Dr. Bushby, a 1972 graduate of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, is a board-certified surgeon who has served on the MSU faculty for 42 years. He established the MSU CVM shelter program and is a frequent speaker on efficient spay/neuter techniques. He was a member of the organizing committee for the shelter medicine specialty board, received the ASPCA Henry Berg Award in 2008, the AVMA Animal Welfare Award in 2012, and the Association of Shelter Veterinarians Meritorious Service Award in 2015.

Over the past several decades, the recommended age for spay or neuter of cats has changed. At one time, the recommended age for spay was after the female cat had a litter, then it changed to after the first heat cycle, and eventually the veterinary profession settled on 6 months of age or older. Given that cats reach sexual maturity at about 5 months of age, more and more people are advocating lowering the spay/neuter age to 4 to 5 months and support early spay/neuter in animal shelters. All of these varied recommendations lead one to question: is there an optimal age at which cats should be spayed/neutered?

• Eliminates reproductive emergencies such as pyometra and dystocia
• Prevents unintended pregnancies
• Potentially decreases behavioral problems linked with cat relinquishment

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.

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Information And Services To Spay And Neuter Cats

Since 2019, the dedicated and compassionate veterinary team at GoodVets have successfully performed spay and neuter procedures on many male and female cats of all breeds and ages. We have also helped educate cat owners throughout IL about spay and neuter procedures. These include when to spay or neuter a cat, what to expect during and after surgery, and why cat spaying and cat neutering is essential to helping control the pet population problem in the state of IL.

We strongly believe that responsible cat ownership is synonymous with spay and neuter procedures. Therefore we have compiled some of the most frequently asked questions here to help you learn more about this important service.

When Should You Spay Or Neuter Your Cat

Kittens as young as eight weeks old can be spayed or neutered safely. Cats altered before six months of age will have a lower risk of developing behavioral or health problems, as compared to those that undergo these procedures later in life. Spaying and neutering early in life may even prevent problem behaviors before they develop. If an unaltered cat is displaying problem behaviors, it’s never too late to spay or neuter, regardless of age.

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Benefits Of Spaying Your Female Cat

Population Control

Your tiny little kitten may actually be mature enough to have kittens of her own before she is even six months old. By spaying your female cat before she is mature enough to have kittens, you help to reduce the population of unwanted cats in your neighborhood.

Not only that, female cats can have as many as four litters a year. When we consider that the average litter can range in size from two kittens to as many as ten kittens, that is a staggering number of unwanted cats.

Animal Health

Spaying your kitten before she has her first heat can help to reduce her risk of pyometra as well as mammary tumors. It’s also important to note that female cats carrying infectious diseases can pass serious conditions on to their kittens who go on to spread the disease even further. Pregnancy and the birth process can be risky for young cats, and costly to their owners.

Save Wildlife

It is estimated that cats in the USA kill between 1.4 billion and 3.7 billion birds each year. Keeping the numbers of homeless cats to a minimum can help to save the lives of countless birds and other wildlife.

Deter Nuisance Behaviors

Benefits Of Neutering Your Male Cat

Population Control

While male cats don’t actually have kittens themselves, one unneutered male cat in your neighborhood can make many female cats pregnant. That’s why neutering male cats is as important as spaying females when it comes to population control!

Health Issues

Neutering your male cat may help slow the spread of serious cat diseases such as Feline immunodeficiency virus and Feline leukemia virus that are often spread between cats during fights. Neutering can help to reduce cat aggression and may mean fewer injuries from fighting. Neutered males also tend to stay closer to home which helps to reduce their risk of being injured by vehicles.

Deter Undesirable Behaviors

Unneutered male cats typically spray inside the home more than neutered males and may be aggressive towards their owners. Having your male kitten neutered while young can help to prevent these behaviors from starting. Also, male cats who are not neutered, frequently roam over large areas in search of unspayed females to mate with. These males will spray to mark their territory and often fight with other male cats which can be bothersome, noisy, and smelly.

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How To Find Low

If your income prevents you from qualifying for a free spay or neuter program, look to other low-cost spay/neuter surgery providers in your area. These providers often work in tandem with an animal-focused nonprofit, which provides funding for these low-cost spay/neuter services.

You may also want to look to low-cost spay/neuter services if you live in a state like North Carolina where youre still going to pay some fees even with the free program. In a minority of cases, the fees required by the nonprofit program may cost less than the fees charged by the program sponsored by the local government.

How Much To Spay Or Neuter A Cat

Lets address the elephant in the room without delay: Many cat owners steer clear of spaying and neutering their feline friends because of the cost.

Spaying or neutering cats can come with different price tags because of different factors. Some of them include the cats size and breed, veterinary clinics location, and the veterinarians experience level and professional fee. Generally speaking, spaying costs more than neutering because its a more complicated procedure.

To give you an idea of the cost of having your cat spayed or neutered, check out this table:

Please note that the cost of spaying and neutering cats at a particular establishment can vary from branch to branch. Certain events can also affect the amount of money you will have to pay to get your cat fixed.

For instance, Petcos Spay Today 2000 program allowed the customers to get their hands on a voucher that enabled them to have their cat spayed or neutered for $10 only. Back in March 2020, cat owners could register for the PetSmart Grant program, which allowed them to get their feline pets fixed for $20 only.

Worry not if you are on a budget and cannot wait for a cheap spay or neuter event to be offered.

In California, for instance, some low-cost spay and neuter clinics are:

• Animal Discount Clinic
• Community Spay/Neuter Clinic

This brings us to a pressing question cat owners on a tight budget would like to ask

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North Shore Animal League America

North Shore Animal League America runs a nationwide referral service for low-cost spay/neuter services called SpayUSA. For most of the listings, you need to obtain a referral from SpayUSA by entering basic household information. Some of these low-cost spay/neuter programs are only available to low-income households on programs like Medicaid, SNAP and Social Security.

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.

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