Did you know that neutering has health benefits for your pet?
Research shows that spayed or neutered pets live longer and have reduced risks of a variety of health problems, including womb infections and certain types of cancer.
Most veterinarians recommend having your kitten spayed or neutered before 8 months of age. It is best to speak to your veterinarian.
Unless you're planning to breed from your new kitten, neutering is the best thing you can do to help her enjoy life to the fullest. Why? Because not only will you avoid the worry of unwanted pregnancy in female cats, but also, a male cat will be prevented from engaging in sexual behaviour such as spraying urine and howling, which can be very unpleasant. And, the urge to travel away from home to find a mate will be eliminated, so your cat will stay loyal and affectionate, and will be less likely to stray.
1. Is the surgery safe?
Neutering is a straightforward operation, and one that your vet will have performed dozens of times before. It's natural to feel nervous and maybe a little guilty, but you can also feel confident that you are doing the best thing for your cat.
Your vet will probably ask you not to feed your kitten the evening before the operation. This is because she will have a general anesthetic.
Before the surgery takes place, the vet will need to shave a small area of her fur, so don't be shocked when you spot a little bald patch after the operation.
The procedure is straightforward whether you are castrating a male (removing the testes) or spaying a female (removing the ovaries and uterus), with only a small incision involved. This is a routine procedure with very little risk involved.
2. Will my kitten gain weight?
The change in hormonal balance after neutering will slow down your cat's metabolism a little, making him or her more prone to weight gain. But there's no reason why your cat should put on weight; you just need to take care that you feed the correct food in the right quantities. When your kitten is 1 year old your vet may recommend an adult weight control food such as Hill's® Science Diet® Light, Prescription Diet® w/d® or Prescription Diet® t/d®.
3. What else should I know?
The good news is that you can usually take your kitten home the same day. Remember, it's normal for her to sleep a lot over the next few hours, while her body adjusts after the anesthetic. She'll probably try be as active as ever the next day, but try to keep her relatively calm for a day or two so she can heal properly. The stitches, or sutures (required for females, though not usually for males), are usually removed after 7 to 10 days.
Also, while urinary problems are common in all cats, they are more likely after neutering. You could consider switching to a food specially formulated for neutered cats once your kitten has been neutered, such as Prescription Diet® c/d Multicare Feline. This food provides the right amount of energy, has the right balance of vitamins, minerals and safe salt levels, and will help prevent any problems. If you've any doubts about what to give your cat, or have any questions, your vet will be happy to advise you.