Getting Your Cat Fixed

What eve term you use neutering, fixing, or spaying they are all terms used to define a medical procedure that all cats should have done. This medical procedure removes the reproductive parts of your cat. For a male the procedure is known as neutering, and for females spaying.

Besides the obvious need to control the number of unwanted stray cats, altering your cat will, in the case of both sexes, make them less territorial and aggressive. Overall, altered cats are better listeners and they also tend to have longer life spans. Some owners think it is best to let a female go into heat, or to even wait until after she has had her first litter of kittens before having her spayed. This is nothing more than an old wives' tale. With millions of unwanted cats destroyed every year and millions more dying from abandonment, there is simply no reason to let your cat bear a litter of kittens.

Shelters will often fix kittens that are as two months old, however it is recommended to wait until a kitten is at least three months of age and two pounds in weight. If you're adopting a cat from a local shelter they should ensure that the cat is fixed prior to you taking it home. It's important that you keep your cat inside if they're not fixed until you can get the procedure done. This will help cut down on the overpopulation of cats.

The cost of the surgery can vary, it's a good practice to call around for quotes. You'll find the cost can range from a low of twenty dollars, to a high of over one hundred-fifty. A rule of thumb is that if your cat is eating well, and uses the litter box regularly, as well as displays general alertness and activity levels he/she is ready to have the procedure done.

Note your cat's litter box habits. The habits you are observing now should return to normal within a day after the operation. It's not good practice to have the cat de-clawed at the same time. Some vets recommend declawing the cat "while she is already asleep” but there are complications that can arise. Also do not get the cat vaccinated at the same time you have your cat spayed or neutered. The overall procedure is enough for that little kitty body to handle, without adding additional stressors. Another point of note is that if your cat is pregnant the vet will have to abort the litter.

Unless some complications occur, there is not reason to have your cat stay overnight at the vets. You should arrange to pick him up a few hours after the procedure. You want to be sure he has come out of the anesthesia before you take him home. It's best to just bring him home, place him in a quiet room on his own (especially if you have other cats). Give him a litter box, some water, a soft bed, and leave a night light on. Chances are he'll sleep right through that first night home.

This is a lot for a little one to go through, so keeping their activity level low for two or three days is important. Don't coax him into playing or running around. If your cat is an outdoor kitty then you should probably keep him in for one or two weeks, to ensure the stitches heal, and reduce the chance of infection. During this recovery period monitoring his food intake, temperature, and litter box usage will help you pick up on any abnormal activity.

Any change in habits could be the sign of an infection, should you suspect anything notify your vet right away. Kittens, more so then adults are likely to get an infection so watch food and water intake closely. Also over grooming of the incision area can indicate discomfort. Your vet will give you a list of items to care and watch for after the procedure, follow it closely. Feel good that you're helping control the cat population, and ensuring that the cats we have now can have homes!