Last Updated on July 9, 2023 by admin
Neutering or spaying your cat is a huge decision any pet owner has to make. It can be quite an emotional and sad decision to make for the benefit of your cat and yourself.
There are many benefits to neuter or spay your cat:
- Prevents diseases like cancer
- Improves cat behavior
- Helps control cat population
- Lowers the risk of your cat running away
- Reduces the spread of disease
- Helps your cat live longer
How to Care for Your Cat After Neutering
Most vets will recommend that your cat uses a cone (also known as Elizabethan collar) to prevent your cat from aggravating the surgical site and possibly re-open the wound by licking, scratching, or biting. These cones come in many shapes and sizes so you should be able to find one that works with your cat. Another great option is a post-surgery onesie that keeps the surgery site protected and might be less stressful for you and your cat. After all the cone is also called the cone of shame. Personally I can’t bear to see my cat wearing the cone like a helpless lab animal. I prefer the onesie or a plush donut shaped cone.
Some veterinarians will keep your cat overnight post operation to make sure the anesthetic wears off. Once you bring your cat home make sure to:
- Have your cat wear protective gear to prevent touching their wound
- Keep your cat indoors until full recovery
- Isolate your cat from other pets or children if you’re in a crowded household
- Make sure your cat’s space is comfy and clean
- Provide fresh and clean water at all times
- Ensure they have enough food but don’t worry if their appetite is small for the first 24-48 hours (if they are still not eating after 2 days consult your veterinarian immediately)
- Make sure their litter box is close by so they don’t move around too much and kept clean to prevent any infections
- You might have to keep the cat away from their usual toys any furniture if they enjoy jumping and climbing
- Monitor the surgery site for any signs of infection, inflammation, or re-opening (if you notice anything unusual, get help from your veterinarian)
After a week of recovery your cat should be back to normal. After that it’s just a matter of waiting for the hair to grow back on the surgery site. Be sure to follow any guidance from your veterinarian and do take them for a check up to ensure that everything is okay post operation.
How Long to Isolate Cat After Spay
Isolate your cat after spaying for at least two days.
What Are the Risks of Neutering or Spaying your Cat?
The risks for a young and healthy cat are very low as long as the veterinarian is well qualified. The other additional benefit is that if you do it while they are young (less than 5 months old) they will recover faster and reap the benefits for the rest of their hopefully longer and healthier lives.
Just make sure you care for your cat properly after the procedure to prevent any complications and monitor them closely.
One thing to keep in mind is that the cat’s metabolism will usually slow after the procedure and they will be less active. This means that if you keep feeding the cat the same amount of food post operation they will likely gain weight. Cats that are neutered or spayed can put on weight more easily if you do not adjust their diet accordingly.
When to Neuter or Spay your Cat
Most experts recommend that you spay or neuter your cat before sexual maturity. This is to avoid all the problems that come with your cat going through a hormonal change which can permanently alter behavior and getting all the benefits of the procedure. Sexual maturity is around 5 months of age so any time before that should work. Be sure to consult your veterinarian well in advance and make sure it’s done at the right time.
How to Care for Your Cat After Neutering
Although it’s a big decision for cat owners once it’s done you and your cat will enjoy the benefits of neutering. You can take comfort in the fact that you did the right thing for your cat.