Spay and Neuter: Cats

What do these surgeries involve?

Spaying and neutering involve different approaches that have the same results – cats that no longer have the desire or ability to breed. This prevents kittens from being born and potentially being homeless and having to be needlessly put down due to overpopulation. The main differences between spaying and neutering are:

• Spaying involves an incision in the abdomen so that the uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries can be removed.
• Our Whittier cat neuter service involves a small incision in the base of the cat’s scrotum so that the testicles can be removed. This is the faster of the two surgeries and can sometimes take less than five minutes.

Are these surgeries safe?

The most common procedures that vets perform on a daily basis are spaying and neutering surgeries. These surgeries are incredibly safe and can be performed quite quickly with great precision. An anesthetic is used during the procedure for the comfort of your cat. In most cases you can expect to bring your cat home quite soon after surgery.

Your cat may need to stay at the clinic for observation if they are not responding well to the anesthetic. Our veterinary staff will provide you with care instructions for your cat that includes signs to watch for and how to help your cat to have a speedy recovery.

Caring for your pet before and after their procedure

Prior to surgery, our vet will have you some instructions for you to follow, such as keeping your cat inside on the night before the surgery and ensuring that they don’t eat anything after midnight. There will also be instructions for recovery care that will help your cat to heal quickly and easily. If your cat is experiencing pain or discomfort, then the vet will prescribe medication to help them get through the initial recovery.

Ways you can help your cat to safely recover

• Keep your cat in a quiet space away from other animals or potential stress. This will keep their surgical site safe from injury by other pets.
• Make sure that your cat avoids activities that would involve running or springing or pouncing for the first couple of weeks.
• Keep them indoors during the recovery period.
• Keep your cat out of water and do not give them a bath for minimally a week after the procedure.
• Monitor the surgical site and their stitches. If the area looks inflamed or severely swollen, then contact our clinic immediately.