What is castration?
Castration is the surgical removal of the testicles and is commonly referred to as “neutering”. This is performed as a minor surgical operation under general anaesthetic and the cat is admitted in the morning to be collected later the same day.
We recommend castrating cats at 5 – 6 months of age.
Why are male cats castrated?
The primary reason for castration is to prevent unwanted kittens from being produced. Other benefits include:
1) Roaming. Increases the dangers of road accidents, fighting with other cats and consequent cat bite abscesses and the transfer of fatal infectious diseases
2) Spraying. Male cat urine has a strong, offensive odour and spraying is often done in the house, particularly if there is more than one cat.
3) Relationship to Owners. Castrated cats usually become more docile, affectionate and playful with their owners.
Unless you are looking to use a male cat for breeding purposes there are a lot of disadvantages to keeping an entire male cat and few advantages.
A castrated cat has fewer medical problems, eats less, lives significantly longer on average and does not add to the pet over-population problem and makes a more loving and rewarding pet.
Spaying and your cat
What is spaying?
Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus of a female cat. It is performed as a routine surgical operation under general anaesthesia and the cat is admitted in the morning and usually collected later the same day. The procedure is generally performed through a small incision on your cat’s left side, however, in certain circumstances, it may be performed on the cat’s belly. Some owners elect to have the procedure performed on the belly in pedigree or show cats as there is a chance that the hair that is shaved for the procedure may regrow a slightly different colour. Although there is no harm in this, it may look a little strange and would not be ideal in the show ring. There is a small surcharge for a ‘midline’ spay as it takes a bit longer to perform and requires a few more materials.
We recommend female cats are spayed at 5-6 months of age. If your cat has recently had kittens it can be spayed as soon as the kittens are weaned.
Why are female cats spayed?
The primary reason for spaying is to prevent unwanted kittens from being produced. Other benefits include:
1) Calling. Female cats, once sexually mature, are triggered to come into season or call (i.e. be receptive to a male cat) by the photoperiod or length of daylight. This period of calling usually lasts from March to September for outdoor cats, but indoor cats exposed to artificial electric light can call all year round!
2) Roaming. The desire to roam in order to find a mate increases the risk of fighting or road traffic accidents. Un-neutered females are also at risk from contracting sexually transmitted diseases, feline leukaemia and feline aids are common among un-neutered cat populations and unfortunately these diseases are fatal.
Unless you want to use a female for breeding purposes there are few advantages and many disadvantages to keeping an un-neutered female cat.
Neutered cats have fewer medical problems, live longer on average, don’t add to the pet overpopulation problem and make more loving and rewarding pets.
For further information contact us and speak to one of the team.