Spaying a female cat is a surgical procedurein which her ovaries are removed. It prevents pregnancy and is often performed so that both the cat and her owner avoid uncontrolled breeding.
Spaying brings a number of benefits, both for the cat and for her owner.
Here are a few of them:
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Population control: spaying a cat prevents uncontrolled breeding, which is especially important in counteracting excessive growth of the cat population and the problems linked to strays.
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Health: removing the ovaries reduces the risk of many diseases, such as inflammation of the uterus, which can lead to serious health complications.
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Behaviour: spaying can also help to reduce unwanted behaviour in a cat, such as aggression, territoriality or marking territory with urine.
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Lifespan: the presence of the ovaries is linked to an increased risk of certain diseases, so removing them by spaying can extend a cat’s life.
The spaying itself is performed by a veterinarian under general anaesthesia. The vet makes a small incision in the cat’s abdomen, removes the ovaries and closes the wound with sutures. After the procedure the cat should be monitored during her recovery, and the veterinarian’s instructions on post-operative care should be followed.
Here are a few ways to prepare your cat for spaying:
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Consult a veterinarian: the first step is to book an appointment. The vet will assess the cat’s general state of health and whether she is fit for surgery. This is also a good time to ask questions and get full information about the procedure.
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Special instructions before the procedure: the vet may give you specific instructions about food and water beforehand. Remember that in most cases the cat will have to fast for several hours before surgery to avoid the risks linked to anaesthesia.
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Consult a veterinarian: the vet may also recommend laboratory tests before the procedure, such as blood tests or other diagnostic checks, to make sure the cat is in good health.
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Think about safety and comfort: before the spaying, prepare a safe, quiet place where your cat can rest and recover after surgery. Give her a warm, easily accessible bed so that she can relax and avoid jumping after the procedure.
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Post-operative monitoring: once the spaying is done, it is important to follow the veterinarian’s instructions on aftercare. You will need to check the wound, follow the guidance on medication or dressings, and contact the vet if any worrying signs appear.
Before deciding to have your cat spayed, it is important to consult a veterinarian. The vet at Zviropolis can properly assess her state of health and give you all the information about the procedure itself, its benefits and its potential risks.
