| There are arguments for and against
the castration of male cats and the spaying of female cats.
The discussion below highlights the major advantages and disadvantages
for neutering your pet.
MALE CATS (Castration)
Castration involves the surgical removal of both testicles under a
general anaesthetic.
Advantages:
• Neutering reduces the likelihood of male cats wandering
(in search of a mate). Therefore, they may become more “homely”.
• A neutered cat cannot sire any unwanted kittens
• It will reduce the likelihood of “spraying”
(territory marking)
• If performed at an early enough age it also prevents the
production of a noxious smelling urine
• A castrated cat is less likely to fight. This in itself
reduces the risk of cat bite abscesses and the spread of certain
diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).
• The surgery itself takes only a few minutes, so the patient
goes home the same day. There are also no stitches required. They
are usually back to normal within 24-48 hours.
Disadvantages:
• There is the risk of the anaesthetic, but in young, healthy
animals this is negligible
• Reduced activity is occasionally seen. This, coupled with
too much food, may lead to obesity, so the diet may need to be altered
slightly following surgery. It is important to understand that the
surgery itself does NOT cause obesity.
FEMALE CATS (SPAYING)
Spaying involves the surgical removal of both ovaries and the uterus
whilst under a general anaesthetic.
Advantages:
• Prevents the female cat coming into season and therefore
prevents unwanted litters of kittens
• It reduces the likelihood of wandering/straying
• The risk of mammary tumours (breast cancer) is greatly reduced,
especially if the surgery is performed at a young age
• It eliminates the risk of pyometra, a life-threatening infection
of the uterus
• She is able to go home the same day following the surgery
Disadvantages:
• There is a risk associated with the anaesthetic and surgery,
but in young, healthy animals this is negligible
• Reduced activity is occasionally seen. This, coupled with
too much food may lead to obesity. So the diet may need to be altered
slightly following surgery. It is important to understand that the
surgery itself does NOT cause obesity.
WHEN TO HAVE YOUR ANIMAL NEUTERED
The view of this clinic is that the advantages of neutering far
outweigh the disadvantages
Our policy is to advise neutering for male and female cats from
4 months of age
If you are interested in having either procedure performed but
are on a low household income, the Cats
Protection are here to help. Depending on your current circumstances,
they will either pay the full cost of neutering or a percentage
towards the final bill
For more information on this scheme please contact our local Cats
Protection branch on (020) 8853 8666
We are also able to provide flea & worm treatment at the time
of surgery if required (additional costs apply)
|
