Desexing Cats and Kittens

What is desexing?

Surgical desexing is a safe and routine procedure where part of a cat’s reproductive system is removed. When a female cat is desexed (also known as spaying, or an ovariohysterectomy), the ovaries and uterus are removed. For male cats, desexing (also known as castration or neutering), involves the removal of both testicles.

Should I desex my cat?

Greencross Vets highly recommend that you desex your cat. Unwanted kittens will add to the already enormous problem of cats in shelters and living as strays. It is mandatory to desex your cat by a certain age in the Australian states of ACT, SA, TAS and WA.

Benefits of desexing your cat

Females

Desexing your cat is the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It is especially important for female cats as it is hard for pet parents to tell when she is in season. However, queens ‘on heat’ attract a surprising number of interested male cats. This can lead to cat fights, unwanted pregnancy, disturbed nights for owners, and often, irate neighbours.

There are also many medical benefits of desexing your female cat. The risk of uterine infections in cats that haven’t been desexed is high, and this risk increases with age. These infections are often serious and potentially fatal. The incidence of mammary tumours later in life is also much lower in cats desexed before puberty.

Males

In male cats, castration is useful in controlling behavioural issues driven by hormones. For example, it can reduce their tendency to roam and fight which often leads to injuries, abscesses, and infection. Male cats also tend to produce extremely pungent urine, and desexing can prevent this odour and further, reduce or eliminate spraying.

Medical benefits of neutering your male cat include reducing the risk of prostatic diseases and eliminating the risk of testicular cancers.

When is it best to desex my cat?

The appropriate age for desexing can vary depending on the breed and size of your cat and your lifestyle. Generally, it is best done before puberty (approximately six months of age) although the operation can be done at a later age. At Greencross Vets, we believe each patient is unique and the decision of when to desex your cat will be made in partnership with your veterinary team.

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What you should know about surgery at Greencross Vets

Before the operation

Provide your cat with a light meal and remove all access to food the night before surgery. On the day of the operation, your cat should not be provided with any food, however it is acceptable to provide them with water.

The operation procedure

1. Operating theatre – desexing is a surgical procedure performed in sterile conditions in a dedicated theatre
2. Anaesthesia – a sedative is administered, followed by a general anaesthetic
3. Surgery – this is an intra-abdominal surgery requiring skin incisions and suturing
4. Recovery – cats are carefully observed until they wake from the anaesthetic and are discharged when it is safe for them to leave
5. After care at home – this includes restricting vigorous exercise, checking the wound daily and avoiding baths
6. Suture removal – a free procedure at the vet, typically done 10 days after the operation

After care at home

An important part of a successful spaying is the home-care you provide for your cat. Strict confinement is recommended upon your return home, and running, jumping and other strenuous activities are not advised. Please check the spay wound every day for discharges, swelling, or missing sutures. If any occur, do not hesitate to call the surgery. Your cat must not be bathed until the sutures are removed.

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