The Cat Desexing Procedure Explained
Vets and cat adoption charities recommend having your cat desexed as early as possible to prevent having to find homes for unplanned kittens. Desexing cats can also reduce their risk of developing certain health problems. For example, male cats are less likely to develop prostate cancer, and female cats are less likely to develop kidney and urinary tract infections if they are desexed. The desexing procedure is relatively inexpensive and is a routine procedure that is carried out as a day case. Your cat will require a general anaesthetic and will take a few days to be back to their normal self after the procedure.
An Overview Of The Desexing Procedure
The procedure will differ for male cats and female cats, but regardless of the sex of your cat, you should make sure they are well before the procedure to minimise the risk of any complications occurring. The vet will examine your cat, and you should be prepared to give as much information as you have about your cat's overall health. Your cat will likely have to fast from the evening before the procedure, but your vet will give you detailed instructions to ensure your cat is ready for their surgery.
Male cats will have an incision made in their scrotum, and their testicles will be removed. Female cats will have an incision made in their lower abdomen, and both their ovaries and uterus will be removed. The wound is typically closed with dissolvable sutures, and your cat will remain at the vet surgery for a couple of hours after their desexing procedure. This is to ensure they are coming round from their anaesthetic as expected and to allow your vet to check their wound site looks healthy before they are discharged.
The Recovery Period
Your cat will likely still be drowsy when you collect them and take them home, but the drowsiness will wear off the same day. Their wound site will be tender for a few days, so provide a quiet space for them to recover in and try to avoid picking them up for a couple of days. You should also discourage them from jumping while they are recovering, but this can be easier said than done with cats. Check their wound daily to ensure there are no signs of infection, such as inflammation or redness, and ensure their bladder and bowels are functioning normally. If you have any concerns about their recovery, contact your vet right away.
Desexing procedures are considered to be low-risk and beneficial to your cat's overall health and well-being. If your cat is more than a few months old, they are able to be booked in for desexing surgery.
Reach out to a veterinarian for more information about cat desexing.