‘Spay and Neuter Awareness Month: Guidance for cat house owners’
Taking our beloved pets to the vet to be spayed or neutered is usually a worrying time, however as February marks ‘Spay and Neutering Awareness Month’, and searches for ‘neutering’ peaking at 20,000 in January[1], what higher time to offer steering on this necessary subject.
Catrin George, animal wellbeing specialist at Animal Friends Pet Insurance has shared every little thing you have to know earlier than getting your cat neutered or spayed, together with: the professionals and cons, when they are often neutered, what’s concerned within the course of, and the possible variables on price.
What is neutering?
Catrin says: “Your cat will endure totally different operations when they’re neutered, relying on whether or not they’re male or feminine. The males are castrated, which suggests their testicles are eliminated and the females are spayed, the place the ovaries and uterus (womb) are eliminated.
“When the male’s testicles are eliminated it takes away the principle supply of testosterone, which suggests the consequences of the hormone are additionally diminished, while eradicating a feminine’s uterus means she is unable to turn into pregnant.
“These operations are carried out beneath basic anaesthesia and pets might be fastidiously monitored throughout and after surgical procedure. Cats would possibly expertise some discomfort following the surgical procedure, however they are going to be given painkillers to assist management this, and so they’ll be again to regular earlier than you understand it.”
Why ought to I get my pet neutered?
Catrin says: “Importantly, having your pet neutered may also help forestall your pet from creating severe well being points sooner or later, like sure cancers or pyometra, a severe an infection within the uterus. In cats, neutering additionally vastly reduces the chance of mammary (breast) cancers occurring as properly.
“Additionally, neutering your pet can scale back their drive to roam to search for a mate. Not solely does this forestall undesirable pregnancies however your pet can also be prone to keep nearer to house, which means they’ve much less of an opportunity to go lacking or be concerned in street site visitors accidents.
“For cats, discovered behaviours like urine spraying or mounting are prone to keep until addressed by an accredited behaviourist. However, the urine scent from male cats can go away after castration, and early neutering can have a optimistic affect in your cat’s behaviour[2].
When ought to I get my pet neutered?
Catrin says: “Cats could also be neutered from round 4 months outdated, and while it’s advisable to get your cat neutered earlier relatively than later, they are often neutered at any age after 4 months. It’s advisable to not let your cat outdoors till they’re neutered as one feminine cat and her offspring can produce 370,000 kittens in simply seven years[3].”
What occurs to my pet after they’re neutered?
Catrin says: “As your pet’s calorie consumption necessities fall after being neutered, many house owners discover that their pet positive factors weight after spaying. To keep away from points comparable to weight problems, it’s necessary to be sure you change their food regimen accordingly by lowering portion sizes.
“You will be capable to converse to your vet about their food regimen and each day energy after surgical procedure in order that your cat can stay wholesome.
“Most cats might want to relaxation for no less than just a few days after the surgical procedure till they’ve recovered totally. Your cat might want to put on a cone, inflatable restoration collar, or vet-approved physique go well with to cease them from licking their incision and forestall infections, too. During the primary 24 hours, your vet could advocate giving your cat small quantities of water, and half a portion of their meals, to minimize the chance of vomiting.
“It can also be a good suggestion to maintain a clear litter field out there in an easy-to-reach location, so your cat doesn’t need to climb or transfer too far and you can too use shredded paper as an alternative of cat litter, to forestall mud and filth from irritating them. If your cat is vulnerable to journey after they shouldn’t be, think about using a suitably sized crate to maintain them secure.”
How a lot does neutering price?
Catrin says: “The price of neutering will differ relying on whether or not you have got a cat or a canine, and their gender. The dimension of your canine can also be an element thought-about in pricing the process for canines and it is possible for you to to verify along with your vet beforehand. However the common price for a canine begins from £288 to £515, while the common for cats tends to be between £170 and £195[4]. In any case, citing a litter of puppies is an costly enterprise – and feeding these additional mouths alone can far exceed the price of neutering[5].”
Whatever you determine, it’s necessary to debate the choices and recommendation along with your vet to find out what’s finest for you and your canine or cat. All of your questions can be mentioned with a vet on the Joii app totally free in the event you’re an Animal Friends cat or canine policyholder.
For extra data and recommendation on spay and neutering for dogs or the spay and neuter procedure for cats please go to Animal Friends website.
ENDS
Notes to editor
References:
- https://trends.google.com/trends/explore?geo=GB&q=%2Fm%2F025t6rn
- https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/neutering-myths-debunked?psafe_param=1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_OetBhAtEiwAPTeQZx5n3Ykvx_9QrtYY7BXW_Syx7EXRdjl7Osp71MkmArS4ru3KFediHxoCz8oQAvD_BwE
- https://www.tnah.ca/why-wait-6-months-to-neuter-a-cat/#:~:text=Developmental%20Considerations,cat%27s%20skeletal%20and%20physical%20development
- https://www.animalfriends.co.uk/dog/dog-blog/neutering-and-spaying-what-you-need-to-know/
- https://www.tnah.ca/signs-of-infection-after-neutering-your-dog-how-to-prevent-it/
- Prices | Costs of Consults, Vaccines, Neutering & More – Links Vet
- https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog/health-and-injuries/neutering-myths-debunked?psafe_param=1&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiA_OetBhAtEiwAPTeQZx5n3Ykvx_9QrtYY7BXW_Syx7EXRdjl7Osp71MkmArS4ru3KFediHxoCz8oQAvD_BwE
About Animal Friends
Animal Friends Insurance is a multi-award profitable pet insurer. Founded in 1998, the corporate was constructed with the only real intention of offering trade main pet insurance coverage and first-class animal care to create a greater life for each animal.
Our policyholders have helped donate over £7.8 million to greater than 700 animal charities and conservancies across the globe, giving £1 million in 2022 alone. By educating and galvanizing others to behave on present occasions and accountable pet possession,
Animal Friends is driving optimistic change for animal welfare and conservation.
As one of many UK’s largest pet insurance coverage suppliers, Animal Friends presents cowl for canines, cats, and horses (together with rider insurance coverage) with a spread of various insurance policies out there, masking over 1 million pets nationwide.
To study extra about Animal Friends Insurance, go to: https://www.animalfriends.co.uk/
