At Cat Clinic of Johnson County, our Lenexa Veterinarian performs Spay and Neuter Services for Cats—and only cats. We’re cat lovers who recognize that cats aren’t just little dogs. They have very different diets, lifestyles, challenges, health needs, and ways of showing how much they love you.
As such, we understand it’s important for you to make an informed decision about spaying or neutering your cat. We’re here to share why choosing to spay or neuter can be one of the most loving decisions you make for your purrrfect companion and how we use state-of-the-art technology and technique to carefully perform these delicate procedures, so your cat can get back to the never-boring life you have together.
What Is Cat Spaying?
Cat spaying involves surgically removing a cat’s female reproductive organs, so that they not only cannot reproduce; they no longer have the instinct to do so because they’re not producing the hormones that encourage reproduction. In medical terms, this is an ovariohysterectomy (OVH). Choosing to spay a female cat has many benefits for you, your cat, and your community as it means fewer unwanted and unhomed cats in the world.
Why Spay a Cat: The Benefits
In addition to preventing a cat from being able to conceive, studies show spaying reduces your female cat’s risk of:
- Mammary tumors (breast cancer)
- Endometriosis
- Pyometra (infections caused by hormone changes)
It also stops the monthly heat cycle and the unwanted behaviors that come with it: yowling, wandering, urinating outside the litter box, frenzied rubbing on household objects, demanding your attention, being stand-offish, and rolling on the floor, which can become a tripping hazard.
It increases their life expectancy and typically their quality of life as well. It completely eliminates the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer because they no longer have those organs.
When should a cat be spayed?
A cat can be spayed at around 3-6 months or at least 5-6 weeks after her last litter. You should speak with your veterinarian about the ideal age for your cat.
What Is Cat Neutering?
Cat neutering involves removing a male cat’s testicles surgically. As a mate and reducing the hormones that encourage them to seek a mate, they’re generally more content to stay at home.
Why Neuter a Cat: The Benefits
In addition to stopping unwanted litters, suppressing a cat eliminates its risk of testicular cancer. It also:
- Stops the urge to roam
- Lessens the chance of injury outside the home
- Reduces or eliminates spraying and marking behavior
- Reduces risk of prostate diseases
- Calms them down. They often become more affectionate with their human and less aggressive toward other animals in the home.
A male can be neutered as young as eight weeks.
What to Expect During Spay and Neuter Services for Cats
You’ll typically have a pre-surgical appointment where we thoroughly examine your cat to make sure they’re old enough and healthy enough to undergo the procedure. We’ll weigh them so we know how much anesthesia to administer and may give you the option to order an additional blood tests. During this visit, we’ll answer any questions and let you know what to expect.
We schedule drop-offs for Spay and Neuter Services for Cats in the morning. This gives us plenty of time to perform the procedure and keep them in observation while they wake up.
Once they can stand up on their own, we’ll contact you to come to pick them up, usually that afternoon. They’ll be groggy for a few hours and may want to sleep. After that, they will typically seem more like their usual selves.
It’s normal to see some redness and discharge from the incision sites for up to 24 hours. We can assess if they’ll need pain medication and a kitty cone before they leave our Lenexa, KS veterinarian cat clinic.
You should keep them in a quiet place, away from other animals or small children, with a clean and dedicated litter box for at least a day.
We may recommend additional recovery steps based on their health and history.
Want to speak with a veterinarian about whether Spay and Neuter Services for Cats are suitable for your furry friend? Contact us to schedule an appointment.
