The decision to spay or neuter your cat is an important one, but one that should not be taken lightly. When it comes to the future of your cat and its genetic integrity, you need to take time to research the pros and cons of spaying and neutering before proceeding. Although most cats will benefit from having their reproductive organs removed, not all do. You will also want to consider how your own feelings about your pet, as well as your pet’s feelings towards you, play into the decision. This article will help you understand the process of taking care of your cat after spaying or neuting.
Spaying is the surgical removal of the ovaries or testes from the body of your cat. Because this operation has such a profound effect on a cat’s ability to produce hormones, it is often recommended by veterinarians as the best method for altering the gender of your cat. This is because female cats naturally outgrow their reproductive organs as they age, so they have no use growing new ones. Neutering, on the other hand, removes the testes from your cat’s body as a means of reducing his or her chances of producing additional male hormones, which is one of the primary causes of the presence of male cats in breeding environments. Having both operations performed at the same time, or soon after, ensures that your cat will have a chance to develop a balance of male and female hormones.
Your veterinarian may choose to have both surgeries done at the same time, but you may prefer to have one surgery performed first so that your cat can get accustomed to the operation before being neutered. It is normal for your cat to become nervous and agitated prior to the operation, but he or she should not become distressed over the entire ordeal. Cats are often accustomed to the idea of getting spayed or neutered and may even express approval by snuggling up to you or displaying other signs of comfort. Before your cat gets on board with the whole procedure, though, it is important for him or her to learn the difference between the two. Neutering takes place after the cat has been spayed, while spaying occurs before that first step.
One of the many benefits of having the neutering procedure done first is that your cat will be less likely to develop any behaviors that resemble the old habit he or she had before breeding. The entire breeding process only happens in the first two years, so your cat will probably have already developed a reasonable immunity to potential contaminants. This is another reason why it is critical to spay your cat as soon as possible, even if your pet is only two years old. The possibility of a problem is very low if your cat is neutered before breeding.
During the first few days after spaying or neutering, you will need to keep your cat away from things that could distract him or her from the procedure. It is a common practice to leave food, water, and litter boxes out of reach. Even if your cat wanders inside to eat, keep an eye on him or her and remove the food promptly. The main thing you should be concerned with is the possibility that your cat could try and eat some of the neutered kittens that came from your partner’s litter. This can happen when there are many of them and there are not enough adults to control the reproduction. It is also a possibility if the litter did not come from a healthy mother.
When taking care of your cat after spaying or neutering, you should give him or her the same care that he or she would have received had he or she been pregnant. Cute kittens may wander about the house, but they are more susceptible to being eaten by a larger cat or a stray. In addition, it is possible for your cat to develop an immunity to the anesthesia used during the procedure. Talk to your vet about this issue and consider bringing your kitten back into the same environment as the neutered male once he is fully healed. Be sure to keep the litter box in one spot so that your cat will not accidentally “brush” against the side of the cage when going about its business.
If problems occur after the surgery, they can be avoided if you take care of your cat before and after neutering. Make sure that your cat has a clean bed to sleep on, one with no raised edges on the sides. Neutering males that have not been “fixed” may leave their genitals exposed, which can encourage other stray cats to prey upon them. You may want to invest in a towel or similar product to use on your cat’s bed until it is time for the operation.
If you have any questions about taking care of your cat after spaying or neutering, speak to your vet. He or she will be able to answer any questions that you may have and guide you in the right direction. Before having your cat “fixed”, you must be sure that you understand all of the details of the procedure. The more you know ahead of time, the better prepared you will be. When you are ready, your cat will thank you for the procedure and will look forward to his or her new, cleaner coat!
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