Why is spaying and neutering your cat important for their health?
Cats generally hit puberty between 8 to 10 months of age. Once they reach puberty, females will come into heat, and males will start exhibiting testosterone-driven behaviors that most owners find undesirable. These behaviors include spraying and urine marking in the house, attempting to escape, and sometimes showing increased aggression toward other animals in the house.
When do you recommend spaying cats, and what does the process involve?
We recommend spaying cats between four and six months of age. The process involves bringing them in for a day for the procedure. Here at the clinic, we provide them with ample pain medication. We use a product called Zorbium, which offers pain relief for four days. So when your pet goes home, they have four days of complete pain relief. Additionally, we use Anor, an anti-inflammatory, for three days after surgery. Usually, by this point, most cats are back to normal and act as if nothing happened.
What aftercare is required for a cat that's been spayed or neutered?
Aftercare involves keeping the cat somewhat quiet and calm, which can be challenging. We advise against letting them jump on and off the refrigerator or counters, trying to keep them quiet for the first week to 10 days while the incisions heal. This helps avoid extra inflammation, swelling, or issues with the incision sites.
Are there any changes in their diet after spaying or neutering?
Yes, once cats are spayed or neutered, their metabolism tends to decrease. If you've been using free-choice feeding, where food is available all the time, we recommend switching to meal times. Spayed and neutered cats tend to become overweight, and cat obesity is one of the most common issues we see. Preventing obesity by providing measured amounts at meal times improves the longevity of your pet and keeps them happy and healthy.
Are there any behavioral changes in cats that aren't spayed or neutered?
Cats that are not spayed or neutered tend to be more vocal, particularly females when they come into heat. They tend to be quite vocal about it, which can bother many owners. Cats that aren't spayed and go through routine heat cycles without having a litter of kittens can be at risk for uterine infections, which are life-threatening and surgical emergencies.
What can be done about spraying behavior in cats?
Cat spraying, once it starts, can be challenging to stop. Neutering decreases the testosterone drive to mark territory, but you may still have a cat that knows how to do it. Some cats may continue to spray even after being spayed and neutered.
If you have any questions about spaying or neutering your cats, please give us a call at the office at (319) 220-5926, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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