Desexing for female cats

 

Female cats are normally desexed at 4-6 months of age, however the procedure can be carried out later in life. Speying involves completely removing the ovaries and the uterus. A speyed cat cannot have kittens or an oestrus (come onto heat).

 

Health benefits of speying include:

•        Eliminates the possibility of getting cancer of the ovaries and uterus;

•        Eliminates the possibility of getting a pyometra (infection of the uterus – can be life threatening);

•        Greatly reduced risk of developing mammary (breast) cancer and mastitis (inflammation/infection of mammary glands);

•        Eliminates risk of pregnancy complications. Examples include calcium deficiency, kittens becoming stuck and emergency caesarian section (c-section);

•        Less likely to escape or roam to find a mate. This means less chance of injury through fighting other animals and car accidents. It is not uncommon for a female        cat to suffer bite or scratch injuries from the tom they mate with. Diseases such as feline AIDS can be spread through biting.  

 

The benefits of no oestrus (heat) include:

Eliminates the behavioural difficulties associated with oestrus. Cats on heat will often become very frustrated and yowl constantly until they are let outside. This behavior can be very difficult for owners. It should be noted that some cats will stay on heat until they mate.  

  

Cost benefits and ethical reasons to spey include:

•        Eliminates cost of pregnancy complications (an emergency caesarian section can cost up to $4000);

•        Eliminates cost of food and vaccinations for kittens;

•        Council registration is (in most cases) cheaper for desexed animals;

•        Eliminates unwanted kittens (please remember there are already thousands of animals without homes in animal shelters across Australia).

 

Feeding:

Unfortunately speying does result in a reduced energy requirement. As with any animal, if they are fed more than they require they are at risk of becoming overweight. Speyed cats require less food than undesexed cats and therefore their diet needs to be adjusted accordingly.

 

Speying is a day procedure that we perform routinely under a general anaesthetic. Your pet does need to be fasted prior to the surgery and will have stitches for 10-14 days after. To discuss speying further or to make an appointment please call us.