| Desexing female cats is called spaying, and involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus, so they cannot become pregnant and do not show signs of heat. |
Why should I spay my cat? Top
Cats are very good breeders. During most of the year, female cats (queens) show signs of being on heat for about 1 week in every 2 - 3 weeks. Signs of being on heat (or ‘calling) include miaowing constantly, rolling around on the floor and restlessness. A lot of young cats are presented to the veterinarian for the operation because this behaviour is very annoying!
The medical reasons for spaying before puberty, around 5 - 6 months of age, include avoiding infection of the uterus (pyometra) that can become a surgical emergency, and it also significantly reduces the incidence of breast cancer (mammary neoplasia). Spaying your cat also prevents unwanted litters. Some vets will recommend earlier desexing from 12 - 16 weeks of age. It is best to ask your own vet and be guided by their preference.
What does the spay operation involve? Top
Your cat will undergo a short general anaesthetic. She will stay in hospital for the day, or sometimes overnight, depending on her recovery from anaesthesia. A pre-anaesthetic blood test helps to reduce anaesthetic risk. It measures levels of kidney and liver enzymes, which is where anaesthetic drugs are metabolised, as well as blood sugar, and red and white blood cells.
The operation involves in incision in the midline of the abdomen, and after the ovaries and uterus are removed, stitches are placed in the muscle and the skin.
What happens after the operation? Top
It usually takes 24 – 48 hours to fully recover from the general anaesthetic. If released from hospital the same day, she can have a small meal that night, and remember to keep her warm as anaesthesia affects an animal’s ability to maintain their own body temperature.
Most cats are not bothered by the stitches in the surgical site, but some may attempt to pull them out. If she is continually licking and biting at the area, she will require an Elizabethan collar which prevents her from reaching the wound. Your veterinarian can supply you with this. The stitches are removed in about 10 days.
The surgical area usually swells to about the size of a small marble. If it seems larger than this, or there is discharge from the area, consult your veterinarian, as mild infections, or reactions to the suture material are not uncommon.
Editor: Dr Julia Adams BVSc
Contributor: Dr Rebecca Bragg BVSc