Neutering is the process by which a cat loses the ability to reproduce. There are several methods of sterilising cats: surgical, medical and radiation. The most reliable and beneficial to the cat’s body is surgical sterilisation, which includes ovariectomy, ovariohysterectomy, tubal occlusion and hysterectomy.
Ovariectomy is the removal of the ovaries. The hormonal background is altered, the production of sex hormones is stopped and, as a consequence, estrus stops, the risk of ovarian cysts and false pregnancies disappears. In veterinary practice, the term sterilisation is usually understood to mean ovariectomy. This surgical sterilisation is the most preferred option, but is only suitable for young cats that have not yet given birth.
Ovariohysterectomy is the removal of the ovaries and uterus. this method of spaying is called neutering and is performed on cats over one year old, with a history of childbirth and uterine pathology.
Occlusion of the fallopian tubesThe cat’s hormonal background remains unchanged, i.e. the cat’s heat, screaming and demands continue.
Hysterectomy – removal of the uterus, leaving the ovaries behind. the consequences of this sterilisation for the cat are the same as those after tubal occlusion.
Age of sterilisation
Unfortunately, veterinarians have not yet reached a consensus on the optimum age at which a cat should be spayed. Thus, a number of experts believe that, in order to prevent the cat developing health problems in the future, sterilisation should be carried out before the cat reaches maturity or first estrus, i.e. between the ages of 8 weeks and 6 months. At that time, the reproductive organs are already well formed.
Other veterinarians tend to believe that early sterilisation leads to adverse effects on the cat’s endocrine system, kidneys, retina and interferes with the normal development of a well-proportioned body and that sterilisation should be carried out immediately after the firstthis estrus.
Finally, some zoos will recommend that you wait at least up to a year for your pet’s body to be fully strengthened and formed.
Surgical spay surgery
Sterilisation is performed under general anaesthesia. To eliminate the possibility of vomiting and aspiration during anaesthesia, doctors recommend that you do not feed your cat for 12 hours before surgery.
Modern sutureless surgery techniques exist, whereby the operation is performed through a centimetre incision on the cat’s flank. Such surgery is virtually risk-free and can be performed on a very young animal as well as an older cat. The wound left after the operation is completely minor and there is no need to wear a bandage.
In most cases, the cat is able to stand up on its own feet just a few minutes after sterilisation. However, a full recovery takes between 5 and 14 days. In the home, the cat must be provided with a comfortable flat bed and regularly checkedcheck her wellbeing. The wound must never fester or bleed.
Consequences
Since the presence of oestrogens in the body leads to a decrease in the animal’s appetite, the cessation of their production in the ovaries is bound to have the opposite effect. But sterilisation slows down the cat’s metabolic process. Both of these factors lead to excess weight gain.
Thus, the most important thing you will need to do after sterilisation is to provide your cat with a diet and regular exercise. Remember that, despite the special charm of a plump cat, obesity is a disease like many others. In the absence of problems with excess weight, the cat’s hunting instinct, playfulness, vocal intonation and general activity level do not fade. There is also no change in the cat’s character, except that it may become a little milder.
According to some studies, early sterilisation has a positive effect on the external physical parameters of the cat. It leads to a stronger and calmer