Castration of cats and sterilization of cats: all the pros and cons

What is cat sterilization, main types

In everyday life, sterilization is understood as an operation as a result of which the cat’s sexual instinct disappears.
Due to some confusion in the terms “castration” and “sterilization” (in the first case, all reproductive organs will be removed, and the second implies limited manipulation), in what follows we will talk about sterilization of a cat as a general concept. Pregnancy can be prevented in cats by surgical and chemical methods. Among the operational effects, the following types of sterilization are distinguished:

Cat sterilization surgery

• removal of the ovaries (used if the cat has not given birth);
• removal of the ovaries and uterus (used for individuals who have given birth, as well as for medicinal purposes according to indications);
• removal of the uterus (rarely performed, since the production of hormones and corresponding behavior are preserved);
• ligation of the uterine tubes (also rarely done, due to the preservation of hormone levels and the development of complications).

An alternative method of surgical intervention is the use of hormonal chemicals in the form of drops, tablets or injections. Depending on the amount of the active ingredient and the composition of the products, they can suppress the sexual instinct for 1 to 6 or more months.

Most veterinary specialists advise resorting to surgery once, rather than giving the cat hormonal drugs throughout its life. This is due to lower financial costs and fewer complications.

Attention: frequent use of hormonal drugs threatens the development of oncological pathologies, digestive, neurological and endocrine disorders, and in the event of pregnancy - congenital anomalies of the fetus, miscarriages.

Pregnancy, feeding, estrus: when to have surgery?

The operation should be performed on a healthy cat two weeks before or after estrus. After giving birth, it is necessary to let the kittens grow up, wean them and wait another 3-4 weeks for the mammary glands to recover. In some cases, the intervals between estrus or pregnancy in a cat are very short, and it is not possible to wait the allotted period. The veterinarian then performs the surgery at the most appropriate time for that particular cat. Neither estrus nor early pregnancy are a contraindication to sterilization, only an aggravating factor. During estrus and pregnancy, the animal's body is weakened, and recovery after surgery may be a little more difficult, and the risk of infection and bleeding also increases. Castration is possible even at a long stage of pregnancy, but such manipulations are carried out only for serious indications, for example, if the life of the cat itself is in danger.

Pros and cons of sterilizing cats

There are both pros and cons to neutering cats, as outlined in the table below.

pros

1. You don't have to get rid of kittens.
2. The animal's behavior will not cause any inconvenience.
3. Timely sterilization helps to increase the life expectancy of your pet.
4. It is possible to prevent the development of many diseases of the cat’s reproductive system associated with estrus without mating, childbirth and hormonal changes.
5. The risk that your pet will get lost or become infected with an infectious disease in case of escape is reduced to a minimum.

Minuses

1. Surgery under anesthesia is stressful for the animal’s body.
2. The likelihood of complications developing in the postoperative period.
3. The risk of developing obesity, diabetes and other diseases associated with changes in hormonal levels.
4. Recovery takes a long time (about two weeks) and requires constant wearing of special devices.
5. If the owner “changes his mind”, it will be impossible to restore the ability to give birth to kittens.

The procedure for castration of cats

Surgical castration of a cat is recommended before the age of one year, when the animal’s genitals have not yet fully formed and there is no sexual desire. This will eliminate severe stress and minimize the risk of complications. Postoperative wounds in kittens heal faster than in adult cats.

Neutering a cat provides several benefits:

• the pet becomes more affectionate and calm;
• the cat does not “mark” the house;
• the likelihood of escapes and long-term disappearances is reduced.

The lack of sexual desire eliminates the discomfort that a pet’s heart-rending screams create at night. The cat does not run away from home, does not communicate with stray animals, and the risk of contracting infectious diseases is eliminated.

There are contraindications to castration. Such operations should not be performed on sick, weakened animals, or during periods of exacerbation of chronic diseases. Castration is performed under anesthesia. If the cat has an individual intolerance to anesthetics, the operation cannot be performed.

Pet owners should follow all recommendations for preparation for castration and care during the rehabilitation period. This will eliminate the risk of complications and ensure rapid wound healing.

At what age can a cat be spayed?

When asked when it is better to sterilize a cat, veterinary experts answer: at 7-8 months. It is believed that it is during this period of animal development that all organ systems are fully formed, the cat is ready to conceive, but there has not yet been pregnancy.

Puberty of a pet can occur earlier or later than the specified period. To determine the optimal interval, you will need to periodically show her to the veterinarian and do examinations. Performing surgery on an adult cat or a very young one is fraught with serious complications and health problems in the future.

Castration and urolithiasis

Numerous clinical studies have not revealed a direct relationship between castration and the incidence of urolithiasis. The main risk factor for the development of urolithiasis is excess weight caused by metabolic disorders. If a neutered animal is fed correctly, following the recommended diet, there is virtually no chance of stones forming in the urinary tract. Veterinary pharmacies and pet stores offer a wide range of specialized foods for neutered cats and dogs.

Indications and contraindications for sterilization

In addition to the fact that sterilization of a cat is carried out due to the desire of the owner, the operation can have a therapeutic purpose and be planned or emergency. Among the indications:

• neoplasms in the reproductive organs;
• inflammatory processes;
• changes in the mammary glands caused by hormones;
• poorly performed earlier sterilization;
• prevention of various diseases (tumors, cysts, purulent processes, and so on).

Sterilization is not carried out if the cat has:

• age less than 6 months or older than 10 years;
• CVS pathologies were identified;
• estrus;
• pregnancy;
• inflammatory processes in the body and some other disorders.

Such contraindications to surgery relate mainly to cases of normalization of the cat’s behavior and elimination of the sexual instinct. If we are talking about preserving the life of an animal (for example, during an abnormally developing pregnancy), then sterilization becomes justified.

When is sterilization necessary?

There are certain medical indications that require mandatory sterilization. These include:

• rupture of the uterine horns during childbirth;
• violation of the integrity of the reproductive organs as a result of injury, blow or strong compression of the abdominal cavity;
• the presence of frozen or decaying fetuses in the uterus;
• polycystic ovary syndrome;
• pyometra (purulent inflammation of the uterus);
• uterine prolapse during childbirth.

The purpose of these operations is to save the cat’s life, so the doctor decides to perform them independently, without asking permission from the owners.

How to prepare a cat for sterilization

Sterilizing a cat requires preliminary preparation. Except for clinical cases, the animal must be absolutely healthy. This is especially true for vaccinations and antiparasitic treatment.

Vaccination must be carried out at least a month before surgery. It significantly reduces the risk of developing infectious complications in the postoperative period, when the pet’s immune system is weakened. In the absence of vaccinations, before the intervention, the cat is given a serum injection, which ensures stable functioning of the immune system over the next 14 days. Anthelmintic measures are carried out at least 10 days before sterilization.

Preparatory measures also include:

• laboratory tests of urine and blood;
• ultrasound examination of the reproductive organs;
• cardiogram.

At the discretion of the doctor, X-rays, respiratory examinations, and others are additionally prescribed.

Important: immediately before surgery, the animal must be limited in food (8-12 hours before) and water (3 hours before).

You should take care in advance about the carrier in which the cat will be transported from the clinic to home. Additionally, you will need an absorbent diaper in case of involuntary outflow of urine, as well as a sheet or blanket to prevent hypothermia.

Examination of a cat before sterilization

Carrying out the operation

Sterilization of cats using the laparoscopic method by a veterinarian is carried out sequentially.
First, the specialist gives premedication. The animal is injected with special substances that enhance the effect of anesthetics and make recovery from anesthesia as easy as possible. The falling asleep cat is then placed on a table covered with a surgical drape.

The specialist prepares the operating area and simultaneously administers anesthesia. After double treatment of the animal’s skin with an antiseptic, a puncture is made through which the laparoscope and the necessary instruments are inserted.

After applying the ligature, the veterinarian excises the unnecessary organs and removes them from the abdominal cavity using surgical hooks. The incision is then sutured.

The procedure for sterilizing cats: methods and features

How cats are sterilized depends on the method chosen. There are three ways to perform the operation.

1. Classic method. It is a skin incision in a previously prepared area along the white line of the abdomen slightly below the navel. The length of the incision is about 3 cm. This method allows you to remove both the uterus and ovaries. Its advantage is the possibility of direct access for a specialist to the cat’s organs. The disadvantage is the long length of the suture, which can provoke infection and bleeding.
2. Using a side cut. Dissection of the abdominal cavity is carried out on the side of the midline of the abdomen, with the length of the wound not exceeding 1 cm. The method is not very convenient for performing manipulations and is used in situations where the classic option is not possible, or for tubal ligation. The advantage of the method is the rapid healing of a small incision, which reduces the risk of postoperative complications.
3. Laparoscopic sterilization of cats. It makes it possible to remove both the uterus and ovaries through a small puncture in the abdominal wall. The entire process takes place using a special device, and the doctor’s actions are displayed on the monitor screen in real time. The method is characterized by minimal trauma to animal tissue, a reduced recovery period and a low likelihood of complications. However, it is rarely used, since it presupposes the availability of appropriate equipment in the clinic and the skills of a veterinarian, which ultimately adds up to the high cost of the procedure.

Each type of operation is performed under anesthesia, and the time for sterilization of cats is determined by the chosen method and can range from 15-20 minutes to one hour or more.

Advantages of sterilization: expert opinion

Some owners bring their pets to hormonal imbalances and the development of pathologies of the uterus and ovaries, trying to eliminate the symptoms of estrus with the help of medications. Others do not dare to undergo surgery, thinking that the cat will experience physical and moral torment, considering itself an inferior female.

To avoid such misconceptions, you should gradually understand all aspects of this manipulation, and also weigh the pros and cons of various sterilization methods.

It’s worth noting right away that the cat does not feel the need for motherhood, so the absence of offspring is not an emotional trauma for her.

According to experts, sexual intercourse itself also does not give the female pleasure, but rather causes some discomfort and even pain. This confirms aggressive behavior towards the male after mating and a lack of desire to mate in the absence of estrus.

The benefits of sterilization include:

• the absence of a period of sexual heat (estrus), which brings physical and psycho-emotional suffering to the cat;
• prevention of unwanted pregnancy and offspring;
• reducing the likelihood of malignant degeneration of the mammary gland;
• increase in lifespan;
• eliminating aggression;
• exclusion of the development of cancer of the uterus and ovaries, as well as other pathological processes of these organs.

After the operation, the females become calmer and do not make attempts to break out of the house in search of a male. This is a strong argument in favor of sterilization, since a runaway pet can be hit by a moving vehicle, be subjected to violence from other animals or humans, be injured during a fight, and also develop a dangerous disease.

How to care for a cat after sterilization

Few owners have a complete idea of ​​what to do after sterilizing a cat. Meanwhile, it is the postoperative period that determines the further state of the pet’s health.

If it is not possible to leave the cat in the clinic for the first few days, and she is “discharged” home immediately after the operation, you need to learn in detail all the nuances of care from a veterinarian. Depending on the pet’s condition before and after the intervention, she may be prescribed antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs or painkillers. In addition, the specialist will tell you when (and whether) you need to come to remove the stitches, how often to do dressings, what products are best to use in this case, and other information. It would be good if the veterinarian can give his phone number so that in case of a sharp deterioration in the condition, he can be contacted without delay.

Features of transporting an animal from the clinic

You need to take your cat home not in your arms, but by placing it in a special carrier that has a flat and even bottom. Any shaking or displacement of the torso can cause the seams to separate. It is advisable to cover the animal with a light blanket or warm cloth, since due to the operation and anesthesia, the pet’s body temperature becomes lower than normal.

Where is the best place to place a cat in an apartment?

While the cat is recovering from sterilization, it is best for her to be on the floor. The owner needs to arrange the bed in advance: choose a spacious place where no one can disturb the animal, lay down a blanket, and put waterproof diapers on top. To ensure free flow of saliva, the pet should be placed on its right side.

It is imperative to ensure that the place reserved for the cat is not in a draft or near a heating device. However, you will still need to cover it; to do this, just take a light but dense fabric.

What to wear on a cat after sterilization

Cat in a blanket after sterilization

After sterilization, the cat's stomach should be isolated from the external environment to avoid infection of the wound. To do this, use a blanket - special clothing with slots for paws, fastened with Velcro or tape on the back of the animal. The device should be worn for about 10-14 days, depending on the complexity of the operation, the condition of the seam and other nuances.

Cat blankets should be washed, ironed, and then put on again. Such clothing is removed only to treat the surgical wound. To prevent your pet from taking it off, there should be no threads or loose ends of ties sticking out on the blanket. The product is selected only according to individual sizes, since the animal will easily remove a wide blanket, while a narrow blanket will interfere with blood flow.

Some owners sew such bandages themselves. Sometimes tights or socks are used as a means of improvisation, having previously cut holes. Whether the cat will wear such a blanket is unknown. Judging by the stories of owners on the Internet, many animals stage concerts or behave aggressively, even without fully recovering from anesthesia. As a result, the blanket is replaced with a collar, and the bandage on the wound is fixed with a plaster.

Coming out of anesthesia

The cat's behavior after surgery becomes inadequate and unpredictable due to anesthesia. During the first 1-2 days, the animal should not be left alone for a long time. Coming out of a narcotic state is accompanied by complete disorientation in space, staggering, wobbly limbs, screaming, meowing, aggression and other manifestations.

The duration of recovery of a cat from anesthesia can range from 5-6 hours to a day or more. But the pet usually begins to come to its senses 2-4 hours after the operation. There is no need to give her anything to drink, much less eat, at this time. It is allowed to moisten the oral cavity with water from a spoon or syringe.

How to feed a cat after sterilization

It is prohibited to feed the cat within 24 hours after sterilization. This is associated with the risk of a gag reflex (due to anesthesia) and decreased intestinal activity. Any contraction of the abdominal muscles or intestinal wall can lead to the opening of the wound or provoke intra-abdominal bleeding. Liquid food in the form of broth, meat ground and mixed with broth, porridge with water can be introduced into the animal’s diet approximately on the second day. You will need to follow a liquid diet until the stitch is removed.

If your cat refuses food and water

The first day after sterilization, the pet may not have an appetite. The alarm should be sounded if the cat does not eat or drink for more than 2 days, and all attempts to give it liquid food or water using a syringe end in failure. To recover, she definitely needs to take at least broth. To prevent dehydration and exhaustion of the pet, the owner should contact the clinic - an alternative may be intravenous nutrition.

Toilet problems

It happens that a cat does not go to the toilet after sterilization. If this happens within 1-2 days after surgery, then there is no need to worry. Due to preoperative fasting and dehydration, she simply has nothing to empty her bowels with. Other reasons for this phenomenon include:

• stress from surgery;
• the effect of anesthesia or drugs;
• the blanket gets in the way;
• the seam hurts.

Lack of bowel movements with normal appetite may indicate constipation. In this case, laxatives and a liquid diet will help. If your cat continues to have problems with the toilet more than 3 days after sterilization, you should immediately consult a veterinarian.

What risks does the owner of an unsterilized cat face?

A cat that has been sterilized on time is less eager to go outside, it completely loses the desire to reproduce, which means the risk of contracting a number of unpleasant diseases from “mustachioed gentlemen” is reduced. These include internal and external parasites, infectious diseases (usually fatal), wounds, and injuries.

Skin pathologies and hair problems

Flea dermatitis (traces of flea activity)

This is the first thing that clearly appears externally and that the owner notices. Moreover, the symptoms signal both external and internal diseases. The coat does not shine, sticks together, falls off, dandruff, black spots, and sebaceous deposits appear at the roots. The animal loses its fur in patches, constantly scratches itself, bites its skin, and licks itself constantly and restlessly. Upon inspection you can find:

• fleas;
• lice;
• lice eaters;
• foci of accumulation of subcutaneous mites;
• rash;
• scratches appear, which rot when contaminated with bacteria. The main sign of flea dermatitis is the accumulation along the spine of a strip of black dots, waste products of fleas (photo No. 1).

Infection with ear mites occurs from a single contact with a sick animal. It is enough that a microscopic scale gets on the skin of a healthy animal for the mites to settle under the epidermis in the ear and begin to actively feed and reproduce. Over time, dark plaque accumulates inside the auricle, inflammation also affects the inside of the ear, and otitis media is possible.

As a fungal skin parasite, the most dangerous is ringworm. A zooanthroponosis disease that rapidly spreads to surrounding animals and humans.

Skin allergies are a consequence of internal and external processes. It may be of an autoimmune nature or as a reaction to external irritants or food. It is very similar to the symptoms of other skin diseases, therefore differential diagnostics are necessarily carried out at the RosVet VC. Signs of an allergy may include:

• severe itching;
• bald spots with scratches;
• eczema and blisters.

More often, allergic reactions on the skin occur due to the body's reaction to flea bites and their saliva. Increased sensitivity to dust, pollen, chemicals and home fragrances, mold, etc. is possible. A negative delayed reaction can occur to ready-made foods (protein, dyes, preservatives), which gradually accumulate in the cat’s body and produce external allergy symptoms.

Diseases of the stomach and intestines

Neutered cats often prefer to stay at home or walk around it if the housing is in the private sector. Therefore, the owner can easily control the pet’s diet and completely eliminate treats from the trash heap. Animals without sterilization disappear for a long time, attending cat weddings, so they are forced to eat whatever they can. This may result in the following symptoms:

Ear mite

• vomiting, diarrhea;
• weight loss (often critical);
• dehydration (due to diarrhea);
• mucous streaks and blood in urine and feces.

By the nature of their occurrence, they can be infectious, from close contact with sick cats (viruses, parasites, bacteria) and non-infectious (constipation with foreign objects, neoplasms in the gastrointestinal tract).

This is only a small part of the diseases that await an unsterilized pet on the street. If we take into account the inappropriate behavior of the animal at the time of heat, vocal accompaniment around the clock, marks (cats at this moment pee anywhere) - then the overall picture of the problem is not happy. It’s easy to solve - even before the first heat, make an appointment at the RosVet EC for sterilization, have it done and live in peace.

What complications occur after sterilization of a cat?

Despite the simplicity of the operation, removal of a cat's reproductive organs can lead to complications. One of the most common is a lump on the stomach. It can occur due to swelling of soft tissues or excessively dividing young cells necessary for healing of the suture. In these cases, the lump after sterilization is not dangerous and gradually disappears on its own. But if the formation occurs as a hernia of internal tissues through a suture, then emergency surgery will be required.

Other possible complications after sterilizing a cat include:

• allergies to pharmaceuticals;
• deterioration in the functioning of the kidneys, heart, liver due to anesthesia;
• bleeding;
• neoplasms (in the long-term period).

The development of complications depends not only on the quality of the operation or the method of its implementation, but also on other nuances: at what age the cat is, its state of health at the time of the procedure, postoperative care, and so on.

If the cat still asks for the cat

The operation was successful, but the cat still wants a cat? There may be several reasons for this:

• tubal occlusion was performed or only the uterus was removed. In this case, the cat will not be able to bear offspring, but the production of sex hormones continues, hence the cat’s desire;
• The lack of professionalism of the veterinarian causes incomplete removal of the ovaries - even a small part left in the body will produce sex hormones. An abandoned ovary can be detected by ultrasound or gonadotropin test. This requires repeat surgery;
• with rare heredity, ectopic ovarian tissue syndrome occurs, when this organ is located in a place not intended by nature, which makes it very difficult for a doctor to find it.

• sex hormones can be produced by the pituitary gland and adrenal glands if the cat has already given birth;
• the presence of a hormone-producing tumor in the animal’s body.

Before starting to worry, wait a month after the operation and only then consult a doctor.

Features of sterilization of cats for different body conditions

Sterilization of a cat must take place in accordance with certain requirements for its age and hormonal status. However, there are situations when there is a need for surgery during pregnancy, estrus and other conditions. The owner must know in what cases this is permissible and what the dangers are.

During heat

Removal of reproductive organs during this period is not recommended, since a sharp change in the hormonal levels of the cat’s body will negatively affect its future health. The recovery period will also be longer and more difficult; the risk of developing postoperative complications increases.

Veterinary experts recommend sterilizing a cat a week after the end of estrus and no later than 2 weeks before it starts.

During pregnancy

Sterilizing a pregnant cat is also fraught with negative consequences. It is justified only in the following cases:

• abnormal development of fetuses;
• a cat disease caused by pregnancy that threatens its life;
• the animal is not able to bear kittens due to health conditions or age.

After childbirth

Sterilization of cats after birth must be carried out in accordance with certain rules:

• if the pet does not feed the kittens, you should wait about a month;
• if the cat is nursing, then you will need to wait 2 to 3 months after giving birth.

The most suitable time to sterilize an animal after lambing is 60 days. During this period, hormonal levels will normalize, the uterus will acquire its normal size, and blood circulation in the pelvis will be restored.

The following situations may be indications for emergency sterilization immediately after childbirth:

• uterine rupture during the birth of kittens;
• neoplasms of the reproductive organs discovered during gestation;
• abnormalities, damage to the placenta;
• the presence or threat of severe postpartum bleeding.

While feeding kittens

As in the previous case, sterilization of a nursing cat is done only for certain indications. In addition to the above, it is possible to carry out an operation at the request of the owner if the death of newborns has occurred and the mother still has milk. Or, if the animal is used to walking outside, the cat can become pregnant even while feeding. Such situations are a common reason why owners cannot “catch” the necessary period of time to sterilize a reveler.

Cost of sterilization of cats

The price of cat sterilization is influenced by several factors:

• pricing policy and level of the veterinary clinic;
• type of operation;
• operating conditions (suture material, anesthesia, etc.);
• complexity of surgical intervention;
• postoperative period (care in the clinic, administration of additional drugs, complications, intravenous feeding, etc.).

On average, sterilizing a cat costs from 1,200 to 5,000 rubles.

Is it possible to sterilize a cat for free?

Sterilization of cats is not a mandatory, socially necessary veterinary service. However, many cities periodically hold promotions where stray cats can be sterilized for free. In addition, in some clinics, for certain reasons (they recently opened, the staff lacks experience, as advertising), prices for this service are reduced to 400-500 rubles.

Is it possible to sterilize a cat at home?

Cat sterilization can be done at home. This is a simple operation that does not take much time and does not require the presence of an assistant. The owner can, for an additional fee, agree in advance with the veterinarian on the date of the procedure.

Sterilizing a cat at home has advantages: the animal does not need to be taken to the clinic and back, and the risk of “catching” an infection is reduced. The negative point is that if a difficult situation arises in the postoperative period, the veterinarian will not be available for resuscitation.

Sterilizing a cat, although it is a surgical intervention in the animal’s body, is a more humane treatment of it than drowning or throwing away kittens. The owner needs to think carefully before taking home a cat. If horror arises at the thought of numerous offspring, then you need to sterilize your pet and save her and yourself from suffering.

Russian problem of homeless animals

In every city and town you can see many stray cats. Most of these unfortunate animals are abandoned pets that were born after the cat was given complete freedom. There is no need to explain how difficult it is to live on the street. But animals manage not only to survive, but also to have offspring. Therefore, the number of stray cats is growing rapidly.

Street animals pose a threat to pets. They are often carriers of:

• worms,
• ticks,
• retroviruses,
• chronic runny nose,
• eye diseases, etc.

Supporters of castration and sterilization consider refusal of these operations to be irresponsible. If the consequence of such a decision is to increase the army of stray cats, these accusations are well founded.

Much attention is now being paid to solving this issue. Shelters are organized for homeless animals, and sterilization and castration campaigns are held for street cats and female cats. But this does not mean that the problem will be solved in the near future. Is it worth complicating it by justifying the refusal of sterilization on moral principles?