If you've ever got a new kitten, you've probably heard your veterinarian discuss a cat spay at her first check.
A cat spay is a routine prevention surgery that helps control pet population and reduces the risk of many unwanted health conditions, such as pyometra and breast cancer.
This operation is usually done at your local veterinary hospital or spay and castration clinics.
Key dealers
- Spaying of your cat prevents pregnancy and offers great health benefits, including a reduced risk of breast cancer and uterine infections.
- The procedure is routinely and securely, with a low degree of complication, and the costs usually range from $ 50- $ 500 depending on the clinic.
- Recovery takes 10-14 days and involves limited activity, pain treatment and monitoring for signs of infection at the average.
What is a cat spay?
A cat spay is a surgical procedure made by a veterinarian to remove the cat's ovaries and uterus.
This prevents the cat from getting pregnant with kittens and reduces the risk of breast cancer later in life.
SPAYS are extremely common procedures with most household taxes that have made them while they were kittens.
A cat spay is a routine prevention surgery that helps control pet population and reduces the risk of many unwanted health conditions.
Protection and animals routinely save cats before adopting them to pet parents as well.
It is recommended to spay cats before their first heat bike. Cats can be spay under heat but it is not recommended. Spaying A cat under the heat entails increased risk of complications, such as excessive blood loss, greater pain and longer recovery times.
What happens during a cat spay?
When a cat spay, she must undergo general anesthesia. To prepare, a veterinarian makes a thorough physical examination on the cat. The heart and lungs will listen to find some deviations that can be problematic for anesthesia.
Sometimes blood work or urinals can be done to ensure that there are no underlying health problems. When the veterinarian decides that the cat will be safe during anesthesia, her operation preparation may begin.
The veterinarian will give your cat some medication to keep her calm. A small area of ​​your cat forearm will be shaved and cleaned so that a catheter can be placed in her vein. This catheter is used for emergency access and to provide fluids during surgery if necessary.
Medication will be given directly in your cat's vein to start anesthesia. An endotracheal tube will be placed in the throat to allow oxygen and inhaled anesthesia to be given during surgery.
Surveillance equipment, such as an ECG or pulse oximeter, is attached to ensure your cat's safety during the spay.
When your cat is anesthetized and monitored, a small area in your stomach will be shaved and scrub clean before the veterinarian starts the spay.
During the spay, a small incision is made in the cat's lower stomach through which a veterinary surgically removes the ovaries and uterus. Then your stomach is closed with seams, and your cat wakes up from anesthesia.
Why does cats have to be spay?
Cats should be spay to prevent future pregnancies and to promote general health and well -being. A spay has many specific benefits, including:
Risks for a cat spay
Cat -Spaying is a secure procedure with a low degree of complication. The risk of a cat having a serious complication, such as death, from a spay is extremely low, with studies that quote a mortality of 0.05%.
Most spay is made on young, healthy cats, which reduces the likelihood of complications. Although rare, potential risks are involved in a spay include:
Pet parents should always ask their veterinarian all the questions they have before the procedure.
Spaying A cat under the heat entails increased risk of complications, such as excessive blood loss, greater pain and longer recovery times.
Your veterinarian can deal with all problems, explain what a pet parent can expect in detail for the spay procedure and explain all the risks from the operation for their special cat.
The effectiveness of a cat spay
Studies have shown that spaying cats are very effective and safe. A study from a high volume spay and castration clinic noted that the survival rate for cat spay was 99.95%.
Pyometra is a serious problem for unresolved cats, but the risk of a spayed cat developing this condition is almost zero because the uterus has been removed. In addition, a study showed that cats spaying before 6 months of age had 91% reduced risk of breast cancer compared to intact cats.
Cost for a cat spay
Cat Spay can vary anywhere from $ 50- $ 500 depending on location and type of plant on which the operation is done. Spay and castration clinics are cheaper than veterinary hospital with full service. Some companies, including shelters, can offer free spaces.
If pet parents find it difficult to provide this procedure, they can apply for Carecredit, choose a local spay and castration clinic or ask about incentives offered on an animal welfare or through the local veterinary turquacy house.
Preparing for a cat spay
The night before a cat spay, pet parents should follow their veterinary instructions on food and water. It is usually recommended to keep food for 12 hours before the surgical procedure, but this may vary from case to case.
Water is generally ok to keep in your cat bowl.
Make sure to ask your veterinarian if specific instructions related to all medicines your cat can take.
Since many cats get worried when you have to travel in the car, your veterinarian may prescribe a light sedative, such as trazodone, to relax your cat before the trip to the veterinary hospital.
Pet parents can also use Feliway spray or diffusers in the cat carrier and the areas where the cat will stop before entering the car.
Care and recovery after a cat spay
Cats usually recover within 10 to 14 days after surgery. During this time, cats will have to wear a cone to prevent them from lick their cuts.
They should also be stored in a quiet area where their activity, such as running and jumping, can be limited.
A check by the veterinarian will be made after 10 to 14 days to ensure that the average site has healed correctly. Pain medication, such as Onsior, can be prescribed to keep a recovery cat comfortable.
During recovery, pet parents should look at signs of infection or inflammation (swelling) at the cut site that can develop after surgery. These may include:
If you notice any of these characters, call your veterinarian for guidance to prevent complications.
Alternatives to a cat spay
There are no generally accepted alternatives to the spay procedure for cats.
Research is underway to explore various alternatives with a specific to study gene therapy as a form of contraceptives (birth control) for cats, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA).
It is not known when or if any options can eventually be offered pet parents.
Cat spay common questions
How much does spaying cost a cat usually?
The cost of spaying a cat can vary greatly depending on location and the type of clinic chosen. Many shelters offer free spays. Local veterinarians and spay and castration clinics can charge anywhere from $ 50- $ 500.
Does female cats change after being spayed?
Spaying reduces negative behavior, such as aggression and roaming. It can also lead to cats getting extra weight over time.
What is the best age to spay a female cat?
The best age to spay a female cat is when they are young, especially before their first heat bike. This generally occurs about 6 months of age.
How long does it take for a female cat to heal after being spayed?
Cats usually recover from a spay within 10-14 days.
What is a cat spay?
A cat spay is a surgical procedure made by a veterinarian to remove the cat's ovaries and uterus. This prevents future pregnancy and reduces the risk of several health conditions.
Is spaying painful for cats?
The actual spay procedure is not painful for cats because they are under general anesthesia and cannot feel anything. During recovery, however, cats may have pain at the surgical site, which is handled with pain medications.
References
Levy, JK, Bard, Km, et al. Perioperative mortality in cats and dogs undergoing spay or castration at a high volume clinic. The veterinarian. 2017; 224: 11-15. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.TVJL.2017.05.013.
