Cat Neutering and Spaying

How Neuter Procedures Work

Neutering involves removing the testicles of male cats. Unless one or both of his testicles are retained, the surgery involves making a small incision in his scrotum to remove both testicles.

For a small percentage of cats, one or both testicles are retained in the abdomen. This condition is called cryptorchidism. For these cats, a small incision is made in their abdomen to remove the testicle or testicles.

Neuter surgeries are typically shorter than spay surgeries, and your cat will be closely monitored as they recover from anesthesia before going home.

How Spay Procedures Work

Spaying involves removing the ovaries and uterus of female cats. Our veterinarians will make small incisions into the abdomen, bypassing the abdominal muscles. Performing the procedure this way causes less trauma for your cat and often leads to a faster recovery.

Spay surgeries last longer than neuters, with longer surgery times depending on your cat’s age and where she’s at in her heat cycle. 

Post Cat Neutering and Spaying Operation

Before taking your cat home, our veterinarians performing cat neutering and spaying near Rio Rancho will ensure you receive full instructions for post-operative care.

With everything they’ve been through, it’s normal for your cat to feel tired once they get home. Allow them to rest, but contact us immediately if they don’t wake up easily or are overly sleepy 24 hours later.

Your veterinarian may prescribe medications to help manage their pain once you get home. Always give your cat their medications as directed by your veterinarian. Never give cats human medications.

If you’re unfamiliar with how to give your cat medications safely, reach out to our animal hospital near Rio Rancho, and we’ll be able to provide you with guidance.

Do your best to keep your cat from running and jumping for the next 10-14 days. This will keep them from ripping out their stitches and opening their surgical site.

All our Rio Rancho cat neutering and spaying procedures require that your cat wears an Elizabethan collar (E-collar) for at least 10-14 days. This keeps your fur baby from licking the surgical site, which may lead to infection.

Your veterinarian may have other instructions for you, but overall, ensure your cat eats, drinks, and goes to the bathroom normally. If your cat’s behavior changes or you see redness or oozing at the surgical site, contact our vet clinic near Rio Rancho immediately.

Why should I neuter or spay my cat?

Cat neutering and spaying near Rio Rancho has numerous benefits, including helping them live longer and healthier lives. While you may be hesitant to put your fur baby through surgery at an early age, it’s crucial to understand how they benefit from having these procedures.

Reducing Shelter and Homeless Populations

Homeless cats and kittens, and even those in shelters, are at a much higher risk of becoming injured or contracting diseases. Shelters are often overpopulated, with some euthanizing animals to control their populations.

Neutering and spaying your cats in Rio Rancho ensures fewer cats end up in shelters and on the streets.

Lowering Disease Risks

By removing their testicles, male cats will never develop testicular cancer. Neutering male cats also reduces their risk of developing inflammation and related diseases of the prostate and perianal region.

By removing the uterus, female cats can’t develop pyometra. Pyometra is an often fatal uterine infection. Spaying also reduces the risk of your cat developing mammary cancer. This is important because 80-90% of mammary tumors are malignant and often fatal.

Minimizing Hormone Related Behaviors

Reproductive hormones can cause cats to behave in specific ways. They may run away or roam more to look for mates. They may also engage in urine marking and act aggressively.

Neuter and spay surgeries may reduce these behaviors, but it’s essential to know that other factors affect the way our cats behave:

●    Genetics

●    Environment

●    Socialization

If your cat still displays these behaviors after spaying or neutering surgery, then other factors may be influencing them. When needing guidance on managing your cat’s behaviors, call our animal hospital near Rio Rancho.

Are there reasons not to neuter or spay my cat?

Despite the numerous benefits cats receive from these surgeries, knowing why they must be mature enough for these procedures is crucial.

Maturity

Our veterinarians performing cat neutering and spaying near Rio Rancho proactively ensure your cat has matured before recommending these surgeries. Immature cats undergoing these procedures are at a higher risk of developing these cancers:

●    Lymphoma

●    Osteosarcoma

●    Mast cell tumors

●    Cardiac tumors

Immature cats are also at a higher risk of developing cruciate ligament ruptures and hip or elbow dysplasia. Immature female cats undergoing spay surgeries may sometimes develop urinary infections and incontinence.

Once your cat matures, the risks of developing these diseases and conditions significantly reduce, causing the benefits of spaying and neutering to outweigh these risks.