Spaying and neutering cats are two surgeries that remain surrounded by myths. Many people still think that cats should have litters of kittens to be happier or feel “fulfilled,” as if they were people.
The truth is that controlling their reproduction brings benefits to the community, because it prevents the proliferation of “stray cats”, and also to the animals themselves, because it reduces the risk of contracting various diseases.
The masters must lose their fear of these operations. In general, they are surgeries that take less than half an hour.
Cats can procreate from six months, with two heats per year and in each litter they can have between three and twelve kittens. When they are small, it will be easy to give them up for adoption, but as they grow, their most likely destination is a shelter or, outright, abandonment.
Before talking about the benefits, it must be clarified that there is no ideal age for these operations, although, in general, they are performed when the cats are about six months old and always when they are not in heat. To be sure, of course, consult the veterinarian.
Owners must lose their fear of these operations, because they are low risk and the animal will most likely be back home a few hours after they are performed. In general, they are surgeries that take less than half an hour.
On the day of surgery, the cat must be fasting (12 hours without food and 3 without liquid).
Another myth is that after castration, cats become fat and lazy. This is unfounded since there is no cause-effect relationship between surgeries, obesity or lower feline activity.
In the male, castration consists of removing both testicles, while in the female it consists of removing the ovaries and, sometimes, also the uterus. Sterilization consists of tying the fallopian tubes in the female and cutting the seminiferous ducts in the male. In both cases, the animals will continue to have periods of heat during which they will assume typical behaviors, such as frequent meowing.
Neutering or sterilizing prevents unwanted pregnancy and helps reduce the population of “stray cats.” But they also provide benefits for the animal.
In females, it leaves them safe from suffering from diseases of the uterus or ovaries. In addition, it reduces the risk of suffering from breast cancer or pseudopregnancy. In males, it eliminates the risk of suffering from diseases linked to the testicles, such as cancer, and to testosterone.
Behaviorally, reducing sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone and testosterone) reduces the likelihood of males urinating where they shouldn’t or fighting with other males. In females, they will have less interest in males and will be less aggressive.
On the day of surgery, the cat must be fasted (12 hours without food and 3 without liquid), it must be carried in a transport box or in a ventilated bag and remember to also bring a blanket to keep it warm after the operation. . For more information about castration in the City of Buenos Aires visit this site. Also on the Protenencia program site.
