The love of animals sometimes makes both owners and their charges uncomfortable. That is why it becomes necessary to turn to veterinarians. One of the problems is the sexual function of cats or cats that live in an apartment and do not have the opportunity to show their instincts. In the owner’s mind comes the thought of whether the castration of a pet is necessary or whether it is contraindicated and not humane.
Debate about the benefits and harms
There is an ongoing debate among pet breeders about the benefits and harms of castration. But sometimes such an operation just saves the cat from many problems.
While the kitten is small it delights with its games, mischievous pranks, no smell if the animal is accustomed to the litter box. A few months pass and good Waska turns into an important Basil, who is possessed by the natural instinct of mating for the sake of reproduction.
In the wild such a change of behavior of a cat may not even be noticed if he regularly goes out and communicates with cats. In the confined space of an apartment, the animal goes through a period of torture, which torments not only the cat, but also everyone around him.
Nervousness, the constant striving for the door, the window, the loud and demanding barking, the terrible smell from the marked territory - all this is evidence of the cat’s sexual attraction. The pet gets stressed if it has not fulfilled its natural duty.
If the pedigree cat was purchased for commercial purposes, it should be provided with the desired object, so that the cat will calm down and benefit the owner. But if the cat was only taken for personal enjoyment, to live in the house, it is worth taking care of its health. Cat neutering becomes the right way out.
The benefits of the procedure greatly outweigh the harm to the animal. Risks are possible, but in individual cases, which will be discussed later.
Are “neutering” and “spaying” synonymous
In circles of people with no medical training, there are often inaccurate definitions of castration and spaying. Many argue that castration is only for cats, and spaying is a surgery for cats. Only these are incorrect judgments.
Castration and spaying procedures can be performed on both male and female cats. What differs is the surgical process itself.
- When an animal is castrated, all or part of the glands and organs of the reproductive system that contribute to reproduction are removed. In cats it is the ovarian testes, while in cats, in addition to the testes, the uterus may be cut out. This suppresses the sex drive and changes the behavior of the neutered;
- During sterilization there is a partial elimination of the problem - the ability to reproduce. The cat’s fallopian tubes are ligated, and the cat’s seminal canal. The sexual function itself does not lose its strength, which causes new urges for the animals to mate.
According to veterinarians, castration is a more humane procedure for the pet. Neutering is welcomed as long as the animal is not deprived of the ability to find a mate and perform intercourse without producing offspring. It can also be the reason to go to the clinic for a neutering operation for cats and cats to remove organs due to the development of a serious illness.
Knowing the difference between the two similar procedures for cats and cats, the owner will make the right decision for their pet.
The right way to do things
In order for the surgery to be successful and not harm your pet, it is important to approach the matter with knowledge. There are age parameters that veterinarians consider optimal for neutering a cat. Some experts argue that a cat should be neutered before six months of age. But there are more supporters of later dates, when the baby will enter the stage of puberty.
But everything should not happen before the first mating of the ward. If mating takes place, the cat will understand the beauty of the process and further the formation of attraction will take place on a cerebral level. The first urges are only at the level of the testes and are in no way controlled by the mind.
It is better to visit the clinic at the age of seven - nine months. It depends on the parameters of the animal and its health. If the operation is done at an early age, there may be a risk of complications in the development of the urinary tract, which is fully formed by 8 months of age.
Early intervention in the genitourinary system will disrupt the natural development cycle and cause formation of urolithiasis due to obstruction of the ducts. More precise timing of castration of a cat can be discussed with the veterinarian.
Castration at an advanced age
Sometimes castration of a cat comes at a mature age. This is not due to discomfort from hormonal manifestations, but for health reasons. A cat who is not deprived of his manhood is more susceptible to diseases of the genitourinary system, which make themselves felt at a mature age or earlier. In this situation, surgery becomes more stressful for the animal than in the first year of life.
This is another argument in favor of neutering and the possibility of prolonging the full life of the animal. But you need to understand exactly when to castrate a pet.
The specifics of the operation and the sequence of steps
Castration surgery involves several steps:
- examination of the patient;
- preparation for surgery;
- choice of anesthesia;
- introducing the cat into the state of anesthesia;
- the operation;
- coming out of anesthesia and rehabilitation.
Each point is important for a positive result.
Examination by a veterinarian
Conducted in advance or on the day of surgery. The doctor examines the cat according to different criteria:
- The condition of the coat and teeth;
- The absence of enlarged lymph nodes;
- the condition of the mucous surfaces;
- measurement of body temperature;
- listening to breathing and heartbeat.
If other types of diseases are suspected, the doctor performs diagnostics of blood, urine, abdomen, heart Ultrasound or ECG may be prescribed.
Only after full confidence in the cat’s health, the doctor will prescribe an operation and tell about the measures of preparation for it
Preparing for surgery
Preparation includes recommendations for diet or possible starvation the day before neutering. It is advisable to eliminate drinking two to three hours before the procedure. This will help reduce the side effects of anesthesia and give the body extra strength to recover from surgery.
The question of preparation also includes the choice of the place where the castration of the pet will be performed. There are two ways:
- at the clinic;
- at home.
It is important to assess all the circumstances:
- Whether you will be able to provide your pet with proper care after surgery;
- Whether there will be any complications during the procedure that require procedural conditions;
- Whether there is time to be with the cat during all manipulations;
- Whether moving the cat to an alien environment will cause stress.
It is important to answer all the questions that arise in your mind when choosing, so that you can choose the method that is right for you and your pet.
Choosing anesthesia for the cat
Cat grooming takes place with anesthesia. This is the most important step in the entire operation. If the anesthesia is done correctly and the drug does not have a prolonged effect on the body, the animal will not feel any complications or changes.
When choosing anesthesia, it is necessary to discuss the matter with the doctor. The drug can be administered intravenously or by inhalation. It is more effective and safer to inject the drug into a vein. This way the drug penetrates all organs faster and makes it possible to proceed with the castration.
If the owner has additional funds, it is possible to install a drip so that the drug can leave the body faster and less intoxication will occur, which is dangerous for the cat.
Conducting the surgery
If all preparations are taken care of, castration lasts less than 10 minutes.
- During this time, the surgeon makes an incision on the scrotum to allow access to the testes;
- Inside the scrotum, the canal is ligated and the testes, which are responsible for the cat’s reproductive function, are removed;
- The incision site is then treated and sutured if necessary. The surgical site is powdered with a disinfectant powder. This concludes the castration.
Since the operation is non-positive, there is not much harm done to the cat. The owners can take the cat home immediately or leave it for a day under the supervision of veterinarians.
The most difficult stage is when the cat comes out of anesthesia. The cat may be weak, lethargic or wobbly. It is desirable to place him for a couple of days in a secluded place on the floor. High beds are contraindicated for a while. The cat can fall off them and injure himself.
What to expect after neutering
If the cat is neutered in time, he will not show much change. The lethargy and weakness will pass in a couple of days. The pet will start to play, eat with the same excitement. Now it is necessary to monitor his diet to avoid problems with excess weight.
Obesity is not related to castration itself, it is the result of a sluggish and sedentary animal. The absence of testes slows down the metabolism. So it’s best to reduce portions and reduce the caloric content of food. Usually the veterinarian recommends the use of specialized food for neutered cats. It should be from the best manufacturers with only good reviews from consumers.
If the pet received home-made food, you can not change the diet, but pay attention to the amount of food. There should be no overeating during the period after neutering and beyond. Keep your pet busy with playful activities and do not let him eat or sleep. That is not why you took the cat.
The financial aspect of neutering
**How much it costs to have a cat neutered **depends on many things:
- The place of residence (city, region);
- the status of the veterinary clinic;
- the place of surgery (at home or in the clinic);
- The type of anesthesia and the use of additional drugs;
- the need for patient care after surgery;
- the presence or absence of postoperative complications.
The average price of the service ranges from 1,500 to 8,000 rubles. Check with the clinics in your area for more precise information and to find out what is included in this price list.
By choosing to have your cat neutered you create a comfortable environment for everyone living in the same apartment. Even residents of private homes are better off having their animals undergo this operation. Very often cats are lost because of their exhaustion during the mating season. Prolonged sitting around waiting for a tidbit will exhaust the cat, which weakens its immune system. That’s why free-range cats get sick more often and live shorter lives.
Protect yourself from unnecessary stress and reason to choose a new ward.