Cat Care: Understanding Desexing

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There are a few benefits to having your cat desexed, and it's a relatively simple and low-cost procedure that's typically carried out under general anaesthetic as a day case. In addition to preventing unplanned and unwanted litters of kittens, desexing can reduce the risk of female cats developing urinary tract infections and certain types of cancer. Desexing male cats can reduce, and in some cases stop, them from spraying in your home to mark their territory. The procedure can also reduce the likelihood of your cat developing prostate problems.  Here's an overview of the procedure and recovery period:

The Procedure

There's no special preparation required before your cat's desexing appointment, but they should be well, and you should let your vet know if you think your cat could be ill. Your vet will examine your cat before the procedure and you will be asked a few questions about their health and whether you're aware of any allergies to medication.

For females, the procedure involves the complete removal of the ovaries and uterus through an incision in the lower abdomen. For males, the procedure involves having the testicles removed through an incision in the scrotum. Staples or dissolvable sutures will be used to close the wound, and your cat will be monitored for a few hours after the procedure to ensure they recover well from the anaesthetic and are able to open their bladder and bowel normally.

Recovering At Home

When you collect your cat, they may seem a little dazed due to the anaesthetic. They will require a quiet, calm environment to recover in for at least a few days. You will need to do what you can to allow their wound to heal, so try to stop small children from picking your cat up, and consider whether it would be best to keep your cat in a separate room for a few days.

Your vet will give you instructions for keeping your cat's wound clean, and you should ensure they have clean bedding at all times. You will also need to keep an eye on their wound in case any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling or a discharge, start to appear. Contact your vet if the wound isn't healing as it should.  

During your cat's recovery period, they may not have a great appetite, but it's important to encourage them to eat and drink to prevent dehydration. Offer small quantities of food and water every hour or two, and consider offering water through a small syringe if your cat loses their appetite.

Pet desexing can be carried out from when your cat is just a few months old, and it's a routine procedure that's considered low-risk. If you have any questions about having your cat desexed, schedule a consultation with your vet for further information.

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22 October 2020

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