Procedure for Cat Neutering: How Much Does It Cost and Recovery Time?

September 26, 2011 | Healthy Cat | |

What Is Cat Neutering?

As female cats reach about 6 to 8 months, they become sexually matured. At this time, they are capable of reproducing kittens. Since many pet owners do not desire to add more cats in their households, they choose to have their cats neutered. For females, the process is called “spaying,” where the uterus and/or the ovaries are removed. In male cats, it is called “castration” and involves the elimination of the testicles.

The process of neutering will not only prevent pregnancies but would also limit undesired behaviors in cats related to their sexual development as well as their risk of acquiring some diseases.

Cost

Typically, the price of cat neutering varies, depending on the vet fees and certain factors. Spaying, which is a more complex process would be more expensive. Nevertheless, the price of these would still differ depending on the place and the veterinarian. There are also additional costs and procedures.

  • Pre-anesthesia workup on the cat’s blood will be required to guarantee that the kidneys and liver are properly functioning.
  • For overweight female cats, an extra charge has to be paid, especially if she is in heat.
  • Neutering or spaying through laser would cost more than the traditional way.

Procedure

Neutering cats is known to be the simplest operation performed of all types of veterinary surgeries. In the process, the cat should not be given any food overnight since an empty stomach is required when anesthesia is introduced.

  • In the castration process, wherein the testicles are removed, the male cat is placed under general anesthesia. Two tiny incisions are created in the scrotal sac and then the removal of both the testicles is carried out.
  • In the spaying process, or the removal of the ovaries and uterus, the female cat shall undergo a hysterectomy-like surgery. First of all, a part of the abdomen is shaved, and then a tiny incision is done to facilitate the removal of the uterus and ovaries.

Recovery Time

Cat owners play a significant role after their cat has been neutered until its full recovery. The following are some pointers when nursing a cat after the process of neutering.

  • Arriving home: The cat has to be placed in a quiet corner where it will have space and time to recover. No other pets must come in contact, especially during the first 48 hours after the surgery. Also, keep the pet from playing and roaming around for about a week.
  • Post-anesthesia considerations: Without much trouble, cats can sleep with anesthesia. However, they can also experience nausea and vomiting. When the cat has staggering gait as it walks, owners must place it in a place where it won’t accidentally hurt itself.
  • Feeding: The cat should be fed just a third of what it usually eats during the first day after leaving the vet clinic. Then, it can resume its normal feeding the day after.
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