DESEXING YOUR CAT
There are a number of various opinions about
having your cat desexed. With the correct
knowledge you can make an informed
decision about your pet’s future and the
advantages of having them desexed.
Basically, desexing your cat involves the
surgical removal of their reproductive organs
so that they cannot reproduce.
Having your female cat desexed prior to her
first season, will greatly reduce her chances
of developing mammary, ovarian or uterine
cancer later in life. It will also eliminate her
from developing a potentially fatal infection of
the uterus called pyometra. But, if your cat
is already mature or has had kittens in the
past, it is not too late to have her desexed.
Desexing operations are the most common
surgeries performed at the veterinary clinic
and are relatively quick and easy surgical
procedures. Desexing your cat is an
affordable procedure and involves your cat
having to stay at the clinic only for the day.
They are admitted to hospital in the morning
and can return home that same afternoon.
After a few days of the rest, your cat will be
back to him or herself again.
In males, the desexing operation is called a
‘castration’ procedure and involves the
removal of the testicles so that sperm cannot
be produced to impregnate a female cat. A
castrated male cat will also be less likely to
roam about the neighbourhood; will not ‘mark’
their territory by urinating on everything inside
and out; and will be less inclined to fight with
other male cats.
In females, the desexing operation is known
as a ‘spey’ procedure and involves the
removal of the uterus and ovaries so that she
cannot come into season, be attractive to
male cats or have litters of kittens. A female
cat becomes sexually mature anywhere from
6-12 months of age, therefore the best time to
have her speyed is from 5 -5½ months old,
before she reaches sexual maturity. Once a
female cat reaches sexual maturity, she will
come into season every 3 weeks for a week
at a time. She can cycle like this all year
round. When a female cat is in season, she
is observed to become very vocal; will roll
about on the ground as though playing;
become very affectionate and rub against
things; and crouch down and raise her rear
end into the air when scratched or patted
above the tail. Cats are induced ovulators,
which means that they do not ovulate until
they are mated, so the sperm and egg unite
at exactly the right time. This is what makes
cats such prolific breeders.
A male cat that is left
entire has a much
greater chance of
contracting fatal
diseases such as
Feline AIDS, which is
spread through saliva
and blood during
fighting. Male cats that have Feline Aids can
also infect females during mating. The
unborn kittens can also become infected.
A male cat becomes sexually mature from
approximately 6 months of age. Sexual
maturity is indicated by the production of
mature sperm. The exact timing of this is
more difficult to gauge compared to sexual
maturity in a female cat.
By having your male cat desexed before 6
months of age, you will greatly reduce
undesirable behaviours such as urine
spraying and fighting. You will also eliminate
SOUTHSIDE VETERIANRY SURGERY – PH. 4033 2900
his chances of developing testicular cancer in
later life. However, if your male cat is older
than 6 months of age and is still entire, it is
never too late to have him desexed.
Contrary to popular beliefs, a desexed cat will
not become fat or lazy, nor will desexing
change their temperament or personality.
They can, however, require fewer calories
once desexed but by managing their diet,
your cat will remain in trim and peak
condition. Desexed cats also become a
better pet as they will be more attuned to you
instead of being preoccupied with roaming,
fighting other cats and mating. If you are not
a registered breeder, it is a very good idea to
have your cat desexed. There are enough
unwanted litters of kittens euthanased each
year because they cannot find loving homes.
SOUTHSIDE VETERIANRY SURGERY – PH. 4033 2900