Castration in Cats
see video about neutering here
General Information
Castration (neutering) is the surgical removal of the testicles. When a cat is castrated before sexual maturity (6 to 8 months of age), the sexual characteristics fail to develop and the cat is sterile (unable to impregnate a female). Sexually-driven behavior, such as roaming, fighting, and urine spraying, is either eliminated or markedly reduced. Neutered males may still enjoy hunting such things as mice, chipmunks, birds, and crickets. Neutering also reduces the strong urine odor associated with male cats.
Surgical Procedure
Your pet will be given a preoperative physical examination to help ensure its safety during anesthesia and surgery. The operation is performed under general anesthesia. Recovery is generally uneventful, the hospital stay is short, and aftercare is minimal.
Home Care After Surgery
1. Diet: Follow the instructions checked.
Offer your cat a small amount of its regular diet this evening. Make sure he has plenty of fluids.
2. Activity: Confine your cat indoors for 1-2 days.
Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur
- Your cat vomits or is reluctant to eat.
- Your cat seems depressed or lethargic.
- Bleeding or swelling occurs at the surgical site.
Important Considerations Before and After Surgery
- Do not feed your cat for 10 hours before admittance for surgery.
- Restrict your cat’s activity for 3 days after surgery.
- Suture removal is not necessary. Sutures will dissolve on their own.
- Offer your cat a small amount of its regular diet this evening.
- Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur
- Your cat removes a suture or otherwise irritates the incision.
- Your cat refuses to eat or is depressed after the first day home.
- Your cat’s general health changes.
