Having your cat spayed or castrated not only helps solve the serious problem of a burgeoning population of unwanted cats but also makes for friendlier, easier-to-live-with pets.
What are the health benefits of neutering a cat?
Spayed female cats are more relaxed, playful and affectionate, while castrated males are calmer and less likely to 'spray' or urine-mark their territory, wander away from their home or fight. Plus, sterilisation has health benefits - it minimises the risk of mammary cancer in females and reduces the incidence of prostate problems in males. Reducing the frequency of your cat fighting also means that it is less likely to receive injuries and infections which can be costly and cause long term problems if left untreated.
What does spaying a cat involve?
Spaying removes the uterus and ovaries of a female cat, usually around the age of six months. A major surgical procedure, it is performed under general anaesthesia. Complications are rare and recovery is normally complete within ten days.
What does castrating a cat involve?
Castration, also carried out under general anaesthesia, removes the testicles of a male cat. The small wounds that result usually heal in about a week. Less complicated than spaying, it is often performed when the cat is 6 to 12 months old.
