Surgical approaches used for sterilization of cats. How to sterilize cats

Although this decision may frighten those who are not aware of why sterilization of cats is needed, in most cases, without this procedure, troubles begin, which are not always possible to cope with and require either a lot of patience or a one-time operation that can solve a lot of problems.

Is it necessary to sterilize a cat if she lives in an apartment and does not ask for a cat and when, the pros and cons and much more is discussed in this article.

Is sterilizing cats humane or a sin, dangerous or not?

According to most people, spaying cats is humane. It’s worth agreeing with them if you look at how many stray animals there are, and they appeared on the street precisely because of unsterilized cats. And if you think about the fact that newborn kittens are drowned... that’s really inhumane and a sin. Sterilized animals are much calmer than their full-fledged counterparts.

They don’t need to think about: - Where to find a couple; - They do not mark the territory in the apartment; - Do not tear up furniture; - The demography of cats is controlled;

Animals do not suffer in love fights.

If you do not want to get kittens from your pet, then it will be more useful to operate on her, otherwise, if she then takes hormonal drugs, the cat may develop cancer. The disadvantage of sterilization is that it is still an operation, before which the animal must be anesthetized. While she is walking, anything can happen, and secondly, the moment when the cat recovers from anesthesia is very painful, and time for rehabilitation must also be given.

How cats are sterilized and how you can sterilize a cat without surgery

Sterilization is an operation performed under anesthesia in which the veterinarian removes the cat's ovaries, and sometimes along with the uterus. Sterilizing a cat without surgery means giving an injection or some drops. This method is a direct path to oncology.

How does sterilization affect cats?

Your pets become calmer, more affectionate, they no longer experience discomfort during heat, they do not mark or tear furniture, and in general their character becomes better.

How long does the operation take and how much does it cost?

The duration of such an operation is approximately an hour. And the cost is approximately 2000-3500 rubles.

How can you sterilize a cat at home?

You can sterilize your cat at home by calling a veterinarian to your home. And it will be better for the cat herself, since when she opens her eyes after the operation and sees her family’s faces, she will feel better and calmer.

How cats are sterilized after giving birth, tablets, injection, through a puncture

If the cat has already given birth, then sterilization takes place as usual (surgery - the uterus and ovaries are removed). You can simply remove the uterus, but this is before 7-9 months of age. The cat should not eat 12 hours before surgery. You can give anthelmintic drugs a day before. The operation is done by making an incision along the linea alba on the abdomen below the navel, or a side incision.

At what age and up to what age can a cat be sterilized? Advice from veterinarians

It is advisable to sterilize a cat before the first heat, that is, up to 5-8 months of age. If the operation was not performed during this period, then it can be done at any age of the cat, only on the condition that both the uterus and ovaries will be removed. And when the operation is performed at an age, the cat must be fully examined: blood tests, ultrasound, ECG, X-ray, etc.

During the postoperative period, the cat should be limited in movement so that it does not jump or run. It's better to hold her in your arms for a while. You cannot feed on this day, but there should be unlimited water. The next day she needs to be given an anesthetic injection, and every day before the stitches are removed, treat the wound with peroxide. A bandage is required to be worn after surgery. It is necessary to ensure that the cat’s stitches do not get wet, veterinarians advise. Cats often become overweight after neutering, so reduce the amount of food they eat or purchase a low-calorie food. And if you have any suspicions about your pet’s health, contact your veterinarian immediately.

How to sterilize an aggressive, stray, feral, barn, or street cat

Nobody wants to sterilize stray cats: neither the state, nor people, there is a small percentage of compassionate people who cannot calmly watch how stray cats and dogs breed. Some of them donate money for sterilization, but basically everyone is stopped by the lack of money for post-operative maintenance.

Can a cat be spayed during or after her first heat or if she hasn't given birth?

When a cat is in heat, sterilization surgery cannot be performed. And the best time for this is when the cat is in sexual rest, even if she has already given birth. The type of operation that will be performed depends on whether the cat has given birth or not: removal of only the ovaries or along with the uterus.

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Sterilization of cats

Not all owners of domestic cats want the animal to continue its family line and have offspring. To exclude the possibility of unwanted pregnancy, veterinarians recommend performing an irreversible surgical contraception procedure.

Why is cat sterilization necessary?

This is a procedure aimed at stopping the reproductive functions of the body through surgery. For female cats, it is simply necessary if you do not plan to breed her. This is due to the fact that long-term use of medications for estrus can lead to hormonal imbalances and serious disorders of the genitourinary system. You shouldn’t risk your pet’s health, so worry about this issue in advance.

Types of cat sterilization

What types of surgical contraception are there? At this stage of development of medicine, there are three types:

1. Ovariectomy. The ovaries of females are surgically removed, which implies the disappearance of attraction to individuals of the opposite sex and changes in hormonal levels. This method is suitable for young individuals who have not yet given birth to kittens.
2. Tubal ligation. It only involves ligation of the oviducts, that is, the main reproductive organs continue to function, but there is no physical possibility of getting pregnant even after mating. The pet remains in heat, as well as an instinctive desire to continue the race. This technique is dangerous because inflammation of the fallopian tubes can occur.
3. Ovariohysterectomy. The process of removing the ovaries and uterus of an animal. After surgery, sexual desire completely disappears, and the pet’s behavior is corrected. This sterilization method is suitable for all representatives of the family.

There is also the concept of hysterectomy, when only the uterus is removed, after which the instinctive aspirations of the pet are preserved, but she will no longer be able to get pregnant. This operation does not correct behavior during estrus, so it is done extremely rarely.

Each type of procedure is considered a full-fledged operation and is therefore performed under general anesthesia. All methods are relatively safe for life if carried out under proper conditions and under the guidance of a veterinarian.

There is an opinion that this procedure can be performed at any age. Let's take a closer look at whether this opinion is true or not.

Sterilization and age of cats

The period of puberty in female cats depends on the individual characteristics of the body, breed, diet and activity. Veterinarians believe that it is advisable to perform the operation after the onset of the first heat. Based on this, we can conclude that the optimal age for sterilizing a cat is 6-12 months. Surgery is not performed during pregnancy, estrus or illness.

Of course, if you did not have time to carry out the operation in the required period, then you can do it later. However, it is not recommended to carry out the procedure on females in adulthood, as they have a hard time with anesthesia and have difficulty adjusting to a new diet.

What is the best way to sterilize a cat? Typically, veterinarians recommend an ovariohysterectomy, removing both the uterus and ovaries. All other methods are effective, but over time they can lead to inflammation of the uterus or ovaries, urinary tract and other organs (depending on the type). Ligating the fallopian tubes is ineffective, since the pet will retain all its reproductive instincts and will cause a lot of trouble with its behavior.

Stages of sterilization

Remember that surgical contraception should only be performed in a veterinary hospital by an experienced specialist. Depending on the method of execution, there are also several types of operations: abdominal, radiation and laparoscopic.

• Abdominal surgery is the most common way to sterilize a pet.
• Radiation - involves irradiating the testicles with radiation in a certain dosage. The method is painless, but very dangerous for the pet’s entire body.
• Laparoscopy is the safest, but most expensive method, which has its own distinctive features.

Minimal incisions are made, and then a special device equipped with surgical devices for sterilization is inserted into the body. The risks of infection during laparoscopy are minimized, and the postoperative period is milder.

The process of abdominal surgery occurs in several stages:

1. A small area of ​​fur on the abdominal surface is shaved off.
2. A dose of general anesthesia is administered.
3. An incision of 2-2.5 cm is made.
4. Using special hooks, the ovaries and uterus are removed.
5. The reproductive organs are removed with a surgical scalpel.
6. Stitches, a special bandage and blanket are applied.
7. The animal comes out of anesthesia.
8. After 7-10 days, the sutures are completely removed.

The whole process lasts about 30-40 minutes. After this, the pet is given to the owner, which involves intensive care and careful monitoring of it.

Remember that surgical contraception should only be performed in a veterinary hospital by an experienced specialist. Source: Flickr (Grhm_Rpr)

The process of recovery from anesthesia in the cat family is painful and long. At first, the animal is half asleep, coordination of movements is impaired, and the temperature is slightly reduced. Make sure that she cannot climb onto a high surface; cover her with a warm blanket. At the next stage, the pet experiences discomfort and pain, so it may meow loudly. Do not scold your pet, calm her down with stroking and gentle treatment. Do not give her water or food for 10-12 hours after the anesthesia.

The healing process of sutures lasts from 7 to 14 days. To prevent the patient from damaging the stitches, special bandages (blankets) are used that limit access to the wounds. As a rule, in addition to treatment after sterilization of a cat, veterinarians prescribe antibiotic therapy to avoid infectious inflammation.

Follow all doctor's orders. Then you must visit the clinic again so that the specialist can remove the stitches and check the general condition of the pet.

Remember that after forced contraception, the female’s hormonal levels change, so adjust your diet. High-quality postoperative care for your cat will ensure rapid restoration of strength and activity for your cat.

Sterilization of cats: reviews

Feedback about this procedure is quite contradictory, since most animal owners are not aware that the postoperative recovery process is complex and lengthy.

Diana, St. Petersburg:

“Before sterilization, our cat was very wild, sometimes aggressive. After the procedure, she began to happily lie down on her knees, is not afraid of guests, purrs and enjoys playing with children.”

Violetta, Moscow:

“We spayed our Nika when she was 7 years old. The operation was successful, but the postoperative period was terrible. She screamed and twitched for a long time, tried to get up on her paws, but everything was unsuccessful. After prolonged suffering (about 6 hours), she came to her senses, but was in a very lethargic state. We took her to the veterinary clinic again. The doctor said that this was due to the age of our cat and recommended waiting. Only a few months later our darling recovered completely. It’s very good that everything worked out.”

Svetlana, Krasnodar:

“The memories of the operation itself and the period after sterilization are not very pleasant, but now our favorite Mona has become calm and cheerful. The only negative is that you have to carefully monitor her diet so that she does not gain excess weight. We feed her special food for sterilized pets. Food is expensive, but we are calm about her health and nervous system.”

Pros and cons of the operation

The sterilization process has its positive and negative sides, which every owner of furry pets needs to know.

First, let's look at the advantages:

1. Preserves the health of the female - refusal of hormonal drugs will protect the animal from cancer, uncomfortable behavior and preserve the nervous system.
2. Normalization of behavior - the pet will not run away, behave aggressively or be overly affectionate.
3. Prevention of unwanted pregnancy - after the procedure, the cat does not retain reproductive functions, which will save you from unnecessary hassle in distributing kittens.

We must remember that sterilization is an operation, so you need to take into account possible negative consequences:

1. Allergic reaction to anesthesia.
2. A long process of recovery from the state of anesthesia.
3. Changes in hormonal levels, which can lead to obesity.
4. Infectious postoperative complications.

Negative factors can be avoided with proper operation, as well as proper care in the postoperative period. Do not forget that the health of your pet depends on your awareness and attentive attitude.

Video on the topic

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Cat sterilization: laparoscopic, pros and cons, at what age to do it, preparation

When purchasing a small kitten or an adult cat, you need to immediately decide what role the animal will play in your life. Is the fate of a future mother destined for him with the goal of breeding mustachioed offspring, or will he just be a family friend and caring for kittens is not included in your plans.

In the second case, sterilization of the cat is definitely necessary in order to exclude from her (and your) life a lot of unpleasant moments in the form of unwanted kittens, regular estrus with wild meowing and many diseases of the genital organs.

Sterilization or...

Why do veterinary specialists usually insist on surgical intervention and do not encourage regular use of hormonal drugs that affect the reproductive system? At the time of puberty (approximately at the age of 5-8 months), the cat begins to intensively produce the sex hormone estrogen. It is he who is the culprit of what many cat owners consider “inappropriate” behavior during this period, called estrus. It lasts about 1-2 weeks. The genital organs and the body as a whole undergoes all the changes inherent in preparation for potential conception and pregnancy.

If mating (fertilization) does not occur, then estrogen is replaced by progesterone - a hormone that “calms” the cat’s body, and it becomes as usual. In such cases they say that there has been a “vacation” or “the animal has been empty.” Despite the fact that cats are considered dicyclic animals (the sexual cycle occurs twice a year), the frequency of “empties” can be much higher precisely because of the lack of fertilization. All these changes bring enormous stress to the animal. Exactly like all kinds of hormonal drugs (drops, tablets and injections) that cat owners use to interrupt their estrus and completely change the functioning of the reproductive hormonal system.

All these hormonal surges, interruptions of cycles and periods of “empty periods” negatively affect the overall health of the cat, becoming the causes of the development of endo- and pyometritis (inflammation of the uterus), degeneration of the uterine lining (hyperplasia), the appearance of cancerous tumors and ovarian cysts. In some cases, these diseases lead to the death of the pet. It is to avoid all of these problems that veterinarians insist on surgical sterilization.

At its core, this operation causes absolutely no harm to the animal, and its outcome largely depends only on the surgical experience and skills of the surgeon.

Types and methods of sterilization of cats

Sterilization (or castration) is a surgical procedure in which a cat will have part or all of its genitals removed, depriving it of its reproductive abilities. Also, after sterilization, the release of sex hormones responsible for general sexual activity is reduced.

Sterilization or castration - what's the difference?

There is a fundamental difference between sterilization and castration. In the first case, only the ovaries are removed (oophorectomy), and the uterus is left. The cat remains in estrus, but fertilization does not occur. This method is more suitable for cases where the cat has free access to the street and can satisfy its sexual physiological needs.

In the second case, all of the cat’s genital organs – the ovaries and uterus – are completely removed (ovariohysterectomy). Used for domestic cats that do not have access to the outdoors. Castration is considered the most reliable way to interrupt an animal's sexual activity, because in the case of the remaining uterus, the risks of developing all kinds of inflammatory processes are high due to the lack of full function of the organ.

Currently, castration is carried out, and not sterilization in its true manifestation. But for the convenience of communication in everyday life, sterilization is called an operation performed on cats, and castration on cats.

Sterilization (castration) happens:

• chemical;
• surgical:
  • Tubal ligation is practically not used, because estrus and attraction to cats persist;
  • removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) - also rarely used, because in the absence of estrus, but the uterus is preserved, the risk of various inflammatory pathologies of the genital organs increases;
  • removal of the ovaries along with the uterus (ovariohysterectomy) is the most commonly used method of castration, eliminating estrus and reducing inflammation to zero.

Chemical castration is temporary and involves inserting a hormonal implant under the cat's skin. If suddenly the owner wants offspring, the implant is removed, the owner’s own hormonal system is launched and the sexual cycle returns.

The results of surgery remain forever. The most commonly used access to the surgical field is through an incision along the linea alba (in the very middle), and the most modern (and expensive) is sterilization using a laparoscope.

Laparoscopy, despite its high cost, has many practical advantages:

• minimal tissue trauma;
• increased level of sterility;
• excellent visibility and convenient access to the abdominal cavity;
• minimal postoperative recovery period.

Preparing a cat for surgery

Cats are never spayed without some preparation. The exception is cases when it is necessary to urgently rescue an animal. In all other planned cases, preparation for surgery consists of:

• deworming and treatment against cutaneous blood-sucking insects (lice eaters, fleas, ticks);
• trimming claws to prevent the cat from injuring itself during the postoperative period;
• the animal must be vaccinated, and at least 3 weeks must pass from the last vaccination to the operation;
• a complete examination of the cat (only healthy animals are allowed for planned operations);
• additional in-depth examination methods if the cat is elderly or has a breed predisposition to diseases that provoke anesthetic risks after anesthesia (Sphynx, Maine Coon, Scottish and British cats);
• 12-hour diet on the eve of planned surgery;
• Do not give the cat anything to drink 2-3 hours before sterilization.

General course of the operation, postoperative period

Usually the operation is performed in a veterinary hospital. But sterilization of cats at home is also practiced. If the veterinarian has sufficient experience and competent organization of the procedure, it will be no different from that carried out in a veterinary institution. Direct sterilization lasts a maximum of 15-25 minutes if the process is favorable.

Cat age for sterilization

The most favorable period for sterilization of cats is considered to be the age of 7-8 (9) months from birth and until the initial signs of puberty begin to appear. If the first heat was missed, then the operation is prescribed during the period of hormonal rest and before the onset of the next sexual cycle (1.5-2 weeks before and 1.5-2 weeks after). It is not recommended for kittens that are too young (5-6 months) to undergo surgery under general anesthesia, because... At this age, animals have a hard time withstanding anesthesia and there is a high risk of postoperative complications.

When can a cat be spayed after giving birth?

If the cat becomes pregnant and gives birth, surgery will have to be postponed until the kittens are weaned from breastfeeding. After stopping feeding the offspring, you need to wait another 2-3 weeks until the mammary glands reach their pre-pregnancy state. If fertilization occurs again during this period, then pregnancy in the early stages will not be a contraindication to sterilization such as oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries).

Is it possible to feed a cat before sterilization?

No, a fasting diet is indicated 12 hours before surgery. This is explained by the fact that at the time of introduction to a state of anesthesia, the animal may experience a gag reflex and if there are food remains in the stomach, the animal may choke, suffocate and die.

Subtleties of the operation

After anesthesia, the animal is fixed on the operating table and surgery is performed using one of the described methods.

Sutures are applied in three ways: interrupted cutaneous, continuous cutaneous and continuous intradermal. A continuous skin suture is easier to remove, holds the edges of the wound well and gives a cosmetic effect (virtually no marks remain).

After the operation, a special bandage is put on the cat, which prevents the animal from injuring the suture during the postoperative period.

When and how are sutures removed?

If the wound healing is favorable, it is recommended to remove the sutures on the 7-10th day by a veterinarian (the continuous intradermal suture is not removed, it dissolves). The holes remaining from the suture material are processed for several more days until they are completely tightened.

General information about the postoperative period:

For more information, see the article for instructions on caring for a cat after sterilization.

• all postoperative care is aimed at preventing infection from entering the wound and rapid recovery of the cat and usually does not cause any difficulties;
• from the end of the operation until the animal awakens, it can take from 30 minutes to 2-3 hours;
• Waking up from anesthesia does not mean a complete return to consciousness of the cat - unsteadiness of gait, disorientation, and a desire to constantly run or hide somewhere will be noted. In general, the cat's behavior after sterilization may seem somewhat inappropriate, so the animal should be supervised;
• treatment of sutures is carried out according to the instructions of the veterinarian and the means recommended by him (sometimes a single treatment per day is sufficient);
• carrying out antibiotic therapy (on your own, taking it to a veterinary clinic for injections or inviting a doctor to your home);
• You will need to monitor your diet, because... interference with hormonal levels is fraught with increased appetite and obesity;
• a cat may refuse to eat for up to 2 days and only drink, but usually the appetite appears the next day;
• do not remove the bandage (blanket) until the postoperative wound has completely healed;
• Castration does not affect the cat's character in any way.

Sterilization of cats: all the pros and cons

Like any surgical intervention, sterilization has a number of advantages and disadvantages.

Pros of sterilizing cats:

• Prevention of unexpected pregnancy and unwanted offspring.
• Elimination of peculiar cat behavior during estrus, which regularly causes inconvenience to pet owners.
• Reducing the risk of breast cancer - after sterilization carried out before the first cycle, the risks tend to zero.
• The cat does not have diseases of the reproductive organs, because they are absent (purulent lesions of the uterus, tumors, endometritis, polycystic ovary syndrome, etc.).
• Minimizing the risk of contracting diseases transmitted through wounds in fights (leukemia, immunodeficiency states).
• The lifespan of neutered cats is somewhat longer, while maintaining the playfulness and perky character of kittens.

Disadvantages of sterilizing cats:

• Anesthetic risk after general anesthesia. Young individuals recover from anesthesia without any problems. The older the animal, the harder it is to recover from general anesthesia. There are also pedigree post-anesthesia risks for those breeds of cats that have a predisposition to cardiac pathologies: British cats, Scottish folds, Sphynxes, Maine Coons (thromboembolism).
• Postoperative complications are possible - suture dehiscence or inflammation, accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity or in the area of ​​the suture or adhesions.
• Sudden weight gain. Many owners are touched by fat cats, but you need to understand that obesity is a disease even for cats. Regular physical activity, active games and appropriate nutrition reduce this risk.

Cost of the operation

How much does it cost to sterilize a cat? This is the very first question that all cat owners ask. On average, the price for an operation ranges from 2500-6000 rubles. To adequately assess whether it is expensive or not, you need to understand what is included in this cost.

The price for sterilization depends on:

• complexity of the operation (planned/emergency);
• condition of the cat (young/old, healthy/has pathologies);
• time spent on the procedure;
• materials spent on the operation, dressing and postoperative period (suture and dressing material, medications, anesthesia);
• experience and qualifications of a veterinarian.

Too low a price should always be a concern. There are only two explanations: either the postoperative period is not included in the price, and additional costs will still arise. Or the clinic is definitely saving on something, because... No one will work at a loss. They usually save on the qualifications of a veterinarian-surgeon, on anesthesia, or on the suture and dressing materials used. The consequences of this saving do not need to be explained.

But you shouldn’t focus on very high prices either - many veterinary clinics include their own prestige and banal popularity in the price. There is no point in paying several times the price for your cat to be operated on in a clinic that simply bears the name of some outstanding scientist in the field of veterinary medicine and is therefore known to everyone.

If you do not plan to breed kittens and care that your beloved mustachioed pet lives a long and healthy life, sterilization (castration) is simply necessary.

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Sterilization of cats: methods of implementation

Many pet owners are faced with the question of whether sterilization of cats is necessary. If you get an animal out of love for these graceful and sweet creatures, then you should decide whether you need offspring. If there is no need for kittens, then you should protect your pet from unwanted pregnancy.

Some breeders consider the best method to exclude pregnancy to be the use of special pills, which are chemical contraceptives. However, not everyone is aware of the risks associated with their regular use. These drugs cause hormonal imbalances in the cat's body, as a result of which the animal develops pathologies of the reproductive organs.

If there is no need for kittens, the pet behaves restlessly during heat, and the dangers of using contraceptives are known, the best solution would be to sterilize the cats.

This term means artificially interrupting the reproductive functions of an animal. There are several methods of sterilization: ovariohysterectomy, oophorectomy, tubal ligation.

The cat tolerates the latter method most easily. In this case, sterilization of cats is carried out by a veterinarian, who makes an incision in the side of the animal's body and ties the oviducts. However, after this intervention, the animal experiences prolonged estrus and complications very often arise.

Sterilization of cats by oophorectomy involves removal of the ovaries - the gonads. However, after such an operation, the animal may develop uterine diseases in the future.

Many veterinarians believe that the best method is ovariohysterectomy; such sterilization of cats has minimal consequences for the health of the animal. During the operation, both the uterus and ovaries are removed from the animal at the same time. In medical terminology, this procedure is called castration. This method of preventing unwanted pregnancy in an animal is very common not only in Russia, but also in other countries.

Speaking about the problem “Sterilization of cats: pros and cons”, it is necessary to say about the positive aspects of this operation. After a successful intervention, the cat forgets about estrus, which stops, and at the same time the threat of ovarian cysts, mammary tumors, false pregnancy, and uterine diseases disappears.

The emotional state of the pet due to the absence of cubs is not disturbed, since physiologically the cat does not need kittens. Since animals have an aggressive character, after the operation they become calmer. Sometimes sterilization of cats is simply necessary to ensure the safety of others and owners. From an ethical point of view, performing sterilization seems even more humane than destroying newborn kittens or adding to the number of stray animals.

The best age to perform the operation is when the cat is 7-8 months old. Ovariohysterectomy is performed both in specialized animal clinics and at home.

Sterilization of a cat is an operation to remove the reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus), which leads to loss of attraction to the opposite sex. After sterilization, a cat completely loses the ability to reproduce.

Types of cat sterilization

There are the following types of cat sterilization:

• Ovariohysterectomy - complete sterilization of a cat: removal of the ovaries and uterus. This type of sterilization of cats leads to the disappearance of estrus and the cessation of hormone production. Ovariohysterectomy is the most commonly used type of sterilization for cats.
• Ovariectomy – removal of the ovaries. This type of sterilization of cats leads to the disappearance of estrus and the cessation of hormone production. Suitable only for young, never given birth cats.
• A hysteectomy is the removal of the uterus. According to statistics, this type of sterilization of cats is the most dangerous; it is fraught with complications.
• Oviduct ligation (Palliative sterilization). This type of sterilization of cats only protects against unwanted pregnancy, the hormonal levels do not change, and estrus remains. This operation has a right to exist, but there is not much sense in it. The main goal of sterilization is to create comfortable conditions for the cat. But this type of sterilization of cats does not meet these requirements, because it does not eliminate estrus and sexual heat.

Methods for sterilizing cats

In modern veterinary medicine, various methods of sterilizing cats are used. These include:

• Laparoscopic cat sterilization method. Laparoscopy is one of the newest methods of sterilizing cats; it is not used in all clinics. Sterilization of cats using the laparoscopic method is the most non-traumatic, since in this case the surgeon does not come into contact with organs and tissues with his hands. The operation is carried out by making small punctures (incisions) into which a laparoscope apparatus is inserted. This method has many advantages.
• Sterilization of cats by injection. Some cat owners, in order to avoid surgical intervention, use walking injections, tablets and drops. These drugs can temporarily hormonally suppress the desire to reproduce and are used to prevent false pregnancy. The most common drug for sterilizing cats by injection is Covinan. Injections are made by a veterinarian according to a certain scheme and before the cat starts hunting. On average, the effect of an injection to sterilize cats lasts for five months. Among drops and tablets, the following are often used: “Contra-sex”, “Sex barrier”, “Gestrenol”, “Cat-bayun” and others. However, it should be noted that sterilization of cats with hormonal injections and drugs quite often leads to the appearance of cysts and tumors on the mammary gland and reproductive system in animals. After an animal develops cancer, it will not be possible to do without surgical intervention, but in such a state of affairs, the life of your beloved pet will be at stake. Injections for cats instead of sterilization can also damage their psyche or lead to other serious pathologies.
• Sterilization by lateral abdominal incision. The advantages of this method of cat sterilization are relatively minor soft tissue injuries and simple postoperative care. Contraindications for this method of cat sterilization: estrus and pregnancy.
• Incision along the linea alba. This is one of the most convenient methods for sterilizing a cat for a doctor, as it provides the easiest access to the uterus and ovaries.
• Endoscopic method of sterilization of cats. This method is mentioned in some sources, but this concept is not entirely correct, since endoscopy implies penetration into the body through natural openings and is used only for diagnostic purposes (probing).

Pros and cons of sterilizing cats

It is not always easy for an owner to decide to subject a pet to surgery, so it is important to weigh the pros and cons of sterilizing a cat.

Pros of sterilizing cats:

• Lack of sexual heat and estrus.
• Inability to get pregnant.
• Reducing the risk of developing cancer.
• No false pregnancy.

Disadvantages of sterilizing cats:

• Risk of postoperative complications.
• Introducing an animal into anesthesia.
• Long recovery period.

Each owner makes the final decision himself, after calculating all possible options and considering the pros and cons of sterilizing a cat.

How cats are sterilized

Before deciding to sterilize a pet, it is important for the owner to know how cats are sterilized.

Sterilization of cats is carried out under general anesthesia in a veterinary clinic. How cats are sterilized depends on which sterilization method is chosen. Most often, this is an abdominal operation, in which an incision is made in the skin and peritoneum to open access to the uterus. After, depending on the type of sterilization of the cat, either the ovaries are removed or the uterus and ovaries are removed together. At the end of the cat sterilization operation, stitches are applied, they are processed and a post-operative blanket is put on.

How long does it take to sterilize a cat?, you ask. Add to the operation itself the time spent waiting for the anesthesia to take effect and the recovery of the cat from anesthesia. The average time it takes to sterilize a cat is about 60 minutes.

When to spay a cat

Many owners wonder at what age is it better to sterilize a cat? Veterinarians who adhere to old views often say that a cat can be spayed after the first heat. However, new research in the field of veterinary medicine proves that the earlier you sterilize your cat, the better: the younger the cat, the easier it is for her to endure the operation, and the easier the postoperative care.

So, to the question “when can a cat be sterilized,” many veterinarians now answer “the sooner the better.” And they say that the best age for sterilizing a cat is 3–6 months, that is, before the first heat. This will reduce the risk of cancer in the future.

As for the question “until how old can a cat be sterilized,” there is no clear answer.

How much does it cost to sterilize a cat?

In Moscow, sterilizing a cat in a clinic costs from 2,000 rubles ($34.5). In St. Petersburg, the cost of sterilizing a cat starts from 2,500 rubles ($43).

The cost of sterilizing a cat in Minsk is 45.8 rubles – 90 rubles.

Sterilization of a cat during estrus and pregnancy

The answer to the question whether it is possible to sterilize a cat during heat is positive, but with reservations. It is possible to sterilize a cat during heat, but possible complications must be taken into account. During estrus, increased blood circulation and swelling of the genitals occur, which can lead to bleeding. Consequences of sterilizing a cat during heat: more difficult recovery from anesthesia and longer healing of sutures. Therefore, as a rule, veterinarians recommend spaying a cat either 2 weeks before estrus or 2 weeks after estrus. Exceptions: long-term estrus in a cat with short breaks (1 - 5 days), in this case it is recommended to sterilize the cat during estrus to avoid exhaustion of the cat and deterioration in its quality of life.

Sterilizing a pregnant cat is called hysterectomy. Sterilization of a cat during pregnancy is usually carried out to save its life, for medical reasons. In other cases, sterilization of a pregnant cat is not recommended, since such an operation is fraught with complications. Possible consequences of sterilizing a pregnant cat: high blood loss, longer recovery after surgery, larger suture size.

In the photo: a cat after sterilization in a postoperative collar

Complications after cat sterilization

In some cases, complications are observed after sterilization of a cat:

Vomiting in a cat after sterilization. Often, vomiting in a cat after sterilization is a consequence of the administration of anesthesia. If the vomiting is not severe, simply watch your cat so that she does not accidentally choke on the vomit. It is advisable to turn the cat's head to the side. If your cat’s vomiting increases after sterilization, you should contact a veterinarian.

Cat's temperature after sterilization. An increase in your cat's temperature after neutering may be a sign of a bacterial infection. In this case, you should contact your veterinarian.

The cat is lethargic after sterilization. If the cat is lethargic after sterilization for the first hours or even days, this is normal. After all, sterilization is a surgical intervention associated with a violation of tissue integrity. If the cat is lethargic more than a day after sterilization, this is a reason to worry and contact a veterinarian.

The cat does not drink after sterilization. Often, a cat does not drink after sterilization, and it may refuse water for a day or more, because the operation is associated with stress and malaise. To avoid dehydration, you need to give your cat water. Immediately after coming out of anesthesia, give the cat water from a syringe (a few drops every 30 minutes), and if lethargy and stiffness of movements are observed, 2.5 ml every 60 minutes. If a cat does not drink for 3–5 hours after sterilization, this is normal. If your cat does not drink for more than 5 hours after sterilization, you should contact your veterinarian.

The cat does not go to the toilet after sterilization. If a cat does not go to the toilet after sterilization, it is necessary to take into account the volume of liquid consumption (and whether the cat drinks at all), the presence or absence of discomfort. If the cat does not go to the toilet after sterilization due to insufficient fluid intake, it must be given water. If your cat does not pee for more than a day, you need to go to the clinic. But if there are signs of discomfort (the cat wants to go to the toilet, but she can’t), you should contact a veterinarian immediately. If a cat does not go to the toilet for 24 hours after sterilization, this is normal. Absence of bowel movements for up to 3 days can be normal if the cat is in normal health, since she eats little and feels unwell. If there is no bowel movement for longer than this time, and the cat experiences discomfort, you can give it a laxative (vaseline oil, Microlax microenema). It is not recommended to force-feed a cat after sterilization. If your cat does not go to the toilet for longer after sterilization, you should contact your veterinarian.

After sterilization the cat became aggressive. During spaying, the ovaries and uterus are removed, which affects estrogen production. Therefore, often after sterilization, aggressive cats become kinder or vice versa. Also, after sterilization, a cat may become aggressive due to stress, the effects of anesthesia, and postoperative pain. If the cause of your cat's aggression is pain, you should consult a veterinarian.

The cat meows or yells after sterilization. The reason why a cat yells or meows after sterilization may be a request for attention. Also, the reason that a cat meows or yells after sterilization may be sexual desire. For several months after sterilization, an adult cat may also experience sexual desire until hormonal levels stabilize - this will pass with time. Sometimes medication is also required. But the cause may also be incomplete removal of the ovary, and in this case the cat becomes hungry. If after sterilization the cat exhibits sexual desire for a long time, contact the veterinary clinic - a repeat operation may be required.

Cat won't eat after sterilization. If a cat does not eat for several days after sterilization, this may be normal and is associated with stress, malaise and the effects of anesthesia - all these factors affect appetite. After sterilization, the cat does not eat because it does not feel hungry. And until all organs return to normal, the food will still not be digested, so you can’t force-feed the cat - you can cause constipation, and strong tension in the tray when trying to defecate will cause the stitches to come apart. After sterilization, the cat should eat liquid, easily digestible food. If the cat does not eat 3 days after sterilization, be sure to contact your veterinarian - you may need an IV.

Bleeding in the abdominal cavity after sterilization of a cat. Bleeding may occur due to insufficient efficiency of coagulation of the uterine vessels or due to the uterine stump. The cat does not eat, meows, and is in pain. In this case, contact your veterinarian immediately.

Festering of the suture after sterilization of the cat. If dirt gets into the seam, it can fester. To prevent the seam from rotting, do not let your cat go outside, treat the seams and keep your pet clean.

Lump in the seam area. This phenomenon is too common to be considered a pathology and is associated with the proliferation of granulation tissue. As a rule, such a bump disappears approximately 1 month after the cat is sterilized.

Complications after sterilizing a cat, in which you need to immediately contact a veterinarian, are as follows:

Suppuration or inflammation of the sutures.

Increase in temperature on the 3rd day after sterilization (39 degrees and above).

Decreased temperature (37 degrees and below).

Anxiety.

Refusal to drink and eat for more than 24 hours.

Painful hard belly.

In this case, we may be talking about complications after sterilization of a cat, such as intestinal obstruction, volvulus, internal bleeding, and inflammation. However, such complications after sterilization of cats are quite rare.

How and how long does a cat recover from anesthesia after sterilization?

Sometimes owners are concerned about how long it takes for a cat to recover from anesthesia after sterilization. At first (up to 7 hours after sterilization), the cat sleeps. As a rule, a cat completely recovers from anesthesia after sterilization within several hours, or even 24 hours.

How does a cat recover from anesthesia after sterilization?

• In the first hours of recovery from anesthesia after sterilization, the cat experiences a lack of coordination, an unsteady gait, lameness, the animal stands unsteadily on its paws, falls, and crashes into furniture.
• The cat meows pitifully.
• In the first hours of recovery from anesthesia after sterilization of a cat, uncontrolled urination is possible.
• Nausea and vomiting. If vomiting occurs frequently when recovering from anesthesia, you should consult a veterinarian.

Caring for a cat after sterilization

Caring for a cat after sterilization surgery has features that you need to be prepared for.

An important part of caring for a cat after sterilization on the first day is monitoring its well-being and how the cat recovers from anesthesia. Lay something warm on the floor and place the cat on this bedding. It is important that there are no drafts in the room. You can’t put a cat on a sofa or chair: when coming out of anesthesia, it can jump up and fall from a height.

When a cat recovers from anesthesia after sterilization, its movements are not coordinated, it may walk staggering, fall, and bump into furniture or corners. This is fine. Carefully pick up the cat and place it back on the bed.

An important part of caring for a cat after sterilization is ensuring safety. All sharp and hot objects must be removed from the floor; there should be no wires or threads in which the cat can become entangled.

A cat's eyes are open during anesthesia, so an important part of caring for a cat after sterilization is to ensure that the mucous membrane of the eyes does not dry out. To do this, a special solution is instilled into the eyes. However, even in this case, it is necessary to close and open the cat’s eyelids with your fingers approximately once every half hour until the animal closes its eyes or begins to blink.

After sterilization, the cat’s mouth becomes dry, so it is necessary to give your pet water from a pipette or moisten the mouth with water. Make sure that when swallowing liquid, the cat does not choke. Water is given drop by drop.

The first day after sterilization, the cat may experience vomiting or involuntary urination. Keep a cloth ready and make sure your cat walks on surfaces that can be easily cleaned.

Another important part of caring for a cat after sterilization is proper feeding. It is not recommended to feed your cat within 24 hours after sterilization. You can give your cat water 3-4 hours after sterilization. However, the cat’s appetite may be poor for another 2–3 days. After sterilization, the cat should eat liquid, easily digestible food.

Caring for a neutered cat is easier. A day after the operation, the cat feels better, and after another 3–4 days he can already move around the house calmly. The cat does not need stitches.

Caring for a cat after sterilization is more difficult - it includes wearing a blanket and treating sutures. We will consider these questions in detail below.

Cat behavior after sterilization

The behavior of a cat after sterilization can frighten the owner, especially the first day.

The cat’s behavior during the first 24 hours after sterilization may indeed seem strange and inappropriate. A cat can sleep, and then suddenly wake up and start running, then just as suddenly collapse on the floor. Or crawls somewhere, scratching the floor with its paws. A cat may hiss or meow and then go silent. All this is normal: the cat is disoriented and does not yet fully understand what is happening to it and where it is.

But in any case, if you think that your cat’s behavior has become strange and inappropriate after sterilization, contact your veterinarian.

Suture after sterilization of a cat

After sterilizing the cat, the suture is placed on the inner wall of the abdomen, as well as on the skin. The peritoneum is sutured with surgical threads (absorbable), and this suture does not require processing. To prevent the sutures on the cat’s peritoneum from coming apart, it is worth limiting its mobility after sterilization. Active games and communication with other animals and children are excluded.

Skin sutures after sterilization of a cat may vary. The most common is a suture with a non-absorbable thread - it must be removed on the 7th - 10th day after sterilization of the cat. If an absorbable hidden suture is used, it does not need to be removed.

Until the stitch is removed after sterilizing the cat, limit the cat's movement in the house so that it does not get caught in anything by the blanket - in this case, the consequences can be extremely unpleasant.

The suture after sterilization of the cat must be regularly treated. To treat a cat’s seam after sterilization, the blanket is removed from the hind legs, and when the seam treatment is completed, it is put on again. The veterinarian who performed the operation will tell you what and how to treat the suture after sterilizing the cat.

However, there are ways to avoid treating sutures after sterilizing a cat if the suture is “preserved” with a special preparation that protects against pathogenic microflora entering the wound.

To protect the stitches after sterilization of the cat from infections, a blanket is put on.

Sometimes the seams come apart. Why might a seam come apart after a cat is sterilized? There may be several reasons: infection; diseases that weaken the muscles and soft tissues at the edges of the wound; too tight bandage or careless handling of the cat after sterilization; seams that are too tight; obesity; diabetes; malignant formation; cough; kidney diseases.

How can you tell if a cat’s seam has come apart after sterilization? The main signs that a cat’s suture has broken after sterilization will be pain, anxiety in the cat, redness of the incision site, and swelling. An extremely dangerous symptom - the appearance of pus - indicates an inflammatory process. If your cat's stitch breaks after sterilization, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

What should you do if your cat licks the seam after sterilization? As soon as possible, soak the stuck bandage using hydrogen peroxide and carefully remove it. Then treat the wound with an antiseptic powder or solution. And contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. To heal the wound if the cat licked the seam after sterilization, you can use levomekol ointment, as well as products containing sea buckthorn oil or panthenol.

In the photo: a cat in a blanket after sterilization

Blanket for a cat after sterilization

A blanket for a cat after sterilization is an essential component of postoperative care. This is a specially made jumpsuit with ties. To properly put on and remove the blanket from your cat after sterilization, follow the instructions on the package.

Many owners ask when to remove the blanket from a cat after sterilization. Answer: only after the stitches are removed, that is, the cat needs to wear a blanket after sterilization for 10 - 14 days.

There may be danger associated with cat blankets after sterilization. After 5–6 days, the cat seems to be completely healthy and can jump wherever it pleases. However, the cat most likely will not be able to jump to the target, but it can catch on something with a blanket and hang on it. The consequences of this can be very unpleasant, so it is worth limiting the cat’s movement around the house after sterilization.

If your cat is desperately trying to remove the blanket, it may be worth putting a post-op collar on it as well.

Feeding a cat after sterilization

The cat recovers from anesthesia from several hours to 1 day. During this period, you should not feed the cat after sterilization, since eating food can only cause harm - for example, cause vomiting. You can feed your cat for the first time after sterilization 6–8 hours after the final awakening from anesthesia.

It is better to feed the cat with semi-liquid food for the first 24 hours after sterilization. If your cat eats dry food, it should be diluted to a paste with water. Start with small portions that gradually increase. However, a cat may refuse to eat for 2–3 days, this is normal. If your pet is fasting for longer, contact your veterinarian.

Feeding a sterilized cat does not change dramatically after surgery. However, it is worth considering that sterilized cats are prone to obesity, which is associated with changes in hormonal levels. Therefore, a cat’s diet after sterilization should be reduced by 10–20%.

If the cat eats natural products, after sterilization it should not be fed with fatty, salty, floury, raw meat and legumes (with the exception of asparagus). High-calorie treats are also excluded from feeding a sterilized cat.

If the cat is accustomed to dry food, then within a month it is transferred to special food for sterilized cats. The right choice of food for a sterilized cat is extremely important, because they often suffer from urolithiasis. Don’t skimp on your pet’s nutrition, choose premium food for sterilized cats: less magnesium and phosphorus, but more vitamins A, C, E.

Do not take fish-based food for a sterilized cat - this can lead to cancer.

Recovery of a cat after sterilization

It is natural for owners to ask how long it takes for a cat to recover after sterilization. It depends on how the surgery went.

If the operation went well, the cat's recovery after sterilization is quite fast. The first day the cat needs to be carefully observed, monitor the condition of the suture and the general condition of the cat, but in general, if everything goes well, the owner does not require any special actions during the recovery of the cat after sterilization, with the exception of the care that has already been mentioned.

On the 3rd – 5th day of the cat’s recovery after sterilization, its condition becomes almost normal. Check the condition of the seam at least 2 times a day.

On days 6–7, the cat’s recovery after sterilization is marked by the restoration of almost all body functions.

Days 10–14 of the cat’s recovery after sterilization are marked by the removal of sutures. In the future, the cat does not require special care. By this time, we can say that the cat has fully recovered after sterilization.

The most important thing in caring for a cat after sterilization is to be attentive to the pet and strictly follow the veterinarian’s recommendations. Don't hesitate to contact a specialist if you think something has gone wrong. In this case, the postoperative period will pass without complications, and the cat will easily tolerate sterilization.

The process that removes a cat's ability to reproduce is called neutering. In the usual understanding, this procedure comes down to various types of surgical interventions. Preparing cats for sterilization involves fulfilling many conditions. It is strictly forbidden to sterilize a cat during heat, as this can lead to large blood loss.

Patient and surgeon.

Types of surgical sterilization

The most reliable method that is beneficial to the animal’s body is surgery, although chemical (drug or radiation) sterilization is sometimes used. Currently, veterinary medicine uses several types of sterilization.

Ovariectomy

This type of surgery is used to remove the ovaries. An incision is made in the middle of the abdomen, no more than 3 cm in length. After the operation, the process of producing sex hormones stops. The animal no longer goes into heat, and the risk of ovarian cysts or false pregnancies completely disappears.

This method is the most preferable, but it can only be used for young or nulliparous individuals. Preparing cats for sterilization is also important, since it significantly facilitates the animal’s postoperative recovery.

Ovariohysterectomy

This operation involves removing the animal’s uterus and ovaries, using an incision of several centimeters. This type of surgery is also called castration and is used for animals older than 1 year. This type of sterilization is carried out for individuals who have already given birth or for those who suspect pathology in the uterus. Castration of cats is quite dangerous for health, since it leads to the maximum removal of reproductive organs.

Ligation of the cat's oviducts

This type of intervention involves “tubal ligation” of the uterus, which prevents her from becoming pregnant and bearing offspring. It should be noted that the hormonal background remains the same, their estrus continues, which provokes periods of sexual arousal. Inappropriate behavior, prolonged screams calling for the cat, will remain after such an operation, and the sterilized cat marks the territory anyway.

Hysterectomy

This type of operation involves only removing the uterus, leaving the ovaries intact. This type of sterilization has the same consequences for the animal as ligation of the oviducts. Currently, scientists increasingly agree that this technique is unfavorable for the health of animals, and therefore has become very rarely used.

Laparoscopic sterilization of cats

This is an almost seamless operation; it is performed laparoscopically using a special endoscope through a miniature 1 cm incision. To perform it, the surgical field is shaved on the side and the ovaries are removed using instruments. This endoscopic sterilization of cats is one of the most humane methods that cause the least harm to the cat. It allows you to shorten the animal’s recovery process in the shortest possible time.

Ready for surgery.

Laparoscopy is a minimal intervention in a living organism. The small incision heals quickly, and postoperative complications are very rare.
Carrying out this type of operation requires special skills from the doctor and the use of complex surgical equipment. This affects the cost of sterilizing a cat using this method. The price of this operation is the most expensive service in veterinary clinics.

Before ordering any type of operation, you should clarify: “How much does it cost to sterilize a cat?” The answer to this question mainly depends on the type of surgery performed, and does not depend on the breed of the animal. It will cost the same for both prestigious Scottish or British breeds and ordinary “yard” pets.

When should sterilization be carried out?

In modern conditions of scientific development, veterinarians have not come to a consensus: “Should I sterilize a cat? Is it necessary to sterilize a pregnant cat? What is the optimal age for this operation? There are various reviews and opinions of scientists on this issue.

Many owners prefer to look for other methods so as not to “mutilate” animals. The most affordable and simple alternative is the use of pills and hormonal drugs. They can temporarily weaken “desire” and lower hormonal levels.

Injections given instead of surgery suppress the degree of sexual arousal. But they also have their disadvantages - the cost is too high, the period of action of the drug is short, they also require regular repetition.

Surgery and postoperative period

For sterilization to be successful, you need to know: “How to prepare a cat for sterilization?”

One month before the operation, it is necessary to vaccinate against infectious diseases. If the animal is in heat, the operation cannot be performed. Immediately before the operation, the animal should not be fed for 12 hours.

Proper preparation of a cat for sterilization is an important step in reducing its negative consequences. A free consultation with a veterinarian will help clarify all the nuances and clarify whether the cat can be sterilized during this period.

Sterilizing cats at home is not advisable because the operation may require the use of complex equipment. The surgical intervention takes place under general anesthesia. The length of the incision depends on the type of surgery. In most cases, immediately after recovery from anesthesia, the animal can stand on its own. It is necessary to monitor the wound to avoid suppuration or bleeding.

Full recovery lasts from a week to two; specialized food for sterilized cats will help her with this.

Consequences of sterilization

To understand how cats tolerate sterilization, and whether sterilization is harmful for cats, you need to know what changes occur in its body after this procedure.

Increased levels of estrogen produced by the ovaries reduce the cat's appetite. The process of sterilizing cats helps slow down metabolic processes and stops the flow of these hormones into the body. Both of these conditions contribute to the accumulation of excess weight in animals (obesity), so the diet of sterilized cats requires restrictions.

For feeding, use special food for sterilized cats. Vitamins are also useful for sterilized cats, and regular physical activity will also be very beneficial for her.

If the animal manages to cope with excess weight, then other parameters remain normal. The cat does not lose its hunting instincts and remains just as playful and active. Some changes in character are possible, manifested in a decrease in the animal’s aggressiveness; cats become even more gentle and affectionate.

Thanks to this, the life of sterilized animals is extended by several years. Naturally, the likelihood of accidents also decreases when they leave home in search of a partner.

Positive effect of sterilization

Periods of agitation in pets occur several times a year and can last up to two weeks. Throughout this entire time, they “delight” their owners with their inappropriate behavior and pose a dilemma: “Should I sterilize the cat?”

“Suit” for recovery after surgery.

Of course, the animal will calm down over time, and you can wait out such moments, but such a condition is a huge stress for its body. The use of all kinds of “soothing” pills, drops or hormonal drugs is an additional blow to her health. All this can provoke dangerous diseases.

To answer the question “Is sterilization harmful for a cat?”, it is necessary to consider all the consequences of such an operation or refusal of it. During the surgical procedure, the ovaries, which are responsible for the reproductive function and production of sex hormones in the animal, are removed. After such an operation there are “advantages” for a sterilized cat:

• she cannot have offspring;
• her “attraction to the male sex” disappears, the animal does not suffer from dissatisfaction;
• she does not annoy you with periodic screams.

Sterilization of a pregnant cat is also used in some cases, and sometimes it is even beneficial for the animal. There is a misconception among people that cats need to give birth at least once in order for her to experience maternal happiness. You shouldn’t do this, such a one-time act can only harm him.

The question: “Does a cat need to be sterilized?” is no longer so pressing these days. Modern surgical methods, extensive experience in performing these operations and enormous benefits to the body give a positive answer. An early sterilization procedure not only helps to relieve the animal from hormonal torment, but also prolongs its life.

By deciding to sterilize, a person not only provides peace of mind for himself, but also significantly improves the quality of life of his pet.

Every owner of a furry (or hairless) beauty wonders how cats are sterilized. This is explained by the fact that unwanted offspring, estrus, changes in behavior due to a hormonal surge and the risk of contracting diseases from yard cats begin to cause a lot of trouble.

Why is sterilization necessary?

The need for sterilization of cats by veterinarians is beyond doubt; thanks to this simple procedure, many problems can be solved.

Sterilization is the deprivation of a cat's ability to reproduce.

Positive aspects of sterilization:

• According to statistics, animals that have undergone surgery to deprive them of the ability to reproduce live 2-3 years longer than unsterilized cats. This is explained by the absence of stress associated with hormonal surges. As well as pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding, which wear out the body and make it vulnerable to pathogens.
• Infection with sexually transmitted infections is minimized for sterilized animals. In addition, the likelihood of tumors, cysts and other pathologies of the uterus and ovaries is practically reduced to zero. The likelihood of developing neoplasms (including malignant ones) in the mammary glands is reduced by 50%.
• Raging hormones make the cat aggressive, restless, she rushes around in search of a cat to continue her family, and may begin to mark things in the apartment. Such behavior brings a lot of trouble to the owners and the animal itself. Sterilization ensures a loss of interest in breeding and concentrates the cat's attention on interacting with people. The pet becomes affectionate and easy to train, its character becomes calm and balanced, it stops marking everything around, which makes keeping the animal much easier.
• A cat is able to give birth up to six times a year. Moreover, up to nine cubs can be born in one lambing. Such fertility becomes a real disaster for the pet's owners and complicates the already difficult situation with homeless animals on the streets. Sterilization is the most civilized way to solve the problem of the birth of unwanted offspring.

Methods for sterilizing cats

There are several ways to sterilize cats. Which one to choose depends on which of the methods has been used successfully and for a long time in a particular clinic where the animal owner decided to go for help.

The absence of postoperative complications largely depends on the professionalism and experience of doctors who carry out the procedure well.

Methods for sterilizing cats:

• Ovariectomy is the surgical removal of the ovaries while preserving the uterus.
• Medical sterilization is a way to eliminate estrus through hormonal medications.
• Tubal occlusion - tubal ligation.
• Ovariohysterectomy is the surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries.
• Laparoscopy - removal of the ovaries and uterus through small incisions (punctures).
• Radiation or chemical method.

Radiation and surgical sterilization of a cat are completely different techniques. Radiation sterilization involves irradiating an animal's ovaries with a carefully calculated dose of radioactive radiation. In this case, a detrimental effect on the cells of other organs and systems is possible. This is how cats are sterilized without surgery.

The surgical method is abdominal surgery. Currently, it is the most effective and safe way to prevent the appearance of offspring and also get rid of other problems associated with the reproductive instinct.

Features of sterilization

Sterilized cats that have undergone ovariohysterectomy irrevocably lose the ability to produce kittens, their behavior changes dramatically, and estrus is eliminated. In addition, the likelihood of developing diseases of the reproductive organs is zero. For this reason, veterinarians most often recommend using a similar sterilization method.

During estrus, the operation can be performed, but the cat will have difficulty recovering from anesthesia, and the healing of the sutures is slower.

It is recommended to do sterilization 2 weeks before the start of estrus or 2 weeks after its end. This rule can be neglected if estrus is observed for a long period of time, with an interval of 1-5 days. In this case, a fourteen-day break cannot be maintained.

Even an animal can be sterilized during pregnancy if it is necessary to save the cat’s life. In other cases, such an operation is not performed, since global changes occur in the cat’s body during pregnancy at the hormonal and physiological level.

Preparing for surgery

The most favorable period for sterilization by surgical abdominal surgery (ovariohysterectomy, ovariectomy) is the age of the cat 7-9 months. When carried out in kittens, it can have a detrimental effect on the growth and development of internal organs. Older cats (over 7 years old) do not tolerate anesthesia well and recover slowly from surgery.

Three to four weeks before the planned sterilization, routine preventive vaccination is carried out. The veterinarian will explain in detail which vaccinations are required.

A few days before the event, a preventive examination of the cat is performed., the owner of the pet is obliged to provide information about the state of its health. If necessary, blood is taken for laboratory analysis, an ultrasound of the abdominal organs and a cardiogram are performed.

If the cat is absolutely healthy and there are no contraindications to surgical sterilization, then a date for the operation is set. The day before, the cat needs to trim its claws. This must be done, since after the operation the animal may scratch the suture. Then flea treatment and deworming are carried out.

12 hours before the start of the sterilization operation, the cat should stop giving food, and 3 hours before the start of the sterilization operation, give it water. Such measures are explained by the fact that during recovery from anesthesia, the animal may begin to vomit, which leads to aspiration of the respiratory tract.

Carrying out sterilization

Weighing to determine the exact dose of anesthesia is done in a veterinary clinic, where cats are sterilized; it is better to do the operation in the sterile conditions of a veterinary institution.

The advantage of surgery in a veterinary clinic is the opportunity to avoid complications, the harmful effects of anesthesia on the animal, and the occurrence of unexpected circumstances. The downside for the animal owner is waiting for the end of the procedure; the journey to the clinic will take time.

The advantage of performing the operation at home is that the cat does not experience stress from being in an unfamiliar place.

The doctor can be called at a time convenient for the animal owner. The disadvantage of home sterilization is the impossibility of creating sterile clinic conditions.

Sterilization steps:

• After intravenous anesthesia and the onset of its surgical stage, the animal is placed on the operating table. Then the hair is removed from the intended incision site and the skin is treated with an antiseptic.
• Carrying out sterilization - watch the video. An incision is made along the white line or on the side, up to 3 cm long. An incision on the side heals faster in the postoperative period; it is more often made during oophorectomy (removal of only the ovaries while preserving the uterus). The abdominal cavity is cut along the white line to remove the uterus and ovaries. A ligature is placed on large vessels to prevent bleeding, after which the uterus and ovaries (or only the ovaries) are excised. The uterus and ovaries are removed, self-absorbing sutures are placed on the internal organs, non-absorbable external sutures (usually there are 3), and are removed after 7-14 days. Sometimes they use the technique of cosmetic sutures that do not need to be removed.
• The postoperative period includes the animal recovering from anesthesia, wound care, and suture removal (if necessary).

Cats are neutered within about half an hour. This period of time does not include the introduction of anesthesia and sleep, as well as the period of recovery from anesthesia.

Features of caring for a cat after surgery

After sterilization, the cat is given to the owner while it is still under the influence of anesthesia and sleeping or at the beginning of the process of awakening from narcotic sleep. It depends on how it is customary to act in a particular veterinary clinic.

While under the influence of anesthesia, the animal cannot yet control its movements and is capable of causing harm to itself.

For this reason, you should ensure your pet's safety and supervision.

Rules of care after sterilization:

• You need to transport your cat in a special carrier, preferably with a folding top.
• During narcotic sleep, the animal's breathing and pulse slow down, body temperature decreases, which increases the likelihood of hypothermia. To avoid this, the pet should be covered with a blanket or blanket, and a heating pad or bottle of hot water should be placed nearby.
• At home, you can leave your pet in a carrier for a while or put it on the floor, after laying down oilcloth and fabric.
• During narcotic sleep, animals' eyes do not close, so to avoid inflammation of the cornea, the eyelids must be closed every 5-10 minutes. You can instill 0.9% saline solution (NaCl).
• The awakened pet should be protected from falling and jumping.
• After finally waking up, there is increased thirst, which is normal. Give your pet more water.
• Food should be given only when there is an appetite. You cannot force feed a sterilized cat; loss of appetite may occur for up to 3 days after surgery. Most often, the animal asks for food the very next day.
• It is necessary to monitor the condition of the stitches until they are removed. Sutures must be dry and clean; suppuration and soaking are unacceptable. You can treat wounds with chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide. Some veterinarians recommend additionally lubricating the stitches with ointments that accelerate wound healing.
• After the operation, a special blanket or bandage is put on, which protects the wounds from damage. The pet gets used to this measure within 24 hours, then simply does not notice the bandage.

Adverse effects of sterilization may occur if the operation was performed by a non-specialist in unsanitary conditions. In this case, the animal will begin to get sick and may even die. To prevent this, you should contact a specialized medical institution and carry out sterilization using a method that has been successfully used in this veterinary clinic for a long time. The experience and professionalism of doctors will allow you to avoid possible post-operative complications.

There comes a time in the life of every cat owner when they have to decide the issue of procreation of their pet. This really becomes a problem when kittens are born from time to time, and they become more and more difficult to place. There are not enough good and caring hands for everyone, so most of the kids are doomed to a hungry existence, ending up on the street and joining the army of homeless animals.

The fate of their mother is not always enviable. Repeated estrus in the absence of mating or the use of hormonal drugs can eventually lead to depletion of the cat’s nervous system and to diseases such as ovarian cancer, vulvovaginitis, pyometra, etc.

Therefore, for those owners who really care about the health of their pet, the best solution is to sterilize the cat. The pros and cons of this event should be studied in advance in order to prevent the occurrence of any unwanted complications.

What is sterilization

This is depriving the cat of the ability to reproduce. Most often it is done during which the internal genital organs are completely or partially removed. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia for 40-45 minutes. The suture is either regular or internal. In modern practice, sutureless surgery is also used, when the surgical incision is made no more than 1 cm.

Types of sterilization

There is medication, radiation and surgery, each of them has its own. But surgery is more favorable. With medical sterilization using hormonal drugs, there is a high risk of the appearance of neoplasms, including malignant ones. Many doctors consider the method using radiation to be detrimental to the animal, because with the slightest error in calculating the dosage of radiation, it can negatively affect the condition of the cells.

The most commonly used surgical procedure is ovariohysterectomy - complete. There are other options - tubal occlusion (tightening of the fallopian tubes), hysterectomy (removal of only the uterus), oophorectomy (removal of only the ovaries). The last of these methods is the most preferable, but is used only for young nulliparous animals. The other two have a very adverse effect on the health of cats, so they are almost never used in modern veterinary medicine.

Consequences of sterilization

Although such an operation is classified as complex, it is performed in almost any clinic. The animal recovers quite quickly; after two weeks only a small mark remains in the place where the seam was.

Become more attached to home. The psycho-emotional sphere and hunting instincts do not suffer at all. The state of health after the operation is excellent, which allows the cat to live a full life without causing trouble to its owners.

Pros of sterilization

It has been noted that sterilized cats live longer and healthier lives. They do not strive to find a partner, so they do not run away from home and do not organize cat “concerts”. And if the sexual instinct does not distract them, then the owners receive more attention and love. Cats become calmer, maintaining both their appearance and behavior; in addition, they will no longer bear unwanted offspring.

After sterilization, the risk of cancer, polycystic disease, pyometra and other diseases that affect almost every nulliparous cat over 5 years of age is significantly reduced. As a result of improved metabolism, the animal requires less feed, which leads to lower food costs.

It is recommended to read reviews from owners about such an operation as sterilization of cats; they will help you make a final decision. People often say that they are very pleased that they decided to undergo the operation, since after it the cat does not have exhausting heats, no unnecessary kittens, she is always active, playful, with shiny, luxurious fur, which she did not have before.

Cons of sterilization

There are also negative sides to sterilization. Since after the operation it does change, other changes occur in the body, including negative ones. Changes in metabolism require a completely different diet. After sterilization, energy needs are noticeably reduced; along with an increase in appetite, this can lead to an increase in the animal’s weight. To prevent the risk of obesity, the cat is switched to special food.

Of course, this is not a serious obstacle if the health of the pet is at stake and sterilization of the cat is required. Every operation, even the simplest one, has pros and cons.

At what age should sterilization be done?

In the absence of medical contraindications, it can be performed regardless of age. The most favorable period for sterilization is when the body is almost completely formed, but sexual maturity has not yet occurred, i.e. before the first heat. In our country, such operations are often performed at the age of 8-10 months. At this time, animals tolerate such procedures much easier, and the recovery process goes faster. The risk of mammary tumors is also minimal, which increases with each subsequent estrus.

There are practically no age restrictions for such an operation as sterilization of cats. When it is better to do it is decided as needed. Even an old animal will not experience negative consequences if it is completely healthy. In any case, at the time of surgery, appropriate examinations and tests are performed in order to determine the general health of the pet.

Some veterinarians claim that the timing of a cat's sterilization does not matter at all for future development. And they operate on kittens as young as 2 months. But this opinion is not very supported by the majority of their colleagues, who believe that surgery at such an early age can lead to disturbances in the development of internal organs.

Preparing for surgery

To make it easier for your cat to tolerate anesthesia, you should not feed it before surgery. The last portion of food is given at least 12 hours before. Anti-flea treatment is required. To prevent the cat from damaging the seam in the future, its claws must be trimmed in advance with a special nail clipper. The animal is usually transported in a carrier bag; you can use a bag made of thick material or a backpack for this purpose. If the distance to the clinic is short, it is better to walk. To prevent your cat from becoming stressed and panicky, you should calm her down on the road with gentle words and strokes.

Of course, it is much easier to undergo an operation within one’s own walls, which is why sterilization of cats at home is often practiced recently.

What to do after sterilizing a cat

The first days after surgery, the cat is in dire need of care. At home, you need to prepare the box in advance by putting warm bedding in it and placing it near a radiator or heater. The animal may experience severe chills while the anesthesia wears off. After sterilization, cats sleep almost all the time for the first 24 hours, so it is advisable to maintain peace and quiet in the house and monitor the animal’s breathing. The condition of the seams must be checked daily, treating with hydrogen peroxide and brilliant green. If they become red, swollen, or the animal’s health worsens, you should immediately consult a doctor.

As a rule, after sterilization. On the first day, she is given water or milk from a syringe, and a day later she drinks on her own. Appetite appears gradually. After 3-4 days, the cat begins to behave more actively, but excessive mobility should be limited for now. After a week, the stitches are removed, and very soon the animal makes a full recovery.

Possible complications

If the operation is performed in a clinic by an experienced professional, then any inflammatory processes are practically excluded. If an animal that is aged or has chronic heart disease is subjected to sterilization, then it is first examined by a cardiologist.

Some animals have an acute reaction to anesthesia, which cannot be predicted in advance. This occurs more often in animals with allergies. Therefore, during such an operation as sterilization of cats, an individual selection of drugs is carried out for such patients.

Obesity after surgery

There is an opinion that after sterilization the cat will definitely begin to gain weight. This is not entirely true. The operation itself cannot cause obesity; it appears as a result of a slowdown in metabolism and changes in hormonal levels, as a result of which the cat becomes calmer and requires less food. Therefore, if you change the diet, reducing the amount of food by 15-20%, and play with your pet more, providing regular physical activity, then the problem of excess weight is unlikely to arise.

All this will take some time, so you need to take into account your capabilities, taking a responsible approach to such an issue as sterilizing a cat. The pros and cons of this procedure should be considered by every pet owner before going to the veterinary clinic. After all, obesity is also a kind of disease, despite the fact that the sight of well-fed cats is very touching. When there is no excess weight, the animal retains its hunting instincts and the same level of activity.

Nutrition for a sterilized cat

The diet is prepared immediately after the operation. It can consist of ready-made industrial food or homemade natural food. It is not advisable to mix these two types of food.

When feeding a cat natural food, preference is given to lean meat, offal, and milk porridges. Fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir) are recommended. You cannot feed a sterilized cat fish, because it contains a lot of magnesium, the excess of which leads to the formation of salt stones.

Commercial food manufacturers offer a variety of special products for sterilized cats. From all the variety, it is better to choose premium or super premium food. They are made from selected products, well-balanced, safe and widely recommended by specialists after such an operation as sterilization of cats. Reviews of food in this class are mostly positive.

The combination of a balanced diet and monitoring the health of your furry pet guarantees a long and happy life.

Now you know everything about such an operation as sterilization of cats: when is the best time to do it, how it is carried out and what its results are. So the choice is now yours.