What is important for owners of unneutered cats to know?

Why do they do this?

When a cat reaches 9-10 months of age, his instincts begin to manifest themselves with might and main. One of them is the fight for territory. The pet constantly defecates to show that it is the boss in the apartment and this creates an unbearable environment.

Should a cat be neutered?

In an effort to gain the attention of cats, the male cat constantly makes loud cries, preventing anyone from sleeping. In this case, the owner decides whether the cat needs to be castrated, but the inconvenience factor often tips the scales in favor of the procedure.

In order to make a normal life possible with a cat in an apartment, he is castrated.

Important! If the operation is performed earlier than the recommended age, this may lead to disturbances in the development of the animal’s genitourinary system.

Improved health

Castration has many more real advantages. It has been repeatedly proven that sterilization significantly improves the health of the animal . In particular, it completely prevents the development of many diseases of the genitourinary system.

Interesting! Research has shown that infertility reduces the risk of developing testicular cancer by 75%.

This remark is typical only for those cases where sterilization was carried out before full puberty. If the kitten's body has already fully developed, removing the gonads will help little (but the risk will still be reduced in this case).

Is it necessary to neuter a domestic cat?

Is it necessary to sterilize a cat: what will happen if you don’t?

If this operation is not carried out, then life with a sexually mature cat in an apartment may become unbearable. For example, he may urinate in freshly washed bedding to mark his territory.

And loud screams do not just create discomfort, they are strong and shrill, and the cat literally does not let you sleep at night. Therefore, in many cases, it is a matter of choosing between living with it for years, throwing the animal out into the street altogether, or castrating it, making it someone you can get along with.

Of course, its owners can make different choices, but the last option will allow them to find a solution that is beneficial to all parties. From what has been said, it is clear whether it is worth castrating the cat.

Is it necessary to sterilize a cat?

Since the operation itself is quite complicated, many owners of furry cats wonder whether they need to sterilize their cat. In fact, there is no clear answer to this question. Here everything will depend primarily on why you are getting a pet. If you plan to breed offspring and sell kittens (this is especially true for rare furry breeds), of course, there is no need for sterilization.

If you do not want to start breeding kittens, it is better to choose a good veterinarian and have an operation. This way you will avoid the need to use contraceptives for your cat and get rid of the discomfort that the animal causes you during the period of heat.

The effect of castration on an animal

During the operation, the cat's testes are removed. After this, he is unable to produce not only semen, but also sex hormones. If it is said that the animal is a cryptorchid, then the testicle is removed.

Does a castrated cat live less?

What happens if you cut a cat's whiskers: will they grow back?

This is not supported by facts. Studies have shown that an operated cat's life expectancy is usually 2-3 years longer. Thus, castration gives the domestic cat years of a well-fed and comfortable life.

A castrated cat will get urolithiasis

The likelihood of disease increases if the animal gains a lot of weight and does not want to go outside.

However, if you feed him food specially designed for operated cats, then this situation will not occur and the risk of disease will be the same as for other felines.

When asked whether a domestic cat should be neutered, the veterinarian's advice says that it is not only advisable, but also safe for the animal.

Cat behavior after castration

It is believed that food will become the main pleasure of his life, and this will inevitably lead to obesity and many other diseases.

After the operation, his motor activity will decrease and this will contribute to the worsening of the situation. However, you need to remember that the nutrition of a domestic cat will depend on the food that the owner gives him.

Attention! With the right diet, the cat will receive as many calories as it needs and there will be no reason for obesity.

A castrated cat is deprived of an important aspect of his life.

The intimate life of cats is not even remotely reminiscent of humans. These animals do not create strong pairs, and their meetings are dictated by instincts. For example, the cats that Kuklachev trains learn new tricks because he understands the nature of these animals well.

Important! Sometimes they try to solve the problem by finding a permanent girlfriend. However, in this case, the screams and the desire to mark will not disappear, but the problem with kittens will be added.

They will have to be attached, which is usually difficult to do. Otherwise, you will need to feed the straight-eared and lop-eared ones yourself in ever-increasing quantities.

The structure of the cat's genitourinary system

Post-operative care

The owner may be worried that the cat will be killed by the veterinarian. Here we must immediately dismiss such a thought - the operation has been performed for a long time and in thread mode. Those for whom castration is contraindicated will not do anything; this will become known even before the intervention.

Bad behavior, apathy or depression, even marks are normal signs that the cat has not yet recovered from the operation, its hormonal levels are disturbed, the veterinarian has nothing to do with it. A maximum of three months is given for normalization and return to the previous way of behavior and life.

Another opinion is that the cat will become disabled, deprived of the joys of “love,” but does the owner know that the male only obeys instincts, and not the need to reproduce. A cat who wants to mate does not stop paying attention to females, especially if he was already doing this before the intervention. If he lives in a cattery, his function is to mate without fertilization and bring cats out of a state of spree.

Someone will say that the pet’s character has deteriorated due to the castration event. In fact, the cat, having gotten rid of the testes, will become calmer and more good-natured. Games and teases will remain relevant. Rage and aggression are just the lot of non-neutered cats and female cats.

There is a belief that an operated cat will certainly suffer from urolithiasis. Here you need to know that castration itself cannot lead to this; rather, a poor diet, a small amount of water and infection are the root causes. Invariably, after surgery, the body will undergo a restructuring of metabolism. A decrease in mineral and protein components in the diet obliges the owner to feed the pet with special food. Fish, foods with phosphorus, magnesium or calcium are taboo. You should not indulge your cat’s constant desire to eat - there is a risk of developing consequences in the form of obesity, poor metabolism and the formation of deposits.

What to do if a cat marks after castration

Unfortunately, surgery does not always solve the problem that a Maine Coon or other cat leaves marks. It is necessary to understand the difference between carelessly going to the toilet and leaving marks. In the latter case, vertical surfaces or the owner’s things are wetted. In addition, the smell is attractive to females.

After sterilization, the cat asks the cat: is this normal and what to do?

Marking is usually done by males who have been castrated as adults. When the operation is performed at 8-9 months, this behavior has not yet had time to form.

Important! However, the habit does not last forever. It stops after 4-12 weeks.

The duration of the period is longer, the older the animal undergoing the operation. Moreover, the sharpness of the smell will gradually disappear from the tags. This is due to the cessation of production of sex hormones.

Arguments of castration supporters

Oddly enough, but in this case there are not entirely clear-cut points. Thus, many owners sincerely believe that a sterilized cat will immediately become calmer and more affectionate. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception; it corresponds poorly to the real state of affairs.

As in the case of “catching” abilities, the character of a cat is practically not regulated by sex hormones. If the animal itself is quite nervous and aggressive, infertility is unlikely to correct this deficiency.

Remember! Over time, the cat will become calmer, but it will take at least a year to “calm down”.

Another misconception is that many people believe that as a result of sterilization, cats stop marking. Unfortunately, this is not entirely true. Yes, over time, the frequency of leaving tags actually drops, but this does not happen immediately. However, the real benefits of castration appear earlier - the animal’s urine begins to smell less “vigorous”, and therefore the cat’s bad habit does not cause so much inconvenience. Of course, this doesn’t make her any more pleasant either...

Advantages and disadvantages of castration

Castration has its positive and negative sides. Below they are presented in more detail.

The cat cannot eat for 12 hours before surgery

Pros of castration

As a result of the operation, there are positive aspects for the animal:

The animal's character changes significantly. He shows more calmness and friendliness. The cat is not characterized by aggression, which can usually be seen during the period when he is looking for a female.
Loud screams at night stop. In most cases, the habit of marking territory is a thing of the past, but this is not always the case.
It does not contribute to the birth of kittens, which usually face a sad fate in cases where there is no possibility of placing them.
Since they do not chase females down the street, the likelihood of genitourinary diseases is reduced.
By limiting contact with street animals, the likelihood of infectious infection decreases.

These changes make it possible to make the cat's behavior in the apartment more acceptable. After the operation, he really becomes a harmless furry pet, without mood swings.

A castrated cat should be fed with special dietary food.

Disadvantages of castration

Sometimes surgery can lead to the following undesirable consequences:

Neutered cats, especially British cats, are prone to obesity.
After such changes, the previous diet will no longer be suitable - animals need special food, which is more expensive than before.
Scottish cats and representatives of some other breeds after castration are prone to diabetes, urolithiasis and cardiac disorders.
Due to the anesthesia during surgery, some cats may experience serious problems.

Once the operation is performed, it is impossible to return everything back. This should be kept in mind by those who plan to have it performed on a purebred animal in a private clinic.

Types of cat sterilization

Depending on how the cat is sterilized, there are several types of procedures:

Ovariectomy. Another name for removing the ovaries. As a result of the operation, estrus stops, and the risk of ovarian cysts and false pregnancy also disappears.
Ovariohysterectomy. Complex removal of the ovaries and uterus. A more complex operation that is used for cats that have already given birth, as well as for adult furry cats.
Hysterectomy is the removal of one animal's uterus. The least common operation due to the threat to the pet's health.
Tubal ligation. Preserves the hormonal background of the animal, but prevents the unwanted phenomenon of unwanted pregnancy. Please note that as a result of tubal ligation, the purr's behavior is unlikely to change. This method is more often used by sterilization centers to control the birth rate of stray cats.

What happens if you don't castrate your cat?

If he is not sterilized, then there are two options: tolerate his behavior and take it for granted, or get rid of the animal and give it to friends. Radical option: just throw him out onto the street. In both situations, a good relationship with the cat will not work.

This is interesting! When asked whether a cat can be neutered, the answer is yes. However, this operation has another name - sterilization.

Spaying your cat will help prevent the birth of unwanted kittens.

Loss of valuable genetic material

It’s hard to argue with this argument: once the cat has been castrated, there’s nothing you can do about it – it’s definitely not possible to put him into breeding. But such situations happen extremely rarely. However, professional breeders have several tips that will help preserve the valuable (at least relatively) gene pool. More precisely, just one piece of advice. If your pet is the last or one of the last representatives of a breed/breed group, then, of course, you should not castrate it.

At the same time, some clients of professional breeders suspect them of “unfair play”: they allegedly castrate animals “just like that.” But that's not true. Believe me, not a single sane breeder will sterilize a good cat. There are two reasons for this: either the animal is “defective”, since its parents have some hereditary developmental defects, or the animal can no longer perform its functions. And this is good, since conscientious cat lovers prevent the spread of “junk” genes.

Thus, this prejudice against castration can be called the only adequate argument “against” the operation (of course, subject to very specific conditions). It is unlikely that anyone would think of sterilizing the only remaining representative of the breed.

Sterilization of a cat without castration

In order for an animal not to have offspring, it is not necessary to carry out surgical castration; it can be done without it. If you ligate the spermatic cords, this will eliminate the possibility of semen production.

Carrying out the operation

In this case, the possibility of giving birth to kittens is excluded, but the cat will not stop marking the territory and making loud screams.

Such an operation will not solve the main problem of the owners, therefore, for the desired effect, surgical castration must be performed.

Neutering a cat can cause different feelings, but it is usually the only way to keep a cat indoors. Before purchasing a pet, you need to think about the necessary surgery in advance.

What is cat sterilization?

When bringing home a small kitten, people are often concerned about issues such as nutrition, training, hygiene and care of the animal. However, over time, closer to six months of age, cats begin puberty, which is accompanied by discomfort and even pain. The animal begins to mark in the corners, feel weak, meow loudly, causing discomfort to you, and maybe even your neighbors.

Don't think that the cat's character has simply deteriorated. Thus, she communicates that she is ready to reproduce and actively calls the cat. Some people prefer to forego surgical interventions, limiting themselves to tablets or injections that ease the animal's discomfort. However, modern veterinarians unanimously advise to gather courage and take your pet for sterilization.

To be brief, the procedure of sterilizing a cat is an operation that can deprive the pet of the opportunity to have offspring. Despite the various methods performed by veterinarians, the purpose of surgery is to remove reproductive organs that affect the hormonal levels of the animal’s body.

The sterilization procedure is applied specifically to cats. If you get a cat, at puberty the animal is not sterilized, but castrated.

Indications for castration

Many believe that castration is carried out at the request of the owner.

Veterinarians recommend it as a preventive measure for urolithiasis. It is advisable to do this before the age of one, otherwise unwanted manifestations of puberty will remain (marking in the territory, aggression, etc.).

Not all owners know how to understand that it is time to neuter a cat. Puberty occurs at different times. The approximate period is from 7 to 11 months. If a kitten is taken from the street, it is difficult to determine its exact age.

When entering heat, the behavior of the male changes. He actively leaves marks - he scratches door frames and other surfaces with his claws. The cat attracts females with loud cries. The territory is also marked with a specific smelling urine. To do this, the pet approaches the wall, turns its back to it and raises its tail. A wet spot remains on the surface.

It is necessary to neuter your pet in case of genetic diseases, testicular injuries and tumors in the genital organs.

In some countries, animals not allowed for breeding are also required to be castrated.

Cat at the vet

FAQ

Whatever sterilization method you choose, this operation is quite complex and requires a responsible approach. That is why the owners of purrs are tormented by dozens of questions. I will try to answer the most common ones.

Can a cat be spayed while in heat?

Strongly not recommended . It is advisable to wait for this period and go to the veterinarian when the animal’s hormonal levels stabilize. A rush of blood to the genitals may pose a risk of complications during surgery.

How is a cat sterilized?

Sterilization of animals is carried out in several stages:

examination of the purr;
administration of drugs to facilitate surgery;
administration of anesthesia;
removing hair from an area of skin;
cutting the skin;
removal of reproductive organs;
suturing.

How long does it take to sterilize cats?

The operation itself lasts no more than 20 minutes. However, a preliminary examination and recovery from anesthesia slightly delays the process. So be prepared for your cat to spend about an hour in the veterinarian's office.

Should a cat be allowed to give birth before being spayed?

No, all modern veterinarians recommend sterilizing the animal before the first birth.

Is it possible to sterilize a pregnant cat?

In no case. A possible pregnancy should be excluded before surgery first.

Should an adult cat be spayed?

Only if you consider it necessary. In any case, with age, the animal’s hormonal background and its instincts weaken. So there is no particular need for surgery.

Moreover, many veterinarians do not recommend spaying purrs older than 10 years. At this age, a cat’s body can endure surgery and recovery quite hard.

Do I need to get vaccinations before sterilization?

To avoid infection, the animal should be vaccinated at least 4 weeks before surgery.

Feedback from cat owners after sterilization

To make a final decision regarding sterilization of an animal, be sure to weigh the pros and cons. To understand the possible risks and special cases during operations, read the reviews left by furry owners after sterilization. Browse local forums to find a good clinic and experienced veterinarian.

Most purr owners speak about the operation as follows:

How much does it cost to sterilize a cat?

In many cities today there are sterilization centers that are ready to sterilize cats for a nominal fee of 80-100 UAH. in Ukraine (1200-1500 in Russia). However, if you are afraid to take your pet to such institutions, you can find private clinics that offer paid procedures.

Despite the complexity of the operation, it is not that expensive. On average, the price of sterilizing a cat is about 350-500 hryvnia in Ukraine, and from 2500 rubles in Russia. Some veterinary clinics perform laser sterilization, which will cost more, as will calling a doctor to perform the operation at home.

Risk of anesthesia

Anesthesia is not harmless. The complications caused by it are the most dangerous, but also the least common. Of course, problems from anesthesia appear only with an overdose or incorrect selection of drugs. All complications of this group threaten the life of the pet, so you need to familiarize yourself with them in more detail.

Problems during the administration of anesthesia

During anesthesia, the animal's respiratory activity is inhibited, which can lead to a lack of oxygen. If this pathology is not eliminated in time, the animal may die.

Fortunately, the symptoms of the complication are very clearly visible:

Retraction of intercostal spaces. It appears with increased inhalation; in parallel, there is an increase in the amplitude of movements of the abdominal wall during inhalation and exhalation.
Noisy breathing is the most obvious symptom. The animal snores so loudly that it cannot be mistaken for a natural mechanism. This noise is a consequence of intense, intense breathing.
Cyanosis of the mucous membranes is observed with already manifested hypercapnia (excess CO2). This is due to the fact that blood, poor in oxygen and high in carbon dioxide, is not red-scarlet, but has a blue-purple tint.

With hypercapnia, bradycardia develops, and later tachycardia, blood pressure first increases and then decreases. There is constriction of the pupils, increased secretion of mucus in the bronchi, and then cardiac arrest.

To eliminate the problem, artificial ventilation of the lungs is prescribed; the animal is given inhalation of pure oxygen, which increases the permeability of capillaries and alveoli. Heparin is also administered in minimal dosages - 75 micro units/kg of animal weight.

Problems in maintaining anesthesia

Several complications may occur during surgery:

Various cardiac complications (arrhythmias, tachycardia, fibrillation, etc.). In this case, pallor of the mucous membranes occurs, and a sharp decrease in blood pressure develops. The problem appears as a result of an overdose of anesthesia and respiratory depression. To eliminate the problem, atropine, isotropine and other beta-blockers are administered.

Low blood pressure is also a dangerous complication, since the functioning of many organs (kidneys, liver, etc.) requires a certain level of blood pressure. To increase blood pressure, polyglucin is administered dropwise, and in severe cases, ephedrine or dopamine.
An allergic reaction is possible to any drug, including anesthesia or anesthetic. In this case, the patient is administered antiallergic drugs (prednisolone) and other symptomatic drugs. For prevention, before surgery, it is recommended to conduct a skin test to check for possible allergies.

Problems after anesthesia

After anesthesia, several types of complications are also possible:

Prolonged awakening is a consequence of an overdose of anesthesia or accumulation of drugs. Eliminated by injection of analeptics and other drugs that improve cerebral circulation. Antidotes to anesthesia are also used, such as corazol, bemegride.
Brain edema develops with prolonged lack of oxygen. It manifests itself in the form of a variety of neurological disorders: muscle tension in the back of the head, agitation, convulsions, paresis and paralysis, disturbances in thermoregulation, respiratory and cardiac activity. It is eliminated using craniohypothermia - a special surgical operation to reduce pressure in the brain. At the same time, you need to use oxygen-containing drugs, administer mannitol, furosemide or other glucocorticosteroids.
Chills at first glance are not a dangerous condition, but it is this pathology that often leads to respiratory depression and pulmonary edema, which is already life-threatening. To eliminate chills, it is necessary to administer magnesium sulfate in an amount of 10 mg/kg body weight. The drug is injected through an intravenous drip. You also need to warm the animal using heating pads with a temperature of 40oC.

Pulmonary edema develops when the heart is unable to pump blood. They form during anesthesia due to a drop in blood pressure. Symptoms of edema include difficulty breathing, foamy cough, and blue discoloration of the mucous membranes. The attack is eliminated by ventilation of the lungs, and sulfocamphocaine, furosemide and other drugs are used to improve heart function.

Benefits of castration

Castration is necessary, because without it the cat becomes simply unbearable. Of course, you can live with an unneutered pet, but only if you can regularly let him outside.

In all other cases, it is necessary to remove the testes, because after this the animal:

Becomes calm, aggression disappears. During sexual hunting, testosterone is released into the blood, which leads to an increase in aggressiveness. When the testes are removed, the animal's temperament becomes softer.
Stops marking territory. Cat marks are messages to cats and other cats that a sexually mature male lives here. The smell of urine also changes under the influence of testosterone and becomes more pungent and strong. When the testes are removed, the smell of the urine becomes weaker, and the cat stops marking its territory.
Becomes flexible and friendly. This is especially important if you want to teach your pet some rules of behavior. For example, so that he goes to the potty and does not touch food from the table. Removing the testes will make the pet more obedient, so he will learn these rules faster.