Cat yells after sterilization - norm and deviations
If sterilization has been done, and the pet screams and asks to go outside in search of the cat, you should not blame the veterinarian for a poorly performed procedure. It is necessary to understand how the sterilization was carried out.
Many people mistakenly believe that spaying involves removing a cat's internal reproductive organs, but this is not true. The operation involves tying the fallopian tubes. As a result of surgical intervention, the animal does not lose its natural instincts to reproduce. The cat can mate, but does not have the ability to reproduce.
If the uterus and ovaries were removed during the operation, then this procedure is called castration. After its completion, the animal becomes infertile. The pet's sex drive disappears.
But if the animal was calm before the operation and never screamed, there is a possibility of developing a postoperative complication.
Castration
As a rule, this concept is most often applied to males, that is, to cats. With them, everything is extremely simple: you don’t really need to do any internal manipulations (meaning inside the body at a certain depth), just “chick”, and there are no testes. With cats, whose main internal reproductive organs are located in the abdominal cavity (like many mammals), everything will be completely different and certainly not as smooth as it might seem at first glance.
First, it’s worth clarifying that the main reproductive organs in cats are the ovaries and the uterus. It is in the ovaries that all the necessary hormones are produced, it is there that eggs are formed and, in general, everything rests on them.
Castration involves two scenarios:
- ligation of the ovaries directly;
- removal of the uterus (the ovaries are never touched).
Of course, if the ovaries remain with the cat, the estrus will continue. Moreover, this will greatly depress the animal, since she will still have the desire to be with the cat, but the main thing - the birth of kittens - will never be possible, because there is no uterus, and the eggs simply cannot get into the fallopian tubes. And, obviously, the animal will scream and interfere with the quiet life of its owners.
Watch a video of a cat asking for a cat after sterilization.
Sterilization
This is a more optimal option for both the pet and the people around her. During this operation, both the ovaries and the uterus are completely removed. This means that the animal is forever freed from estrus (and therefore from the opportunity to become a mother), as well as from various unpleasant phenomena that accompany the most active time for reproduction. This includes constant screaming day and night, following behind the owners and similar incidents.
If you have to choose what will be best for the animal itself, then, of course, it is sterilization. This is safer and more reliable, does not require unnecessary hassle with periods of estrus, and in general, after this operation, pets become calmer and begin to lead a more measured lifestyle, losing their former aggression and agility. But the question of why a sterilized cat screams day and night will never again arise.
It is safe?
Contrary to public opinion, myths should be dispelled and it should be said that, indeed, there is nothing terrible in high-quality and competently performed sterilization. On the contrary, this is an excellent option for both domestic and stray cats: the animal will not have to suffer and fight instincts, homeless pets will not have to constantly give birth (some mothers may die during childbirth, etc.). As for hormones, everything here also goes as smoothly as possible: after removal of the ovaries, the adrenal glands begin to actively act, compensating for the missing hormones. The cat will not die from this (if there are no contraindications), nothing will happen to it. But all this will happen only on the condition that the baby does not have chronic diseases and the intervention is performed by an experienced doctor.
Read about sterilizing a cat at home and in the clinic. And also about how to properly trim a cat’s claws.
Why does the cat yell for no reason?
Having examined in detail both methods of depriving an animal of the opportunity to give birth to offspring, we can assume that not always everything goes smoothly and without incident. Of course, most often this is how it happens, but statistics show that more and more often, unscrupulous and incompetent “specialists” begin to pass off castration as sterilization or even perform these surgical interventions poorly.
But what are the main reasons for such strange animal behavior?
- Incorrectly performed operation.
- Late surgical intervention (in adulthood).
- The operation was performed during the period of estrus.
- Other health problems.
Often, young doctors can make a mistake during their first operations: for example, not completely removing an ovary, making an incision in the wrong place, or doing everything completely wrong. Here it’s up to the owners to find a good specialist. Late sterilizations can also lead to complications. The cat will look for the cat out of habit. Also, the cause of constant cat screams may be other health problems that are not at all related to castration.
Why does a sterilized cat scream at night: what to do?
So, the main question is: what should owners do? Firstly, do not panic and think soberly. If you take the necessary actions in time, then everything will be fine. Secondly, be sure to go to the clinic, show the patient to the doctor and conduct the necessary tests, ultrasound and x-rays. You should not delay this matter; it is likely that the problem is some kind of inflammation, which can be fatal. Monitor the behavior of your favorite animal!
What time does your cat cry? Leave your message in the comments! And also watch a video about spaying and neutering cats.
Poor operation
In the first 3 days after sterilization, the cat may have pain. This is not considered a pathology. To relieve symptoms, the veterinarian prescribes appropriate medications.
If sterility rules were not followed during surgery, infection may occur. The development of the inflammatory process will cause pain. Treatment is carried out using antibacterial therapy. In severe cases, surgery is required.
The cause of postoperative screams may be damage to internal organs. Regardless of whether the sterilization procedure was performed by the cavity or endoscopic method, there is a possibility of injury to adjacent tissues. This often happens if the surgery was performed by an insufficiently experienced specialist or due to the doctor’s negligence.
How to deal with a cat screaming at night
If a previously calm cat begins to scream at night, then there is only one competent way out - a trip to the veterinary clinic. A professional approach from a veterinarian will help you get out of the situation competently and understand the reason why the cat is yelling and survive the period of cat yelling.
- If a non-neutered cat screams day and night and wants a girlfriend, then it would be better to let him go for a walk. Of course, for animals that have not been sterilized, there are hormonal drugs that help relieve the desire to procreate. But their use is justified only in the rarest cases, since they cause irreparable damage to the health of the pet. After the cat has calmed down and satisfied its needs, you can think about castration.
- There are times when a neutered cat continues to scream at night. When an animal has been castrated recently, this means that the hormones have not yet completed their effect. You will have to be patient a little, in the future everything will pass and the pet will calm down.
- When a sterilized cat screams, you need to understand that the hunter’s instinct is still strong and it is better to try to satisfy it with play. Active games and imitation of hunting will help keep the kitten busy during the day, so at night he will need rest.
- If the kitten played well during the day and subsequently ate meat, then another instinct will work for him - a sound sleep. It’s good if the kitten eats heavy food at night, the digestion of which will require more energy. But a castrated cat should not eat meat at night, as he is prone to obesity.
- As soon as the kitten appears in the house, you need to teach it to sleep in its place from the very first day, so that later there will be no problems with the night cry of the animal demanding to be let into the owner’s bedroom.
- In especially severe cases, when an animal that has survived the sterilization procedure continues to torment its owner with its screaming, you can give it the drug Kot Bayun or Feliway. These are products made from plant materials and will not harm your pet. But before giving them, you need to be sure that the cat is not suffering from any disease, so a visit to the veterinarian is mandatory.
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By giving your animal anthelmintic drugs, you can forget about the problem of nighttime crying. It is possible that the kitten, due to the presence of parasites, constantly felt hungry.
Hormones
Sterilization does not disrupt hormone production. For this reason, the cat may go into sexual heat. The instinct to reproduce does not disappear, so the animal may go into heat. It is accompanied by changes in the behavior of the pet.
A cat can be in heat even after spaying, because... The ability to produce the necessary hormones is retained by the adrenal glands and the pituitary gland. For this reason, the operation is recommended to be performed at 6 months, i.e. before the onset of the first sexual heat.
To normalize the state of health, the cat is prescribed hormonal medications.
And finally...
Watch the animal. Perhaps this is just a residual phenomenon that is isolated in nature and appears only out of habit. If this behavior is repeated regularly and even more often than before sterilization, then this is certainly a cause for concern. In the second case, you should definitely seek advice from a veterinary clinic.
What to do in such a situation? And should you pay attention to your pet’s behavior? The answer is clear - it is necessary. If you let the situation take its course, then the sterilized pet’s cycle may be restored and such behavior will be regular. If the problem is not the quality of the operation, then veterinarians recommend medical intervention - it is necessary to inject the cat with a hormonal vaccine, such as Covinan or depot-gestone. This may need to be done twice. In any case, it is advisable to do this only after the recommendation of a veterinarian.
What to do if the cat screams
If the reason for sterilization was the reluctance of the cat’s owners to decide what to do with the offspring, but they are not embarrassed by the screams that occur during estrus, then nothing needs to be done. In a situation where the animal’s behavior does not suit the owners, it is recommended to undergo complete castration.
Long-term use of hormonal drugs that suppress egg maturation can cause the development of additional health problems, so this method is not recommended by veterinarians.
How to avoid the noise of a sterilized cat?
Even if a sterilized cat is walking again, it is necessary to immediately take certain measures so that a stable cycle does not establish. An effective measure is the introduction of hormonal drugs. In very rare cases, this procedure requires repeating. Note that if sterilization took place a few days ago or has reached a period of 7 months, and the sterilized female is still walking, an injection of a hormonal drug will definitely help. If sterilization was done a year ago, or even more, the pet is walking for a completely different reason.
Veterinarian advice
Some veterinarians consider it inappropriate to sterilize a cat, which involves tying the fallopian tubes. After the operation, the animal continues to lead its usual lifestyle, so there is still a possibility of developing other health problems characteristic of pets who have not undergone surgery:
- inflammation of the uterus and appendages;
- cystic endometrial hyperplasia;
- infections transmitted through sexual contact;
- benign and malignant neoplasms, etc.
Estrus in sterilized cats may last longer than in unoperated cats, because fertilization does not occur. The possibility of a false pregnancy cannot be ruled out. This process is caused by a violation of the animal’s neuropsychic state. If a false pregnancy occurs, the cat's life is at risk if treatment is not started in a timely manner. The animal begins to produce milk, which is dangerous for the development of mastitis. False pregnancy can occur repeatedly.
Before getting a female pet, you need to think in advance about all possible problems and difficulties that may arise in the future, including deciding on sterilization. If in doubt, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
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What measures to take?
What to do in such a situation? And should you pay attention to your pet’s behavior? The answer is clear - it is necessary. If you let the situation take its course, then the sterilized pet’s cycle may be restored and such behavior will be regular. If the problem is not the quality of the operation, then veterinarians recommend medical intervention - it is necessary to inject the cat with a hormonal vaccine, such as Covinan or depot-gestone. This may need to be done twice. In any case, it is advisable to do this only after the recommendation of a veterinarian.
Find the cause of a cat's cry
The first step is to understand why your pet behaves this way. Check the litter tray and food bowl. If your cat is fed and the litter box is clean, but the spayed cat is still screaming, try giving your cat medications that will suppress sexual desire.
If the cat is not sterilized, then it is best to resort to this procedure - then its liver will be more intact. Don't want to use this option? Then hormonal drugs are at your service. Did this method not help? Then all that remains is to take the cat to the veterinarian or call a specialist to your home.
Lack of attention or health
Sometimes cats are simply trying to attract attention in this way. When it's time to come into heat, all unsterilized cats of absolutely all breeds will scream.
If an old cat begins to emit heart-rending screams, this may mean that the animal has so-called “Alzheimer's disease” or a cognitive disorder. If the cat was calm before, then such screams may indicate the presence of an anxious state. And, of course, a cat can meow loudly in the absence of its owner, fearing separation anxiety.
How to wean a cat from the bad habit of yelling?
Advice! The best way to ensure a peaceful life together with an animal is not to spoil it and not allow everything it wants at the first request.
Cats are smart enough to understand that humans don’t always like their meowing, and that their owners are ready to make any sacrifice just to stop it right this second.
This is not even a question of why a cat constantly meows and screams if you have indulged all her whims since childhood, the question is different: is it possible to fix everything?
It is possible, but for this you will have to stock up on Spartan endurance and angelic patience. The cat, out of habit, will demand and meow, and the owner should simply ignore her cries. If you are not confident in yourself, buy earplugs or listen to music through headphones, because a constant cat concert is unbearable.
Try not to spoil your cat so that he doesn't meow all the time.
If a cat asks to be held in your arms with a heart-rending meow, do not follow the animal’s lead, caress it when it is silent and behaves calmly. The same goes for treats. Regular food should always be present in the cat's bowl, and the pet will receive yummy food only when it is silent.
The cat will learn this logical chain: “I’m silent - I get what I want” quite quickly. Usually training takes 5-7 days.
Postoperative suture care
Caring for a cat after sterilization involves treating the sutures. The seam must be dry and clean. Any suppuration, bloody wetting or inflammation is a reason to contact a veterinarian. In order for the seam to heal faster, it must be treated with the following drugs:
- Levomekol ointment;
- hydrogen peroxide;
- Betadine;
- Chlorhexidine;
- brilliant green.
In the first days after surgery, swelling of the suture may be noted. This is a completely normal tissue reaction to injury. Sometimes redness of the seam is observed, and the skin around it takes on a glossy appearance. Ichor (clear liquid) may appear. On average, the suture heals completely on the 10-12th day after surgery.
Sutures in cats should be removed at 7-10 days, because the threads then begin to grow into the skin. This can be done at a veterinary clinic or on your own. There is nothing complicated about this. You need to take tweezers and small scissors. The instruments are disinfected, after which you need to pull the thread with a knot with tweezers, and cut one thread with scissors. In this way, all seams are gradually removed.
Video
The essence of the procedure: what is it?
There are two ways to deprive an animal of its ability to bear children:
- sterilization (vasectomy);
- castration (ovariohysterectomy).
Surgery to sterilize a cat involves ligating the ovaries or removing the uterus. Thus, the production of hormones, for which the ovaries are responsible, does not stop. This method is chosen by pet owners who want to preserve the instincts of their pet. But a more humane way to carry out castration is a surgical intervention in which the reproductive organs are completely removed. Then the adrenal glands are responsible for hormonal production, and the cat does not require mating.
What to do when your pet meows or screams all the time?
Most likely, the owner will not be able to cope on his own. So what to do in this case? It is necessary to take your cat to the veterinarian as soon as possible. A high-quality and complete medical examination of the animal will certainly help to find out what the problem is.
And only after that you can begin to take action:
If the problem is the usual post-operative problems, that is, pain and discomfort, then the animal should be prescribed sedatives to alleviate the cat's condition.
In addition, you need to provide your pet with warm bedding, and ideally, place it in a separate room, away from other pets and small children. There is absolutely no need for the cat to worry at all at this time.
If the veterinarian suspects that the cat is experiencing inflammation, then loading doses of broad-spectrum antibiotics are prescribed.
When a strange and even inadequate state of a pet is caused by the action of hormones still remaining in its body, mild sedatives and... patience will help. Alas, nothing else can be done in such a situation.
In cases where the animal’s anxiety is due to the development of a postoperative hernia, sedatives and painkillers are also prescribed. The fact is that a cat can only be cured of a hernia with the help of another surgical operation, and it cannot be done until the pet has recovered from sterilization... All that remains is to wait and stabilize the animal’s condition with medications.
Additional benefits of sterilization
In cases of sexual heat in a cat, the only remedy against kitten marks is to castrate the groom. But this does not help with his other whims
Let's say it's protecting the territory or feeling deprived of attention, pain, simple stress - all this can serve as a reason for marks. But castration won't help here.
There is no doubt that removing the testicles does not lead to obesity. The widespread opinion on this matter is erroneous; moreover, he will remain just as nimble. After the operation, the character will improve, the kitten will become more sociable, affectionate and playful.
If you think ahead, it is better to clean your cats early. He will have less knowledge about sexual hunting. Cleaning old cats who have been screaming and making trouble at home for years does not help right away. This habit will only go away after a year or two.
Should a cat stop marking?
The female stops marking after sterilization if she has not yet reached sexual maturity at the time of the operation.
Otherwise, such sexual behavior has already been established, and the lack of hormones may not affect it. In addition, this behavior completely depends on the character of the cat. She may not like such a small thing as the location of the tray, unknown and unpleasant odors, or simply the surrounding environment, but she can express her dissatisfaction in one of the few ways - by leaving marks.
The owner can deal with this problem in several ways.
- Ensure good ventilation in the house, eliminating unpleasant odors.
- Make sure the cat is not bothered by anything. In case of anxiety, you can rub flower infusions into the inside of the ear. They can also be added to the water that the animal drinks - no more than 1-2 drops.
- Special preparations sold in pet stores can eliminate the odors of existing marks. Their use is quite lengthy: most often, the areas marked by the cat must be treated every day for a month.
Reference!
Of course, all of the above should be put into effect only after the owner is convinced that sexual behavior has been consolidated and the operation has been performed correctly. If the production of hormones in the cat's body continues, the above methods may not help.
