The best time to sterilize a cat. What is cat sterilization and when is the best time to have the operation? Preparing for surgery

Should I sterilize my cat? This question worries many happy cat owners. At the same time, if in the West, most of society has long realized all the advantages of sterilizing cats, then in Russia their owners for some reason are still tormented by doubts.

In fact, sterilizing cats is simple. If you have a purebred cat with documents and the right to participate in breeding, then you either participate in this breeding (according to all the rules), or cut off everything “unnecessary” for the cat and send it to the “cushion”. In all other cases, the cat is subject to MANDATORY sterilization. There can be no exceptions here.

It is important to know that breeding cats are also sterilized. This happens after they are removed from breeding work, i.e. either upon reaching a certain age (5-7 years), or when the nursery plans change, or in the event that the breeder is not satisfied with the quality of the kittens obtained from a given breeder.

Separately, it is worth noting that the cat NO NEED to give birth before sterilization. This is a very common misconception. A cat is not a person, it has no desire to become a mother, it only has instinct. If you allow a cat to give birth (even once), and then sterilize her, then she may show psychological signs of estrus, and even a false pregnancy is possible - enormous stress for the animal. In addition, the sooner a cat is spayed, the lower the risk of developing genitourinary malignancies in the future. And the misconception about the need for childbirth arose thanks to unscrupulous veterinarians - it is easier for them to remove the enlarged uterus of a cat who has given birth, but this does not mean that removing the uterus of a nulliparous animal is an extremely difficult task, some veterinarians are simply too lazy.

Also, do not feel sorry for your cat, being afraid of surgery and anesthesia. The operation to sterilize a cat is routine and simple; complications are rare, but empty heats and unmet needs definitely lead to serious illnesses.

Why do you need to sterilize your cat?

1) sterilized cats live longer (up to 70% of cat diseases are associated with the genitourinary system);

2) unsterilized cats that are not bred develop pyometra (purulent inflammation of the uterus);

3) hormonal contraceptives for cats (drugs for interrupting estrus) lead to changes in hormonal levels, which also contributes to the development of pyometra, mastitis, ovarian cysts, uterine hyperplasia and malignant tumors of the mammary glands and genital organs;

5) sterilized cats stop yelling and marking and become mentally balanced;

6) sterilized cats are not prone to running away from home;

7) you will not need to deal with the adoption of kittens of unknown origin (selling kittens without documents under the guise of purebred ones is completely fraudulent).

At what age should a cat be spayed?

In fact, there is no clear answer to these questions. It is now believed that it is best to sterilize a cat before the completion of puberty (before the first heat), but after the completion of the main formation of the kitten. Otherwise, the cat will either continue to show signs of heat even after the operation (yelling), or will become an asexual creature with mental and physiological problems.

The problem is that the ideal age for neutering is different for each cat, as they all develop differently. The age of puberty in a cat ranges from 6 months to 1.5 years. It is believed that light-boned cats (Siames, Orientals, Sphynxes, Cornish Rexes, etc.) mature quickly - in 6-8 months; cats with heavy bones (Siberian, Maine Coons, etc.) develop more slowly and reach sexual maturity after 1 year; Accordingly, cats with medium bones (Kurilian bobtails, Scottish folds, etc.) are somewhere in the middle. But all this is very conditional, because each cat is individual.

Therefore, for light-boned cats, the optimal age for sterilization is 4-5 months, for medium-boned cats - 8-9 months, for heavy-boned cats - 10-12 months.

In the USA, early castration at the age of 1.5-3 months is extremely popular. Research shows that animals castrated at such an early age grow normally, sometimes even better than their counterparts castrated later; and early castration has no effect on the development of urolithiasis. However, in Russia, veterinarians are reluctant to castrate small kittens due to the complexity of the operation and possible problems with anesthesia. It must be said that their fears are not unfounded.

Separately, it is worth noting that up to 7-8 years of age, a cat can be sterilized without risk to its health. Moreover, the operation is more likely to preserve it than to worsen it. However, if the cat is older, then before sterilization it is worth conducting an examination, first of all, to find out the condition of the heart and compare the risks: find out what is more difficult for the cat, anesthesia or possible cancer?

Cat sterilization and religion

Sterilization of cats from a Christian point of view: In Christianity there is no direct prohibition on sterilization/castration of animals. Each priest has his own opinion on this issue. Some consider sterilization a sin, because... man should not interfere in divine affairs, and God did not create animals for our pleasure. Others believe that castration is not murder, and that if we can kill animals for meat, and also use them for our own needs (for example, plowing with horses and oxen, transporting goods, etc.), then castrate even more so. After all, man is created in the image and likeness of the Lord, which means his needs are paramount. At the same time, castration should not lead to the death of the cat or serious injury, and should also be painless.

Sterilization of a cat in Islam: There is no direct prohibition on castration of animals either in the Koran or hadith. The Prophet Mohammed treated animals very carefully, but there is evidence that he repeatedly sacrificed castrated animals, which means he did not consider them sick or defective. Of the four Sunni madhhabs, the Hanafis do not see anything wrong in the castration of all animals, the Malikis speak only about the castration of beef cattle and also do not condemn it, and the Shafi'ites and Hanabalites condemn the castration of all animals with the exception of beef cattle. Shiites do not object to the castration of domestic animals. Modern Muslim jurists believe that if castration occurs under anesthesia and does not lead to death or injury, then there is no sin in it; because an abundance of cats can harm people, as can sexual activity in animals.

Sterilization of a cat in Judaism: The Torah strictly prohibits the castration of any animal, even by a non-Jew. However, it is also impossible to give an animal drugs that impair its sexual function. At the same time, Jews are allowed to use animals for their needs, for example, you can pluck a feather from a live goose if there is no other feather.

Sterilization of a cat in Buddhism: Buddhists are prohibited from causing suffering to animals and generally interfering with their “natural” life. Cat sterilization for a Buddhist it is possible only if it saves the life of an animal (for example, with uterine cancer). In fact, a Buddhist should not have a pet at all, because... it limits his freedom and causes him suffering.

In general, the following should be noted:

1) All world religions preach humane and caring attitude towards animals, and prohibit the abuse of them for your own pleasure

2) In all world religions it is forbidden to kill helpless creatures that do not cause harm and are not capable of causing it (drowning kittens, throwing them out into the street, taking them away from their mother before they get stronger (3 months))

3) All world religions condemn the intentional infliction of suffering on an animal, therefore, feeding a cat with hormonal pills that cause serious complications is a sin, as is not giving him the opportunity to fulfill his mating needs in the proper amount (every heat cycle)

4) All religious prohibitions on castration are associated with two aspects: you cannot interfere with the nature of animals and you cannot hurt them. However, in the time of the Prophets, there were no "pets" as such, and there were no problems with stray cats. In addition, there was no anesthesia that would allow castration to be performed painlessly, and there were no experienced veterinarians who could castrate an animal without causing death or injury.

5) All religions (except Buddhism) recognize that animals were created for humans, and not humans for animals; accordingly, if an uncastrated animal causes significant harm to people, and its castration will be useful to both humans and animals, castration will not be a sin. And cats mark, yell and behave aggressively, which causes trouble for both their owners and those around them; at the same time, as already written above, castration brings obvious benefits to cats.

Thus, a believer has three paths:

1) do not have cats as pets;

2) do not castrate the animal, mate it with healthy and vaccinated partners every time it wants, raise ALL kittens up to 3 months and give it only to trusted, good hands;

3) castrate an animal in violation of the letter or spirit of religious laws.

It is worth noting that religious laws are constantly and regularly violated, often with the approval of the clergy, since sin is used for good. For example, it is permissible to violate the commandment “thou shalt not kill” when it comes to protecting one’s family or homeland, although murder remains a sin for which one should sincerely repent.

Chemical sterilization of cats

Unlike cats, of all types of non-surgical sterilization, only medical (temporary) sterilization is possible for cats. Since the cat's genitals are located in the abdominal cavity in close proximity to other vital organs, radiation sterilization of a cat seems too difficult, although not absolutely impossible. However, in Russia, even experiments in this area were not carried out.

Medical sterilization of cats using the drug "Superlorin" is also not recommended, because Most likely, for females it is irreversible and can lead to various complications. Other hormonal drugs used in veterinary medicine are also unsafe, but have been better studied.

The best remedy for regulating estrus in cats and used for hormonal imbalances and nymphomania in breeding cats is “Covinan”. It is injected ONLY during the period of sexual rest and, as a rule, according to the following scheme: the second injection 3 months after the first, the third - 4 months after the second, the fourth and subsequent - 5 months after the previous one. In this way, sexual peace is achieved.

Another hormonal contraceptive, Depo-Provera, is also injected during periods when there is no estrus according to the scheme: the second injection three months after the first, the third and subsequent ones six months after the previous one. This drug is not veterinary, but “human”, and for this reason it is much more dangerous than “Covinan”. However, it is very popular due to its relative cheapness.

Not long ago, a new drug “Perlutex” appeared on the market for long-term delay of estrus in cats. The drug is given during the period of sexual rest, 1 tablet per week, 1 course should not exceed more than 5 months. The drug is contraindicated in animals during lactation, with diseases of the genital tract, liver, pancreas and diabetes. It is believed that Perlutex is the most gentle hormonal drug, but there is little experience with its use. There are also cases where cats went into estrus while taking this drug.

Medical sterilization of a cat is a temporary measure intended for breeding animals suffering from debilitating estrus, as well as for cats for which surgical intervention is contraindicated. Long-term use of hormonal drugs to regulate a cat's sexual behavior almost always leads to pyometra and the development of cancerous tumors.

Spaying or neutering a cat

It is believed that the operation to stop the sexual function of a cat is called sterilization, and a similar operation for cats is called castration, but in fact, this is incorrect. From a medical point of view, neutering a cat involves ligating the fallopian tubes (tubes connecting the ovaries to the uterus). With such an operation, the cat cannot become pregnant, but continues to show all signs of sexual heat and mate with cats. Moreover, over time, the pipes can resume their operation. Castration involves the removal of either the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) or only the ovaries (oophorectomy). So, in fact, this article is about castration of cats, but we call it as people are accustomed to. Moreover, in fact, modern veterinarians do not ligate cats’ tubes.

Cat sterilization surgery

Before surgery, cats should not be fed for 12 hours, this will make it easier for them to tolerate anesthesia. If a cat is suspected of having a serious helminthic infestation, it must be dewormed before sterilization. For older cats, it is also recommended to have a complete blood count, ECG and general x-ray. An ECG is also mandatory for representatives of breeds predisposed to hypertrophied cardiomyopathy.

During sterilization, cats have either only the ovaries (if the cat has not given birth) or both the ovaries and the uterus (if the cat has given birth) through an incision in the side wall of the abdomen. If your cat has already been in heat, then the uterus should also be cut out, otherwise signs of heat may recur.

The operation is performed under general anesthesia, after which stitches are applied (they will either need to be removed after a certain time, or asked to be sewn up with absorbable threads). The seams are covered with a special blanket to prevent the cat from licking them.

The rehabilitation period after sterilization usually lasts 7-10 days.

Laparoscopic sterilization of cats

Laparoscopic sterilization of cats or sterilization of cats “without seams and without blankets” or “laser” sterilization is a gentle and fast method of sterilizing cats.

During laparoscopic sterilization of a cat, the surgeon makes a small lateral incision or several punctures in the abdominal wall, through which he inserts special instruments into the abdominal cavity and then removes the ovaries (and uterus).

After laparoscopic sterilization, the cat still has a stitch (very small) and will also have to wear a blanket, otherwise the cat will lick the stitch and get an infection. However, rehabilitation time is reduced from 5-7 days to 1-2 days.

Caring for a cat after sterilization

No special care is required for your cat after sterilization. If the clinic gave you a cat that has not yet recovered from anesthesia, then you need to carefully take it home and put it on a bedding with a diaper, because. After anesthesia, the cat may not control urination and bowel movements.

It is also recommended to limit the cat’s movements for several hours after sterilization, as her coordination will be impaired. The tray and bowls of food should be placed next to the cat.

Your cat should be given water a teaspoon at a time to prevent vomiting. But, usually, this is not required; cats quickly recover and begin to drink and eat without any problems.

Where to sterilize a cat?

You can sterilize your cat either at a veterinary clinic or at home. Best withsterilize the cat in a veterinary clinic, since at home it is impossible to provide a sufficient level of sterility and it is impossible to arrange all the necessary equipment.

At home, as a last resort, you can operate on cats that cannot tolerate travel at all, and it is better to give the animal a sedative than to expose it to the risk of blood poisoning.

How much does it cost to spay a cat?

Sterilizing a cat is a fairly expensive operation. Depending on the region, the method of sterilization and the quality of services provided by the clinic, the cost of sterilizing a cat ranges from 1500-5000 rubles, including anesthesia and necessary medications. Removal of stitches after surgery should also be included in the total cost.

It is worth noting that in large cities, volunteer centers often organize preferential castration of animals for everyone, and recently a promotion was launched

Sterilization of cats is an operation to remove the reproductive organs of females (ovaries, uterus), due to which the animal’s sexual desire for the opposite sex disappears and the ability to breed is completely lost.

Why sterilize animals?

Surely, everyone who has kept or keeps a cat in their home, sooner or later faces a problem when, from a calm, balanced pet, at one point the animal turns into a creature constantly screaming and yelling day and night all day long. Such a time becomes a real test for the owners. Sleepless nights and constant meowing force owners to choose what to do with a helpless animal, because listening and looking at all this becomes unbearable.

Is there an alternative?

Some people run to the nearest pet store for “magic” tablets or drops, after using which, as if by a wave of a magic wand, the animal quickly calms down and the owners begin a calm and joyful life again. Other owners, turning to a veterinarian for help, give the cat a hormonal injection, which suppresses the occurrence of sexual arousal for a long period of time from 3-6 months to 1 year. And finally, some of the owners, in my opinion the smallest part of them, go to veterinary clinics for cat sterilization surgery.

Do cats need sterilization?

Let's figure out which choice is preferable. Puberty in cats occurs at 7-8 months of age. For some, this period begins at an earlier age, at 5-6 months. At this time, the cat’s gonads (ovaries) begin to actively secrete sex hormones into the blood - estrogens. Under their influence, the cat appears that “abnormal” behavior that we are all accustomed to seeing and which worries the owners so much. Depending on the animal’s temperament, the duration and activity of the period of excitation can vary and usually range from several days to 1-2 weeks. During this period, all the reproductive organs of the animal, at the call of nature, begin to prepare for conception and gestation. If the cat is not mated, then it calms down, and in its body one sex hormone is replaced by another - progesterone, thanks to which happy, calm days come in her life and in the life of her owners. It is customary to say about such a cat that she was “missing.” The number of such “empties” can reach several times a year, although it is generally accepted that cats are dicyclic animals (the manifestation of the sexual cycle is observed 2 times a year). This period in a cat’s life is biologically very difficult and forces the animal to experience enormous stress. Constant “emptiness” throughout the animal’s life and interruption or change in the course of the sexual cycle, as many owners prefer to do, using “magic” pills or drops, or a hormonal injection, have a detrimental effect on the health of the pet in adulthood, and sometimes even in the first years of life. years of life.

All this leads to irreversible consequences and the emergence of such terrible diseases as endometritis, pyometritis (purulent inflammation of the uterus), glandular cystic endometrial hyperplasia, ovarian cysts, malignant formations etc. To avoid the above health problems for cats, most veterinarians insist on performing cat sterilization operations. This is an absolutely harmless surgical procedure, the quality of the result of which depends mainly on the experience of the doctor.

From all of the above, the conclusion suggests itself: when you buy a kitten or an adult cat, decide for what purpose you are taking it. Either she will be a caring mother for her future offspring, but then a huge responsibility for the fate of the kids will fall on your shoulders, so that when they grow up they will find reliable owners who will care and love them. Or the cat will simply become a good and loyal friend for you, and expecting offspring from it is not part of your plans. In this case, make sure that your cat lives a calm, healthy and happy life, for which it is necessary to perform an operation to sterilize the animal. Do not harm the health of the animal by using contraceptives and dooming it to painful suffering and possibly death.

At what age is it preferable to have surgery?

So, we have determined that the operation of sterilizing cats is not only harmless, but also useful for those animals that are not used for breeding. Let's now look at the question of the favorable time for the operation. This is one of the questions that is often asked by visitors to our clinic who are planning to have surgery on their animal. Among a large number of animal owners, breeders and veterinarians, there is an opinion that any cat must produce offspring at least once in its life in order to feel healthy and happy for the rest of its life. Based on my own experience and the opinion of most veterinarians, I want to assure you that this is not the case. Moreover, early sterilization has a beneficial effect on the cat’s health and even prolongs its life. The optimal age for surgery on a young animal is from 5-6 to 7-8 months. This is the period of life before the first signs of puberty appear. In simple terms - until the moment when the cat began to roll on the floor, meow loudly and protractedly and try to run away into the street.

Preparation period

The process of the preparatory period will differ in what age and physiological state the animal is in. Here we can distinguish the period before puberty, the period after puberty at a young age, the period of mature and old age.

At a young age, when the cat has not yet experienced all the delights of puberty, by the time of the sterilization operation she must be clinically healthy, she must be vaccinated against infectious diseases no later than 3-4 weeks before the operation, and she must also be aged on a 12-hour fasting diet.

In adulthood, after the onset of puberty, it is preferable to carry out sterilization surgery during the animal’s calm period, when all the symptoms of excitement are not pronounced, so as not to expose the pet to additional stress. The animal must also be clinically healthy, vaccinated, and kept on a 12-hour fasting diet.

As for preparing a mature and elderly animal, this process, as a rule, takes more time and effort for both the owner and the pet itself. By this time, many cats develop hidden pathologies of the body that, during an external examination, the doctor may not identify, and therefore may not assess the degree of risk to the health and life of the animal. To protect the animal as much as possible from the undesirable consequences of the operation, the doctor prescribes a more detailed examination, which includes: clinical blood test, biochemical blood test, general urine test, ultrasound, ECG, x-ray. Based on the results of the examination, provided there are no hidden pathologies, the surgeon makes a decision to prescribe or refuse surgery. If the decision is made in favor of sterilization surgery, then immediately before it the cat is also kept on a 12-hour fasting diet.

Features of the sterilization operation

The preparatory period is over, the cat is healthy, vaccinated, has passed all the necessary tests and is on a 12-hour fasting diet. Only after this the animal is sent to the operating table. When carrying out an operation to sterilize cats, all rules of asepsis and antiseptics are observed - surgical instruments and material are boiled and disinfected. The operating room is disinfected, the operation is carried out strictly with sterile gloves. The doctor gives the animal several injections, after which it falls asleep. The surgical field is prepared (the required area of ​​hair is shaved, followed by disinfection, and a sterile napkin is applied). The operation begins.

There are two methods of surgical access: in the middle part of the abdomen (along the “white line”, below the navel), with a layer-by-layer incision of the skin, subcutaneous tissue and peritoneum; in the lateral part of the abdomen, with an incision in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, separation of muscles and fascia, and an incision in the peritoneum. In our clinic, operations of this kind are usually carried out “along the white line”. This is due to the ease of access to the operated organ, the large volume of the operated area, and good, smooth healing of the incision. The operation is performed either with the removal of only the ovaries (ovarioectamy) or with the removal of the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy). The choice of one method or another is mainly related to the age of the animal. If the cat is young, has not given birth, and best of all, has not reached puberty, then the first method is used. But if the animal is mature or elderly and has had repeated births, then the second method is preferable in order to reduce the risk of cancer and purulent diseases in the uterus in the future. The operation is successful, the surgeon applies stitches, and a bandage is put on the animal - a postoperative blanket. To prevent postoperative complications, an anesthetic and antibacterial drug is given. This cat sterilization operation, from anesthesia to suturing, takes an average of 30 to 45 minutes.

Postoperative period

The operated animal must be placed on a waterproof bedding, since, while under anesthesia, it does not control its physiological processes. Until the cat wakes up, you need to constantly (every 7-10 minutes) moisten its eyes by closing the eyelids. Otherwise, the cornea of ​​the eye may dry out and inflammation may occur. At home, the cat should be placed on the floor in a well-ventilated room. From the end of the operation to the awakening of the animal, an average of 30 minutes to 2-3 hours passes. Immediately after the cat regains consciousness, it will most likely be eager to go somewhere, try to jump onto a high place, or hide in secluded places. Don't let her move too much, much less jump. Some owners hold their pet in their arms throughout the entire awakening period.

After anesthesia, animals often feel cold, so it is better to cover them with a sheet or light blanket. Feeding on this day should be completely excluded, but water should be available constantly. The first day after the operation is the most important for the owners, so it will be better if on this day other matters are put aside and all your attention is given to the cat. From the second day, as food for the animal, it is best to use ready-made dietary highly nutritious food from premium or super-premium companies: Royal Canin, Proplan, Hills, thanks to which the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract is restored, the general condition improves and the animal quickly recovers.

Also, the day after the sterilization operation, the animal must be given an anesthetic injection and the stitches treated with an antiseptic (hydrogen peroxide 3%). The sutures must be treated daily until the doctor removes them. Sutures are removed 8-10 days after surgery. During this period, the cat should be in a blanket to prevent licking and gnawing at the seams. At first, while the animal is in the bandage, it may not feel comfortable, constantly lie down, try to remove it, some animals back away. After removing the blanket, usually after the stitches are removed, the pet’s activity and mood are completely restored.

Sterilization, in most cases, does not in any way affect the character and behavior of the animal, but some owners note that the animals become calmer, gentle and affectionate.

Find out at the ZooVet Veterinary Clinic.

Many happy cat owners are thinking about sterilizing their pets. There are many reasons: tired of the animal’s “concerts”, the furry lady often becomes a mother, health conditions and much more. But before visiting a veterinary clinic, you should understand what kind of procedure this is.

What is sterilization and when is it performed?

There are two types of surgical intervention in the reproductive system of an animal - sterilization and. The most commonly heard are castration of a cat and sterilization of a cat, although this is incorrect from the point of view of terminology. These types of operations apply to animals of both sexes and differ in purpose:

• Castration is the complete removal of the gonads (testes in cats and ovaries in cats). The operation stops the animal's production of sex hormones, making it uninterested in mating and reproduction.
• Sterilization is a more gentle procedure. Its essence is ligation of the vas deferens in cats and the fallopian tubes in cats. The synthesis of sex hormones does not stop, but the animal cannot have offspring. Sterilization does not solve the problem of sexual hunting and does not affect the behavior of the pet.

When deciding to undergo surgery on your pet, evaluate the positive and negative aspects of this action.

Table: advantages and disadvantages of sterilization

pros	Minuses
Lack of unwanted offspring.	The likelihood of complications is the same as after any surgical intervention.
Protecting the animal from problems associated with pregnancy and childbirth.	Risk with anesthesia.
Significant reduction in the risk of breast tumors.	The need for special care in the period after surgery.
Reducing the likelihood of infection during uncontrolled matings or fights during the heat period.	Following a special diet to avoid obesity.
Increasing the pet's lifespan.	Change in animal behavior: the cat will become less energetic.

Video: the pros and cons of sterilizing cats

When is the best time to have surgery?

If you decide to sterilize your furry pet, do it at an age when the body is almost fully formed, but the first heat has not yet occurred - at 7-10 months. It is at this age that the cat tolerates surgery more easily and recovers faster. Sterilization during this period of life will reduce the risk of breast tumors to almost zero. If for some reason it was not possible to have the operation before the onset of the first heat, do not be discouraged: sterilization can be performed at any age from 7 months to 10 years. It is only important to know about some nuances:

Contraindications

There are a number of cases when a cat cannot be sterilized:

• young age - surgery before the age of 6 months can lead to abnormalities of physiological development and multiple complications;
• intolerance to anesthetic drugs, allergic reactions;
• the age of the animal is more than 10 years - at an advanced age it is more difficult to undergo surgery and recover from it, anesthesia can undermine the health of your pet;
• exhausted, weakened state after illness;
• if the animal was vaccinated less than a month ago.

In such cases, drugs are used to suppress estrus or regulate the sexual behavior of the furry lady. But only a veterinarian should prescribe them.

Before surgery

Surgical intervention is an important and responsible event in the life of your pet, so you should prepare for it in advance:

Pet your cat to calm her down before surgery

Types and methods of surgical intervention

There are several types of surgical intervention in the reproductive system of cats. They differ in the method of implementation and purpose:

1. Ovariohysterectomy. The essence of the operation is that both the uterus and ovaries of the cat are removed through an incision in the abdomen. The result is the complete elimination of sexual desire and the ability to reproduce. This is the optimal way to castrate cats and older animals that have already given birth.
2. Ovariectomy. The operation involves removing the ovaries while preserving the uterus. During surgery, two small incisions are made through which the ovaries are removed with a special instrument and then amputated. Like an ovariohysterectomy, the procedure stops sexual activity and the ability to reproduce. It is applied to cats that have not yet gone into heat.
3. Chemical sterilization. It involves introducing drugs into the cat’s body that reduce the production of sex hormones. It gives a temporary effect and is prescribed only in cases where surgical intervention is impossible (for example, if the cat is sick). Long-term use of such drugs leads to a number of serious diseases, including oncology.
4. Tubal occlusion. The essence of the operation is that the fallopian tubes are ligated, but other organs of the reproductive system remain intact. Its result is the preservation of the cat’s sexual behavior, but the inability to have offspring. This is classic sterilization.

Access to the reproductive organs of an animal for the purpose of sterilization is carried out in three ways:

1. An incision is made along the linea alba. The most common method. Suitable for ovariohysterectomy. The cat's fur is shaved from the navel to the last pair of nipples, and an incision is made through which the uterus and ovaries are removed. The incision is relatively large, but passes through the connective tissue without injuring the muscles.
2. Side cut. Used in oophorectomy. It is small in size, so it is used in the sterilization program for homeless animals. Veterinarians do not like this method due to the inability to visually assess the condition of internal organs. With small incisions, it is quite traumatic, since it is performed directly through muscle tissue.
3. Laparoscopy. It is performed by introducing a laparoscope and a special manipulator into the abdominal cavity through small punctures (less than 1 cm in length). Does not require sutures, combines the possibility of full visual control and ultra-low tissue trauma. It is the most expensive, as it requires special equipment and a doctor with appropriate qualifications.

Surgical intervention for sterilizing a cat is performed along the linea alba (1), lateral incision (2) or by laparoscopy (3)

After operation

When the doctor brings your pet out of the operating room, most likely at that moment she will still be under anesthesia or just beginning to come to her senses. At this time, she needs your help.

To transport home, wrap your furry lady in something warm, such as a blanket or towel. In the cold season, a heating pad or at least a bottle of warm water will be useful. After anesthesia, a cat's heartbeat slows down significantly and her body temperature drops, so she gets cold and needs warmth. When you arrive home, place the animal on the floor covered with oilcloth and a soft, lint-free cloth. In the room where the furry lady will come to her senses, there should be no sources of loud noise or bright light. When your cat wakes up, keep a close eye on her. Being in a state of residual anesthesia, staggering, falling and crashing into furniture, she can injure herself. If your pet wants to move from the floor to her favorite hiding place, help her, but continue to watch closely, especially if the hiding place is located high off the floor.

Do not let your cat drink water until she has fully recovered from the anesthesia. This usually takes several hours. And feed after surgery only when her appetite returns - usually after 1 day.

In the first 2-3 days after surgery, put a special blanket on your cat. Such fabric clothing with ties will protect the wound from contamination and will prevent the cat from disturbing the stitches while licking. Animals are usually indifferent to healing wounds, but there are exceptions to any rule. If the cat shows excessive interest in the stitches, leave it in a blanket until the wounds are completely healed.

A cat blanket will help prevent injury to postoperative sutures

Pay special attention to caring for seams. Your veterinarian will provide instructions and advice after surgery. On the second or third day after surgery, the sutures are treated with brilliant green, hydrogen peroxide, chlorhexidine or Levomekol ointment. In the first time after surgery, swelling of the suture, its redness and discharge of ichor are acceptable. This is the body's natural reaction to surgical trauma.

In the absence of complications, the postoperative suture does not bleed

Possible complications

There are a number of signs that, if you notice them, it is important to immediately consult a veterinarian:

• the appearance of a rash and swelling of the cat’s eyelids, lips and tongue;
• suture bleeding;
• redness or pallor of the mucous membranes;
• arrhythmia and bradycardia;
• decrease or increase in body temperature;
• heavy breathing with wheezing.

After the operation, complications are likely that the cat owner needs to be aware of:

1. Hernia. It occurs when the integrity of the internal suture is violated and represents a prolapse of internal organs into the subcutaneous sac. Looks like a bump around the outer seam. In this case, the cat requires repeated surgery.
2. Lethargy and drowsiness. Usually a healthy cat recovers from anesthesia in less than 24 hours. You should immediately contact a veterinarian if lethargy and drowsiness have not gone away within 24 hours, the cat has lost its appetite and does not drink water, there is tremors and vomiting, and the swelling of the suture has not subsided after two weeks. This condition of the cat requires special therapy.
3. Enlargement of the mammary glands. If the mammary glands become swollen after sterilization, a false pregnancy is diagnosed. To avoid this complication, protect your cat after surgery from hypothermia and stress.

Changes in character

After sterilization, the cat’s body stops producing sex hormones, which inevitably leads to a change in the furry lady’s behavior. The main one is stopping estrus. The cat will stop having hysterics due to amorous suffering and nightly “concerts”, she will become calmer and more balanced, friendly towards other animals. She will no longer have mood swings from apathy to bursts of excessive energy and back.

If before the operation your pet had a quarrelsome character, then after sterilization he will soften and aggression will decrease. Sterile cats become more affectionate. They lose their maternal instinct and interest in other people's cubs, but they can lick their coat for hours, bringing it into immaculate condition.

Neutered cats have an increased desire to be clean and beautiful, so they can groom themselves for hours

Caring for a sterilized cat

Proper nutrition is very important for the animal. Changes in hormonal levels and a less active lifestyle than before can lead to a cat becoming overweight. To avoid this, switch your furry friend to specialized food for sterilized cats. It has a minimal content of phosphorus, magnesium and calcium, which prevents the development of urolithiasis.

A reduced amount of fat in the diet will help your pet stay in shape.

If before the operation the diet consisted of natural products, then after it more often give the cat boiled vegetables and low-fat dairy products. Various delicacies from the master's table are harmful to animals both before and after sterilization. Do not feed your pet various sausages, chips and other harmful “goodies”.

A neutered cat should have a diet low in fat, calcium and magnesium.

Before looking for an answer to the question of when to spay a cat, a responsible owner will know why to do it and how this surgery will affect the health of the animal.

Reasons for sterilizing cats

This type of surgical intervention leads to a decrease/cessation of the production of estrogens - hormones responsible for sexual activity. The behavior of a cat during estrus becomes torture for its owners. The pet craves love and hot copulation, which is easily achievable with regular outings in the yard, but turns into an impossible task if she sits at home.

Sexual reflexes do not find a natural outlet and owners have to put up with heart-rending meowing, rolling on the floor, damaging things, obsessive affection or attacks of aggression. In the case of free access to the street, you will have to face another difficulty - a cat that has satisfied its instincts will inevitably bring offspring that will need to be housed.

Pros and cons of sterilization

Long-term observations of veterinarians have shown that professionally performed hair does not shorten, but lengthens. True, the operation also has its disadvantages.

Benefits of sterilization

Thanks to sterilization, hormonal surges disappear, and the animal’s character becomes more even and soft. At the same time, playfulness, sociability and natural hunting instinct are preserved.

This is interesting! The risk of diseases (polycystic ovary syndrome, breast neoplasms or malignant tumors of the uterus) associated with the use of hormonal drugs and inactivity of the reproductive organs is significantly reduced.

Sterilizing a cat becomes a solution for those people who are forced to let a cat out into the yard in order to relieve its sexual tension. When contacting stray cats, it is easy to become infected with serious illnesses, including feline infectious peritonitis, viral leukemia, or. These diseases are impossible to prevent, difficult to diagnose and extremely difficult to treat.

In addition, sterilization ensures that there are no unwanted litters.

Disadvantages of sterilization

The main danger of sterilization, which involves cutting the skin, abdominal wall and uterus, lies in anesthesia. And if young cats tolerate anesthesia without consequences for the body, then older cats suffer much more severely, which is explained by an increase in anesthetic risks.

Not only older cats can suffer from anesthesia, but also representatives of several breeds prone to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

• and others.

Important! In hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, anesthesia often leads to the death of the animal due to thromboembolism. To avoid losing your cat, be sure to have it examined by a cardiologist.

As a result of the operation, the hormonal levels are stabilized, and the sterilized cat loses control over appetite, which leads to gluttony and excess weight gain. But it’s not so much excess weight that is scary as its consequences (including diabetes, cardiovascular pathologies, joint pain and more), so you need to play with your cat more often, and also switch it to diets for sterilized animals.

Age for sterilization

Theoretically, it is from this age that surgery can be performed, but... Five-month-old cats are difficult to tolerate anesthesia, and even lag behind in growth and development from animals sterilized a little later (at 7, 8 or 9 months). But you also shouldn’t delay sterilization too much: regular estrus, which does not end with mating, almost always provokes the occurrence of pathologies in the reproductive sphere.

Important! According to doctors, the optimal age for sterilization is between 7 months and 10 years. If there are indications, the operation is performed later, but only if the cat has no health problems.

Remember - the older the cat, the more serious the anesthetic risk, since anesthesia aggravates chronic diseases, often leading to death. This is why all older cats undergo additional preoperative examinations.

Preparation, operation

Sterilization involves a serious surgical intervention on the body (supplemented by general anesthesia), and therefore requires great responsibility from the cat owner. He must listen carefully to the doctor and follow all his instructions.

Preparing a cat for surgery

For his part, the surgeon must be sure that the tailed patient will tolerate the planned surgical intervention well and without complications. To avoid unexpected difficulties during surgery, the doctor can send the cat to a therapist, cardiologist, for an ultrasound examination, and also prescribe a number of tests. These precautions are especially important when working with older (over 10 years old) cats, who often have cardiac abnormalities and other internal pathologies, including inflammatory processes, polycystic disease and tumors.

This is interesting! The cat owner will be required to put her on a special diet, which involves no feeding for 8-12 hours and no water for 2-3 hours before surgery.

When an anesthetic is administered, the filled digestive tract reacts with a gag reflex, and the vomit penetrates the respiratory tract, infecting the bronchi with bacteria. This often leads to aspiration pneumonia, which the weakened body is unable to cope with and the animal may die.

Types of medical intervention

Various methods help cope with hormonal fluctuations in cats, but sterilization and castration are recognized as the most drastic.

Sterilization

Modern domestic veterinary medicine usually understands this term as surgical removal of the ovaries, or oophorectomy (OE). This method, which prevents the future appearance of tumors and cysts, is indicated for young nulliparous cats with a healthy uterus.

This is interesting! In the uterus after oophorectomy, purulent processes often begin, pyometra and endometritis occur. These diseases also occur in older cats that have just undergone surgical removal of the ovaries.

Older cats with reproductive diseases are often castrated instead of oophorectomy.

Castration

This surgery, known as an OHE (ovariohysterectomy), involves removing both the ovaries and the uterus. Castration is carried out as planned or according to indications (unsuccessful childbirth, pathology of the uterus and more) and is indicated for animals of different ages. As a result of ovariohysterectomy, many health problems disappear, including disorders of the reproductive organs.

Tubal occlusion

This surgical intervention, also called ligation of the fallopian tubes, is comparable in its impact on the body with OE/OGE, but without removal of the reproductive organs. With tubal occlusion, estrus, mood swings, and the partner-seeking reflex are preserved, but the risk of pregnancy is eliminated. The method is used extremely rarely, as it does not relieve unwanted manifestations of estrus.

Chemical castration of cats

This method is recommended for those who plan to mate their cat later.. Chemical castration (for example, using suprelorin) is temporary and involves inserting an implant under the skin. After its effect ends, the cat will be able to conceive healthy offspring.

Sterilization methods

Both oophorectomy and ovariohysterectomy are performed in 3 proven ways, which differ only in the way they penetrate the abdominal cavity:

• along the white line of the abdomen (most popular);
• through a side incision;
• through punctures of the abdominal wall (using laparoscopic equipment).

For each of these three methods, the cat is given general anesthesia.

Sterilization with access along the white line of the abdomen

The incision for ovario- and ovariohysterectomy with access along the linea alba of the abdomen reaches (depending on the size of the cat, its pathologies and the qualifications of the doctor) 1.5–5 cm.

The operation looks like this:

1. The hair is shaved from the navel to the final pair of nipples.
2. The skin is cut.
3. Between the muscles, in the center, the aponeurosis of the abdominal wall is dissected.
4. The uterine horns are removed and the vessels are ligated.
5. The surgeon removes the ovaries with the uterus or only the ovaries.
6. Sutures are placed on the abdominal wall/skin.

To prevent sutures from licking and wound infection, a postoperative blanket is put on the cat, removing it on the same day as the sutures.

Castration via lateral access

The method is more often used for oophorectomy and is good because it makes a smaller incision compared to traditional ovariohysterectomy. And the postoperative period passes faster: animals that wake up after anesthesia are immediately released into the external environment.

But there is also a significant disadvantage - painful recovery of muscles damaged during surgery, since connective tissue (aponeurosis) is restored more easily during conventional sterilization.

Important! Surgeons do not particularly like the method due to the inability to assess the condition of internal organs (see, for example, coprostasis in the intestines or an enlarged spleen) in order to recommend adequate diagnosis and treatment.

The lateral incision approach was developed to implement a non-overexposure sterilization program for stray animals.

Laparoscopic sterilization

It is considered the safest method. Disadvantages are the need for additional training of doctors and the high cost of equipment.

Advantages:

• highest degree of sterility;
• minor tissue trauma;
• excellent visualization (with assessment of organs and postoperative risks);
• minimal seam processing;
• when punctured by a trocar, the wound is simply sealed;
• postoperative treatment is not required.

Laparoscopic sterilization is more expensive than other methods of removing reproductive organs.

Evgeniy Sedov

When your hands grow from the right place, life is more fun :)

Pregnancy for a pet, the period of “binge” is a huge stress for the pet’s body. In order to prevent unwanted pregnancy, veterinarians perform sterilization of cats - an operation under anesthesia, during which part of the internal genital organs is removed. Sometimes the procedure is performed without surgery, using pharmaceuticals (chemical castration).

What is cat sterilization

After the procedure, the animal loses the ability to produce offspring. This happens due to the partial removal of organs. The operation is performed exclusively in specialized veterinary clinics. An attempt to sterilize at home may result in the death of the animal. Often, owners independently try to prevent their pet’s pregnancy with hormonal drugs, which causes irreparable harm to the animal. Sterilization of cats should only be carried out by a veterinarian.

Advantages and disadvantages

Sterilization of cats, like any procedure, has a number of positive and negative features. The advantages of the procedure are as follows:

• absence of periods of estrus;
• the body remains healthy for a long time due to the absence of constant pregnancies and childbirth;
• the problem of having kittens disappears;
• The animal's character becomes calmer and more docile.

Before performing surgery on a pet, the owner should familiarize himself with the negative aspects of the procedure:

• dysfunction of the endocrine glands;
• need for specialized nutrition;
• high risk of postoperative wound infection;
• long recovery period;
• increased aggressiveness in some cases due to hormonal imbalance.

At what age are cats spayed?

Veterinarians recommend sterilizing pets after at least 7-8 months have passed since birth. Early surgery for a kitten is highly undesirable, the body is not yet mature, the internal organs are not fully formed, which is why the risks of complications increase many times over. Experts note a lag in physical development in animals that underwent surgery at the age of 6 months or younger, which is due to strong changes in the proportions of hormones.

Older kittens (more than 8-9 months from birth) are also sterilized, but it should be remembered that the older the pet, the higher the risk of complications after surgery on the cardiovascular and excretory systems of the animal’s body. This happens due to exposure to anesthetic vapors. They are much more toxic to animals than to humans. When to sterilize a cat is up to the owner, but you should listen to the opinion of experts. If she is already pregnant, the operation can be performed at any stage.

Is it possible to spay a cat during heat?

The operation is carried out during the hunting period, but the postoperative period, wound healing, and recovery of the pet can be significantly delayed. If the operation is performed during estrus, then a very sharp change in hormonal levels occurs in the body. Without urgent need, veterinarians do not recommend sterilizing pets during this period. The optimal time for the procedure is two weeks before the start of estrus or a week after its end. Sterilization of cats during pregnancy is also undesirable.

Types of sterilization

With the development of veterinary medicine as a science, more and more methods are emerging to prevent pregnancy in female pets. New types are more gentle; you can choose your own type of procedure for each pet, taking into account age, presence of diseases, breed and much more. Currently there are the following types:

• tubal ligation;
• removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy);
• removal of the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy);
• chemical effects on the reproductive system using drugs.

Ovariohysterectomy

Surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) is one of the most optimal operations from the point of view of veterinarians. Ovariohysterectomy completely prevents unwanted pregnancy, but also has the fewest complications. Surgical removal of internal reproductive organs, according to many veterinarians, is the most optimal way to prevent pregnancy in a female.

Ovariectomy of a cat

Spaying (oophorectomy) – The veterinarian removes only the ovaries, leaving the uterus. Hunting periods cease. Disadvantages of the procedure: high probability of polycystic ovary syndrome or oncology. The main advantage of the procedure is that the risk of malignant breast tumors is reduced. Ovariectomy should not be used for cats older than one and a half years old - they are more prone to developing polycystic ovary syndrome, cysts, and tumors of internal organs.

Chemical sterilization

Removing the ability to reproduce using hormonal drugs is called chemical sterilization. The most dangerous of all types, they resort to it only if surgical intervention is impossible. The result of such intervention may be inappropriate behavior of the animal, the appearance of tumors and ulcers on the skin (photos can be found on the forums), obesity of the pet, and loss of hunting instincts. Sterilization of cats with drugs is carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor.

Tubal occlusion

Tubal ligation (tubal occlusion) is rarely used, due to the fact that periods of estrus persist and the female continues to attract males. After the procedure, there remains a high risk of inflammation of the uterine mucosa and the development of cancer. Tubal occlusion is not a reliable method; a cat can become pregnant and give birth, due to the fact that the instinct to reproduce and the health of the reproductive organs are preserved.

Methods for sterilizing cats

In animal surgery, there are several methods for sterilizing cats. The choice of one method or another depends on several factors:

• the presence or absence of the necessary equipment in the clinic;
• features of the pet’s physical structure, the presence of tumors;
• qualifications of a veterinarian.

Access along the white line of the abdomen

This method of operation is considered optimal and convenient. In the area of ​​the white line of the abdomen there are no large subcutaneous vessels, nerves, ducts of the mammary glands and vital organs. In addition, central access allows for wide access to the internal organs of the animal and a large number of manipulations. The suture on the white line heals well, due to the structural features of the aponeurosis tissue. The disadvantage of this method is the large postoperative wound, which has a high risk of bleeding.

Side cut

This type of access to internal organs is the most suboptimal; it is used when a practical incision along the linea alba of the abdomen is impossible (there is a large vessel or tumor). The lateral incision is inconvenient especially when performing ovariohysterectomy and oophorectomy, so it is used only for tubal ligation. The advantage of access through a lateral incision is a well-healing, small postoperative wound. An assistant helps the doctor apply sutures for a lateral incision.

Laparoscopy

The least traumatic method is laparoscopy. This procedure is carried out using special equipment - an optical camera, a monitor. The doctor makes three punctures on the front wall of the abdomen, through which a camera and instruments are inserted into the abdominal cavity. Laparoscopy is used very rarely in veterinary medicine due to the high cost of the equipment. The laparoscopy technique is somewhat more complicated than the abdominal surgery technique.

How to prepare a cat for sterilization

Cat owners need to make sure there are no contraindications for surgery. The cat should undergo instrumental studies and tests. After the veterinarian approves the operation, the owner must begin the immediate preparation of the animal. The most important thing is not to give your pet food 12-14 hours before surgery, and to remove access to water an hour before, since the intestines and bladder should be empty. You need to buy special blankets at the pharmacy in advance to maintain the health of your internal organs.

How does the procedure work?

To understand how cats are sterilized, you can ask your veterinarian about the details of the operation. The main stages of the operation are as follows:

• premedication;
• putting the cat into a state of anesthesia;
• the actual operation;
• postoperative procedures (suturing, suturing);
• drip, bringing the animal out of anesthesia;
• applying a bandage;
• administration of supportive medications (vitamins, nutrient solutions) and medications to prevent infections (antibiotics)

How to help a cat after sterilization

Surgery for an animal is extremely stressful. The pet may be frightened due to pain, experience discomfort due to the blanket put on it, and feel disorientated in space after anesthesia. The owner’s task is to alleviate the suffering of the pet during the rehabilitation period by properly caring for it for the first time after the operation: providing rest, proper nutrition and assistance from a veterinarian.

Postoperative care

The most important thing when caring for an animal after the procedure is to monitor its nutrition and wound, treat the sutures in a timely manner, and give painkillers prescribed by the veterinarian. During the first two to three days, you should not leave the animal alone; due to stress, the pet may begin to bite itself or the blanket. A sterilized cat may not get up from its sleeping place for several hours - this is the norm. If there are other pets in the house, it is necessary to temporarily isolate them, as the cat's behavior may be aggressive in the first time after surgery.

Suture in a cat after sterilization

The size of the seam and its location depend on the type of sterilization of cats and the method of its implementation. After the laparoscopic procedure, only one or two stitches remain on each wound, and with direct or lateral access, ten stitches or more are applied. A doctor at a veterinary clinic must treat and remove sutures. Self-treatment of the wound by the owner is allowed if continuous sutures made of absorbable material were applied.

In the first few days, you should treat the wound at least once or twice a day with Chlorhexidine. Using brilliant green or an alcohol solution of iodine on your own is strictly prohibited - this can cause chemical burns to the skin. After three to four days, the seam is processed once a day. If the pet owner notices strong purulent or bloody discharge from the wound, you should immediately take the animal to the clinic or call a veterinarian at home. Neutering cats rarely causes the death of a pet.

Possible consequences and contraindications

Complications of the procedure and a list of contraindications depend on the method of implementation. The first negative consequences can be noted during the early postoperative period:

• bleeding;
• renal, hepatic or respiratory failure due to exposure to anesthetic drugs;
• allergic reactions to used pharmaceuticals;
• hair loss;
• Decreased sense of smell or vision.

After cats have been neutered, side effects may take several months or years to appear. The most common of these is animal cancer. It develops due to an imbalance in the proportions of hormones (especially if a course of drugs was administered). There are benign neoplasms, but they can also lead to death - they block a large vessel, or the respiratory center in the brain.

Contraindications are based on statistics of complications and deaths during the procedure at various veterinary clinics. The list of contraindications for the procedure is not very long:

• the animal is less than six months old;
• chronic diseases of organs and systems;
• older age of the animal (more than six years);
• oncological diseases;
• the presence of certain types of non-malignant tumors.

Proper nutrition for a sterilized cat

After the procedure is completed, a nutrient solution is administered intravenously. During the early postoperative period (on the first day after surgery), feeding the pet is strictly prohibited - intestinal peristalsis can provoke the opening of a surgical wound or internal bleeding. Then you can start giving the animal soft or liquid food. After 7-10 days, you can switch to specialized food. If the owner feeds the pet “from the table”, then in the postoperative period the animal should be given porridge with water.

How much does it cost to sterilize a cat?

The price of cat sterilization in Moscow depends on many factors: the territorial location of the clinic building, the cost of drugs used by veterinarians, and the range of services included in the procedure. For example, in one hospital the cost of cat sterilization includes an initial examination and premedication, but in another it does not. The price at the first clinic will be higher, but there will also be more services provided, therefore, you need to carefully study the price list of each clinic, reviews on websites, forums.

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