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What is Spaying?
A spay (ovariohysterectomy) is the surgical
removal of the uterus and ovaries from the abdomen of an animal.
What is the purpose of spaying?
The spay is the only foolproof method of
birth control for female cats, and it is a permanent method.
Will spaying eliminate heat cycles?
Spayed animal no longer goes through heat
cycles. Female cats normally come into heat several times a year. Spaying ends
several problems associated with the heat cycle, including spraying urine and
the necessity of confining females to prevent the approaches of persistent
males. Spaying also prevents such irritations as a howling cat in heat.
Are there other good reasons for
spaying?
The risk of mammary cancer is reduced if a
cat is spayed before its first heat. Also spayed pets cannot develop pyometra,
a serious uterine infection. Finally, difficult pregnancy and delivery in
older cats or ill cats is prevented.
Do cats gain weight after spaying?
Your cat will not gain weight, if you provide
a balanced diet and encourage regular exercise.
Should cats have at least one litter
before being spayed?
No. Your cat does not need to have a litter
of kittens to mature.
What is Neutering?
Neutering (castration) is the surgical
removal of the testicles from the scrotum of an animal.
What is the purpose of neutering?
Neutering is the primary method of
sterilizing male cats.
What are other benefits of neutering?
Neutering an immature cat usually prevents
development of mating behavior and the obnoxious habit of spraying urine to
mark territory around the house and yard.
An unneutered cat cannot control its mating
instincts. Given freedom to wander, such an animal may become hurt or lost,
and is almost certain to be responsible for unwanted litters. Humane societies
cannot place all unwanted animals; millions must be put to sleep. Countless
others are abandoned.
See your veterinarian!
Discuss your questions about breeding and
birth control with your veterinarian.
Back To The Cat
Health Index
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