The Benefits Of Neutering Your Cat At 9 Months

Neutering is the removal of the sex organs in cats. In male cats, this procedure is also called castration, and in female cats, it is called spaying or speying. The ideal age to neuter a cat is before it reaches 5 months, as that is when they reach sexual maturity. However, some vets recommend neutering cats between 5 and 6 months of age, and some even suggest waiting until they are 8-9 months old. Neutering cats has several benefits, including decreasing the risk of certain cancers and preventing unwanted pregnancies. On the other hand, some people worry about potential complications from the surgery and the anaesthesia, as well as possible behavioural problems in the cat post-neutering.

The pros and cons of neutering cats

Pros

Neutering cats is a common practice in the UK, and for good reason. The benefits of neutering include:

• Preventing unwanted kittens: Neutering helps to control the cat population and reduce the number of cats in shelters that need homes.
• Reducing troublesome calling behaviour: Neutered cats are calmer and less likely to cry for mates.
• Decreasing territorial marking: Neutered cats are less likely to spray urine to mark their territory, reducing unwanted behaviour and smells in the home.
• Reducing aggression: Neutered cats are less likely to get into fights with other cats, reducing the risk of injuries and the transmission of diseases.
• Improving relaxation: Neutering can reduce stress in cats by decreasing the urge to mark territory and establish dominance.
• Extending lifespan: Neutered cats live longer than unneutered cats, especially outdoor cats.
• Lowering the risk of certain cancers: Neutering can reduce the risk of reproductive cancers, such as testicular cancer in male cats and mammary cancer in female cats.
• Reducing the risk of other health issues: Neutering can help prevent uterine infections and urinary tract problems in female cats.
• Saving on veterinary costs: By reducing the likelihood of fighting and associated injuries, neutering can save money on future veterinary bills.

Cons

There are some potential disadvantages to neutering cats, including:

• Decreased metabolism: Neutering can lead to a decrease in metabolism, which may cause cats to gain weight more easily. This can result in obesity-related health issues such as diabetes and osteoarthritis.
• Behavioural changes: While neutering can reduce certain unwanted behaviours, it may also lead to changes in personality as the cat's hormones adjust.
• Cost of the procedure: Neutering can be expensive, depending on the veterinary clinic and location.
• Anaesthetic risks: While rare, there are always risks associated with anaesthetic procedures, and complications can arise during surgery.
• Potential for premature suture removal: Male cats may require a second anaesthetic to resuture the wound if they remove their sutures prematurely.

The health benefits of neutering cats

Neutering is the removal of the sex organs in cats. In male cats, this procedure is also called castration, and in female cats, it is called spaying. Neutering offers many health benefits to cats, including:

• Reducing or eliminating the risk of spraying and marking territory.
• Lowering the desire to roam, thereby decreasing the likelihood of injuries from fights or accidents.
• Eliminating the risk of testicular cancer and reducing the incidence of prostate disease.
• Reducing aggressive behaviour.
• Helping cats live longer, healthier lives.
• Reducing the risk of contracting incurable diseases such as Feline Immunodeficiency Syndrome (Feline AIDS) and feline leukaemia, which are spread through bites from infected cats.

In addition to the health benefits for cats, neutering also helps reduce the overpopulation of cats, as there are not enough homes for the cats currently in need of adoption.

The ideal age to neuter cats

Neutering is the removal of the sex organs. In male cats, this is also called castration. In female cats, it is also called spaying, or speying.

There are three general options for when to neuter your cat: early or pediatric spay/neuter is done at six to eight weeks of age, standard spay and neuter at five to six months, and waiting until after the first heat, somewhere between eight to twelve months of age.

The standard option of neutering at five to six months is generally considered ideal as cats are usually sexually mature by this age. Neutering before sexual maturity is recommended to prevent unwanted pregnancies and the associated risks to female cats, as well as to reduce undesirable behaviours in male cats.

Benefits of neutering

Neutering has many benefits for both male and female cats.

For female cats, spaying:

• Reduces the risk of malignant mammary tumours later in life
• Helps to reduce the chances of developing an infection of the uterus
• Decreases the risk of developing cancers of the reproductive organs
• Reduces undesirable behaviours such as increased and overly intense affection, intense rubbing on objects, marking territory with urine, the desire to wander, and heat-induced howling

For male cats, neutering:

• Reduces undesirable behaviours such as aggression, roaming, and fighting
• Reduces the risk of developing testicular and prostate cancer
• Helps to reduce the risk of injury by reducing the urge to roam and fight

Risks of neutering

While neutering is generally considered beneficial for cats, there are some potential risks and complications to be aware of. These include:

• Wound infection
• Premature suture removal
• Fractures, particularly in male cats neutered before 9 months of age
• FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease)
• Urinary blockages, particularly in male cats
• Weight gain if the cat's diet is not adjusted

The cost of neutering cats

The cost of neutering your cat will depend on several factors, including your cat's age, where you live, and the type of clinic you choose.

Non-profit Clinics

If you choose to go to a non-profit clinic, such as a humane society or city animal care centre, you may pay less than $100, or even nothing at all. However, you will likely have to wait several months for an appointment.

Private Veterinary Practices

Private veterinary practices can charge anywhere from $100 to upwards of $400. The cost will depend on the clinic's location and the services provided. For example, a veterinarian may require blood work or recommend that your pet stays overnight to recover, which will increase the overall cost.

Mobile Clinics

The most affordable option is usually a mobile clinic, which will not require your cat to stay overnight and will involve less preparation.

Factors Affecting Cost

The cost of neutering can also be influenced by the cost of living in your area. Areas with a higher cost of living tend to have higher neutering costs. Additionally, the price can change over time as the cost of living in your area changes.

It is worth noting that most pet insurance companies do not cover the cost of neutering as it is considered an elective procedure. However, some insurance providers, such as MetLife Pet Insurance, will cover your pet regardless of whether or not they have been neutered.

The process of neutering cats

Neutering is the removal of the sex organs. In male cats, this is also called castration or orchiectomy. In female cats, it is also called spaying or speying.

Before the Surgery

• The cat's guardian should withhold food and water the night before the surgery and the morning of the procedure.
• Basic blood and urine tests are usually performed to ensure the cat is healthy enough for surgery.
• The cat's guardian may be instructed to withhold food for a certain period before the procedure, but the cat should have access to water during this fasting period.

During the Surgery

• The cat is placed under general anesthesia.
• An intravenous catheter is often inserted to administer anesthetics and other medications, and for fluid therapy.
• A breathing tube may be placed in the trachea to deliver oxygen and gas anesthetic, though this is not always necessary.
• The veterinarian shaves the cat's scrotum to remove the hair and then surgically scrubs the area.
• The veterinarian makes a small incision in one side of the scrotum, removes the testicle, and ties the spermatic cord.
• The same procedure is repeated on the other side.
• The cat is injected with an antibiotic and a painkiller.
• No sutures or bandages are typically required for male cats as the incisions heal quickly.

After the Surgery

• The cat will likely be monitored until the anesthesia wears off.
• The guardian should limit the cat's activity for about five to seven days after the surgery, although this can be challenging as cats recover quickly.
• Elizabethan collars can be used to prevent the cat from licking the incision site, although some cats may not tolerate these.
• Pain medication may be prescribed for a few days after the surgery.

Neutering is a relatively safe and quick procedure that offers numerous benefits for the cat's health and behaviour, as well as contributing to population control.

Frequently asked questions