If you've just adopted, you're probably wondering when to neuter your cat just arrived. Today, castration, also known as sterilization, has become a common practice with the aim of avoiding the birth of unwanted litters that perpetuate the problem of abandonment, but also to prevent alterations in coexistence that can occur during the heat of cats, in addition to reducing pathologies as serious as mammary tumors.
In this article on our site we not only explain at what age to neuter a cat, whether male or female, but also We also talk about postoperative care and other important information.
At what age should a cat be neutered?
When he arrives home, regardless of age, we often wonder when to neuter the cat. Castration involves the removal of the testicles in males and the ovaries and uterus in females. In them, sometimes only the ovaries are removed, depending on the type of surgery. In this way, heat does not occur and, consequently, the animal does not reproduce.
Now then, when can you neuter a cat? The current recommendation is to carry out this intervention before the first heat But there is no exact date when all cats become sexually mature, since the beginning of this period of Fertility is modified by factors such as sunlight. Thus, in seasons with more daylight hours, heat can appear earlier than when the days are shorter. On average, in general, the appropriate age for castration has been established at six months
On the other hand, if our cat is an adult, it is possible to sterilize it at any time, as long as it is he althy. Otherwise, it will be the veterinarian who will set a date for us as soon as he is recovered. In adult cats with relevant pathologies, the advantages and disadvantages of neutering the cat must be assessed before making a decision. Finally, if we adopt a cat in a protective association, it is common for them to deliver it to us already neutered. If he is small, we will sign a sterilization agreement. According to the protector, they will take over the intervention when they reach the appropriate age or we will have to operate it on our own and send a receipt.
When to neuter a male cat?
Male cats usually reach sexual maturity around 7-9 months, so it could be expected to neuter until those dates, but it is usually recommended to do it before, as we have said,around six months , to prevent them from developing behaviors associated with heat. Urine marking is the most common. If the cat begins to urinate in different places, it may continue to do so after the operation, hence the interest in performing it early. In any case, it will be the veterinarian who will advise us the best date according to our circumstances.
It is important to know that after the operation, sexually mature cats can remain fertile even for several weeks, so be careful if you live with unspayed female cats.
When to neuter a cat?
There is no difference between when to neuter a cat or, in this case, a female cat. The six months are a good time to schedule the operation, as indicated by the vet. In cats, the operation may consist of the removal of the uterus and the ovaries or only the ovaries. It is advisable that we consult with the veterinarian about the intervention that is going to be carried out.
In the specific case of female cats, studies indicate a relationship between the time of castration and the risk of the appearance of tumors in the breasts. It has been determined that, operating before the first heat, the risk is reduced and increases as the operation is delayed. It should be remembered that these tumors in cats are malignant in a high percentage.
Care of a cat after neutering it
Once we have determined the ideal age to neuter a cat, it is important that we know that the postoperative period is simple. Normally we will take you home once you wake up from anesthesia, the same day of the operation. At home we may have to administer medication for a few days, based on antibiotics and painkillers, and, above all, make sure the incision heals without incident, cleaning it according to the recommendations of the veterinarian. If we notice general discomfort, pain in the area, inflammation, redness or suppuration during the recovery of the cat after neutering it, we must immediately contact the veterinarian.
In the following video we show all the care of a neutered or sterilized cat.
Does neutering a cat change its character?
Numerous myths circulate around castration, regardless of when we castrate the cat. One of them is that neutering a cat calms him down and makes him lose his hunting instinct. Another widespread myth is that it makes you fat. The truth is that castration only influences the hormones of the reproductive cycle, therefore, an active and hunting cat is not going to change its day to day. If it is true that, when operating at an age, six months, in which cats are going to go from kittens to adults, it is not surprising that their hours of play decrease, which would happen in the same way without neutering.
Furthermore, another effect of the operation is that metabolism is reduced and appetite is increased As a consequence, if we continue to feed the cat with kitten food and we don't encourage him to be active, he could put on weight. To avoid this, it is important that we change to a food that is more suitable for this new stage of life and that we offer him an enriched environment that allows him to exercise.
