Neutering And Spaying
One of the many decisions facing pet owners is whether or not to have their pet neutered (or spayed as it is referred to in females).
The most obvious reason to have your pet spayed or neutered is to prevent unwanted pregnancies, but there are several other good reasons too.
Please click on the headings below for more information:
Female Cats
Like male cats, the main reason to have your female cat neutered (or spayed as it is called with females) is to prevent unwanted pregnancies.
Female cats come into heat every 14 to 21 days if they are not mated.
Heat lasts for 3 - 16 days, and will often lead the cat to escape the home in search of mates, thereby putting herself in danger of road accidents and fights.
Female cats are naturally programmed to mate and can become quite anxious and frustrated if they are not allowed to. They will often rub themselves on the floor to secrete their scent and 'call' with a loud and persistant crying which will attract the attention of tomcats from miles around.
Unless you intend to breed from your cat, we usually recommend that she is spayed just before puberty, at 5 ½ months old. Spaying is a routine operation that involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus under a general anaesthetic. As long as your cat has recovered from the anaesthetic she should be able to go home the same day as the operation.
(Spaying can help to reduce the risk of mammary tumours from developing later on in life).
Please note that if your pet is having a routine spaying operation on a Thursday or Friday at Stockwood or Keynsham, as long as you live locally, we will collect her from your home on the morning of the operation, and return her to you afterwards, free of charge.
If you would like any further information, please contact any of our surgeries and/or click on the Lifelearn link.
