Benefits of Neutering (castration of male cats):

• Neutering reduces the tendency for male cats to roam after females in season.
• It also reduces the likelihood of male cats to fight in competition for territory or over females in season.
• Neutering decreases the chance of male cats spraying urine to scent mark territories.

Surgical Neutering in the male involves removing both testicles (castration). Patients are generally allowed home the same day.

Benefits of Neutering (spaying of female cats):

• Spaying prevents the female (queen) from coming into season, preventing kittens and the bleeding that occurs with every heat cycle. Spaying will also prevent any behaviour changes such as crying, rolling, restlessness and the drive to seek out a mate.
• Neutering reduces the tendency of mammary tumours (breast cancer) and prevents Pyometra’s (a life threatening condition of the womb) most common from middle-age.

Neutering involves an ovariohysterectomy to remove the entire reproductive tract, usually performed through a small incision in the flank. Patients are generally allowed home the same day, and have a wound check/suture removal in 7-10days.

Neutering may increase the risk of weight gain, however this can be due to overfeeding, under exercising or both.

When should I my cat be Neutered?

Cats become sexually active from 5-6 months of age, and traditionally both male and female cats have usually been neutered at about five to six months old. There is no upper age limit for neutering. Your vet will be happy to discuss with you the best time for neutering your cat.