Desexing refers to a safe surgical procedure where the veterinarian removes a cat’s reproductive system. For example, the uterus and ovaries are removed in female cats (ovariohysterectomy or spaying), while both the testicles are removed in a male cat (neutering or castration). This is commonly performed to prevent breeding and ensure peaceful cohabitation between human and their cats.

Similar to dog grooming, cats must be desexed before they reach sexual maturity and start breeding. Cats reach puberty at around sixteen weeks of age, and the process of desexing is called pre-pubertal desexing. Thus, you must get your cat desexed at eight weeks of age when they can recover quickly with a simple surgery. Veterinarians recommend desexing young cats to prevent unwanted pregnancies (and kittens), uterine infections and mammary cancers, mating behaviour, exposure to injury and infectious diseases, aggressive behaviour and spraying urine. Also, some states have made it mandatory to desex cats once they reach a certain age.

Give your cat a non-heavy meal and do not feed your cat the night before the surgery, but water is acceptable. An empty stomach ensures that the cat doesn’t choke or vomit when under general anaesthesia. Desexing is performed in a vet clinic operating theatre under sterile conditions. The cat is administered with a sedative, followed up with general anaesthesia. The intra-abdominal surgery causes several skin incisions and suturing, so they are observed until woken up and are discharged. Though male cats recover in a couple of days after desexing with little pain, female cats take three to four days with moderate pain. The veterinarian will prescribe pain relief for your cat after desexing if needed.

Desexed cats are subjected to vigorous exercise, no baths, and daily checking of the wound at home. Similar to dog grooming, the suture is removed by the vet around ten days post-surgery. They must not run, jump or perform strenuous activities. Instead, offer food and water to the cat, keep them warm and comfortable and let them stay home till they recover. Administer painkillers and check the surgery wounds for swelling, discharge and sutures. The cat must not be bathed until the sutures are removed but maintain cleanliness to avoid discomfort and infections.

Cat desexing must be performed at a safe and hygienic vet clinic. If you’re looking for cat desexing, contact us at VetMed.