Spaying is an abdominal surgery which involves the removal of your female cat’s reproductive system, preventing her from going into heat or becoming pregnant.  Cats are generally spayed around 6 months of age; however, the surgery can also be performed on older cats.  This routine procedure offers health benefits and can aid in the reduction of pet overpopulation.

Each year in Canada alone, almost 100,000 unwanted pets are humanely euthanized in shelters.  One intact female cat can have 2-4 litters a year.  Her female offspring will also have 2-4 litters a year.  Within 7 years, this 1 female can potentially lead to the breeding of more than 400,000 cats!  Spaying is strongly advised to help reduce this number and lower the number of homeless cats.

When cats are in heat their behaviour changes and they can be difficult to cope with during this time.  Most cats become very vocal, needy and are in constant search for a mate.  Intact cats, on average, go through a minimum of 3 heat cycles a year.

There are many health benefits to spaying your cat.  Intact female cats are at a higher risk of developing mammary tumors, false pregnancies, uterine infections, and reproductive cancers.  Spaying your cat can greatly reduce her risk of acquiring these conditions later in life.  Studies have shown that the likelihood of cats developing breast cancer is significantly decreased when spayed before their first heat cycle.  Contrary to popular belief, there are no benefits to allowing your cat to have one litter of kittens before being spayed.

Many people fear that after spaying their cat, her personality will change or she will gain weight.  These are both myths!  Your cat’s personality will not be altered after the procedure.  Over time, your cat may become more subdued and less rambunctious with maturity, regardless of being spayed.  Weight gain can be associated with the spay due to the fact that it takes place around the same time that some cats approach their mature weight causing their growth requirements to decrease.  Spaying your cat reduces their metabolism which should be factored into their diet.  Food type and quantity may need to be adjusted as well as properly exercising your cat (yes, cats need exercise!) in order to maintain a healthy body weight.

Contact Centrepointe Animal Hospital for more information on spaying your cat.