Desexing Cats and Kittens

What is desexing?

Surgical desexing is a safe and routine procedure where part of a cat’s reproductive system is removed. When a female cat is desexed (also known as spaying, or an ovariohysterectomy), the ovaries and uterus are removed. For male cats, desexing (also known as castration or neutering), involves the removal of both testicles.

Should I desex my cat?

Greencross Vets highly recommend that you desex your cat. Unwanted kittens will add to the already enormous problem of cats in shelters and living as strays. It is mandatory to desex your cat by a certain age in the Australian states of ACT, SA, TAS and WA.

Benefits of desexing your cat

Health Benefits

For Female Cats:

• Prevention of Unwanted Pregnancies: Female cats can become pregnant as early as four months old, leading to multiple litters annually. Desexing eliminates the risk of unplanned litters.
• Reduced Risk of Mammary Tumors: Spaying before the first heat cycle significantly decreases the likelihood of mammary cancer, which is among the most common cancers in cats.
• Elimination of Uterine and Ovarian Diseases: Desexing removes the risk of uterine infections and ovarian cysts.

For Male Cats:

• Prevention of Testicular Cancer: Neutering eliminates the risk of testicular cancer.
• Reduced Risk of Prostate Issues: Desexing lowers the chance of developing prostate-related diseases.

Behavioral Benefits

For Female Cats:

• Elimination of Heat Behaviors: Spaying prevents behaviors associated with the heat cycle, such as yowling and restlessness.

For Male Cats:

• Reduced Aggression and Roaming: Neutered males are less likely to roam in search of mates, reducing the risk of fights and injuries.
• Decreased Spraying: Neutering often reduces territorial urine marking.

Desexing also helps curb the overpopulation of cats, reducing the number of unwanted kittens and easing the burden on animal shelters. 

When is it best to desex my cat?

The appropriate age for desexing can vary depending on the breed and size of your cat and your lifestyle. Generally, it is best done before puberty (approximately six months of age) although the operation can be done at a later age. At Greencross Vets, we believe each patient is unique and the decision of when to desex your cat will be made in partnership with your veterinary team.

Find A Local Vet

What you should know about surgery at Greencross Vets

Before the operation

Provide your cat with a light meal and remove all access to food the night before surgery. On the day of the operation, your cat should not be provided with any food, however it is acceptable to provide them with water.

The operation procedure

1. Operating theatre – desexing is a surgical procedure performed in sterile conditions in a dedicated theatre
2. Anaesthesia – a sedative is administered, followed by a general anaesthetic
3. Surgery – this is an intra-abdominal surgery requiring skin incisions and suturing
4. Recovery – cats are carefully observed until they wake from the anaesthetic and are discharged when it is safe for them to leave
5. After care at home – this includes restricting vigorous exercise, checking the wound daily and avoiding baths
6. Suture removal – a free procedure at the vet, typically done 10 days after the operation

After care at home

An important part of a successful spaying is the home-care you provide for your cat. Strict confinement is recommended upon your return home, and running, jumping and other strenuous activities are not advised. Please check the spay wound every day for discharges, swelling, or missing sutures. If any occur, do not hesitate to call the surgery. Your cat must not be bathed until the sutures are removed.

For detailed guidance, refer to our Cat Desexing Aftercare Guide.

WebVet

We’re always by your side when you need us. Contact a Greencross Vet online anytime, anywhere 24/7 via video call. Learn more about WebVet.