Bringing home a new cat is an exciting time. New pet parents will have to make a lot of decisions when it comes to their cats. One of the most important decisions is if they should have their cat neutered. If the answer is yes, then they need to decide when. Here’s what pet parents need to know about neutering.

‌

What Is Neutering?‌

Neutering – for female cats it's called spaying  – is a routine surgical procedure that involves removing a cat’s sexual reproduction organs. The thought of putting a cat through surgery can be daunting, but it’s a common procedure that can help to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Neutering can also help to lower the risk of certain cancers and other diseases. 

‌

When Can You Neuter a Cat?

New pet parents often wonder when they can neuter their cats. When it comes to young kittens, pet parents should ideally schedule the procedure before their cat reaches sexual maturity. For cats, this happens between four and six months of age. 

‌In many cases, early spay and neuter surgery helps to curb unwanted behaviors that may occur when the cat reaches maturity. However, pet parents don’t want to schedule the surgery too early, as it may increase the risk of health complications such as urinary tract issues. 

‌When it comes to scheduling a neuter surgery for an already fully-grown cat, age isn’t much of a factor. Healthy adults can undergo the procedure at any time.

‌

What Are the Effects of Neutering a Cat?

One of the most significant effects of neutering a cat is that it prevents unwanted pregnancies, which can help to keep kittens out of the shelter or off the street. The procedure also alters the cat’s hormones. This surgery, especially before the cat reaches sexual maturity, can help to curb certain behaviors, such as:

• Spraying, which male cats do to mark their territory
• Wandering, which cats will try to do to find a mate
• Aggression in the form of fighting with other cats in the home or neighborhood

‌Spaying and neutering cats can also help to reduce the risk of various health concerns, such as:

• Mammary cancer
• Uterine infections
• Feline leukemia or Feline AIDS

Many pet parents worry that spaying or neutering their cats will change their personalities. Female cats may become more affectionate, and males may become more docile. Other than that, the procedure won’t have a significant impact on their activity levels or playfulness. Pet parents can generally expect their cats to be essentially the same as always once they heal from the routine surgery. 

‌

Consult with a Professional Vet

Neutering a cat is a critical decision that helps to prevent unwanted pregnancies. It can also curb unwanted behaviors and even reduce the risk of certain health complications. If pet parents have any questions or concerns about the procedure or when to schedule it, they can consult with a Fuzzy Veterinarian with the tap of a button for advice.