Neutering Your Kitten: What You Need To Know

Kittens reach sexual maturity around 4 months of age, which means they are now capable of   breeding and producing kittens themselves. To prevent any unwanted pregnancies and more kittens running around your home, it is strongly recommended to get your kitten neutered or spayed.

Neutering is a surgical procedure that removes the reproductive organs and prevents your cat from reproducing. In females, it is called spaying. It is a very common procedure, with many benefits for both cat and cat parent.

In this blog post, I’ll explain the benefits of neutering and spaying your kitten, why its important and what to expect after the procedure.

What is Neutering?

Neutering means preventing cats from reproducing via a surgical procedure. In males, it is known as castration where both testicles are removed, thereby eliminating the main source of the male hormone testosterone. In females, it is called spaying, where both the ovaries and uterus are removed, which means she is unable to become pregnant.

Both of these operations are carried out under general anaesthetic. Although every surgical procedure has some risk, it is generally a very straightforward, safe operation.

Benefits of Neutering your Kitten

When Should I Neuter/Spay my Cat?

Cats become sexually mature when they between four to five months old. In general, my protocol would be to advise neutering cats from 6months of age but exceptions can be made to do them sooner for feral cats being caught etc as the benefits out way the risks in those scenarios.

Speak to your veterinarian and they will be able to advise you on the best time for your kitten.

What to Expect After Surgery

The surgery is usually very straightforward and your veterinarian will advise you on post-surgery care. They may appear quiet for a day or two after the surgery, and you may notice a decrease in appetite. This is all very normal for your cat to go through. They may appear less active and walking a bit slower than usual, and perhaps even sleeping a bit more.

If your kitten seems unusually quiet or dull, contact your vet right away. If they start to lick or scratch excessively at the skin sutures, contact your vet to get a bandage or special collar to avoid any damage to the wound.

A lot of cat owners worry about excessive weight gain in their cats after surgery. The procedure can cause the metabolism to slow a bit, and therefore it is up to you to monitor your cat’s weight and reduce calorie intake if you notice them starting to gain a little.