We answer your commonly asked questions about neutering
Can my cat eat normally after being neutered?
We would normally recommend a recovery or intestinal diet after surgery. These tend to be palatable to encourage them to eat, bland as not to upset their gastrointestinal system (which can be a little sensitive after an anaesthetic) and contains the right nutrition to aid healing.
Can neutering change my cats behaviour?
Neutering tom cats can reduce the risk of roaming, urine spraying and aggression.
Neutering females will stop the cats coming into heat so will eliminate the behaviours associated with this i.e. excessive vocalisation, rolling and even roaming to find a mate
What are the risks of neutering?
There is always a risk with a general anaesthetic but your cats will be given a full health check on the day of admission and they will be fully monitored throughout the procedure by our qualified nurses. We have all the latest monitoring equipment very similar to human hospitals that check oxygen levels, ECG and blood pressure to name a few.
With any surgical procedures there is a risk of bleeding and infection but this is closely monitored and all our surgeons are experienced.
Will my cat put on weight after neutering?
It is a myth that pets will put on weight after neutering. They will have a reduced energy requirement making them more prone to weight gain but this is easily managed by having them on the correct diet and with regular exercise
Will my cat need to wear a buster collar after surgery?
This depends on how much they lick at the wound. We like to keep licking at a minimum to prevent post-operative infections. There are other options available to the traditional plastic collar such as medical shirts and inflatable collars
Do you do neutering at the weekends?
We do not do routine surgeries i.e. neutering at the weekends as we have a reduced number of staff available and we need to be able to deal with any emergency cases. Neutering procedures are carried out Monday to Friday at our main hospital and at some of our practice.
From what age can my cat be neutered?
From 4 months in both males and females
How long will my cat be in the hospital for?
All neuterings are carried out as day cases. They are usually admitted from 7.30 to 9am on the day of the surgery and they are usually ready for discharge after 3.30pm. Once back in the recovery ward after their surgery you will receive a call from our nursing team or vets to advise that the procedure has been completed and confirm your discharge time
Why does my cat need to be admitted so early before surgery?
We like to have our patients admitted before 9am to give them time to settle in the kennel prior to their procedure and also to allow time for their pre meds to take affect prior to surgery. It also enables us to plan the procedures that are in for the day when we know they have all been admitted.
Is my cat still fertile for a while after being neutered?
Males – males of all species can remain fertile for up to 6 weeks post castration.
Females – females will no longer be able to have litters as soon as they have been spayed
Are dissolvable stitches used?
We will usually use all internal dissolvable stitches in female cats. We would still advise that they come in for a post op check to ensure that the wound has healed. Male cats do not require sutures but again a post op check is advised.
Does my cat have to be vaccinated to be neutered?
It is advisable that cats are vaccinated when they come into be neutered as they will be in a hospital environment. Vaccinations help prevent the spread of infectious diseases.
Should my cat have a litter before neutering?
There is no need for your pet to have a litter before being neutered. There are no physical or mental advantages for a bitch having a litter prior to spaying. It is one of the common myths that they should have a litter.
Is there an age limit for neutering?
There is no upper age limit for neutering but the risks of a general anaesthetic do increase as animals get older due to potential underlying problems. It is advised on each individual case as there are risks in unneutered older animals i.e. pyometra and testicular tumours.
Should the wound be flat post operation? What if there is a lump?
The wound should be flat post surgery although there can be some minor swelling. We would always recommend a check of the wound if any change is noted after discharge.
What if my cat suffers vomiting and diarrhoea on Loxicom? Is there an alternative pain killer?
It would normally be recommended that loxicom is stopped if there is any signs of vomiting or diarrhoea. There are alternative pain killers available if your cat still seems in discomfort. A consult or talking to a vet would be recommended.
Does my cat NEED a post op check especially if they have had dissolvable stitches?
The post op check is for assessing the wound not just removing stitches so we do advise a check even if there are no stitches to remove. This is to enable us to assess that the wound has healed and there are no issues.
Do you offer neuters at every practice?
Neuterings at present are carried out at the following practices:
• Pride Veterinary Centre
• Park Farm
• Shelton Lock
• Oakwood
• Hilton
• Mickleover
• Stapenhill
• Alfreton
• Langley Mill
What are the normal expected after effects post neutering? What should I look out for if my cat needs an earlier recheck?
It would normally be expected for your cat to be a little quiet for a few days post general anaesthetic but they should be more or less back to normal within 24-48 hours.
Things to look out for would be:
• Any swelling, redness or discharge from the wound
• Excessive licking
• Not wanting to eat or drink
• Not passing urine or faeces
• Vomiting or diarrhoea.
If you are worried, it is best to speak to a vet or nurse on the phone or book an appointment.
Are the testes always removed?
Yes the testes are always removed in a castration as we want to eliminate the affects of testosterone (male hormone) as well as making them sterile.
Is there a visible wound site in a castration?
There will be a small incision over each testicle.
Can cats be neutered anytime i.e. mid pregnancy?
We can neuter cats at any time but when they are pregnant there are increased risks involved so these would need to be discussed with you individually.
Can cats they have a lap spay?
There is questionable benefit in performing a lap spay in cats due to the size of the incisions that are made in laproscopic surgery being similar to conventional surgery.
What are the major benefits of all neutering?
The major benefit of neutering is to prevent unwanted litters. It also prevents the inconvenience and upset of seasons in female cats. There are many health benefits including prevention of certain tumours i.e. mammary, uterine or testicular, prevention of uterine infections and reduction in prostatic disease.
What is the latest my cat can be fed prior to surgery?
We usually recommend starving from about 10pm the night prior to surgery but they can have access to fresh water through the night.