Male When to neuter?

Neutering for male is termed ‘’ and Female Cats involves surgically removing the testes. This is a Neutering for female pets is referred to as short procedure done under general anaesthetic ‘spaying’. This is in effect an ovario- by your vet. No stitches are used and he will heal removing both the and and so quickly. permanently preventing pregnancy. Male pets rarely have complications following Although this is major abdominal surgery our vets castration and behave completely normally. Their are doing this procedure several times every week testosterone levels are reduced often improving and are skilled and experienced. Your will have related or domineering stitches on her side or abdomen and will need to behaviour. For the same reason neutered male take it easy for 10 days until they are removed. cats are less likely to roam in search of a mate and Cats are more easily spayed through a side or Neutering pungent territorial spraying is usually curtailed. ‘flank’ incision although a ‘midline’ spay is Castration at a young age also significantly occasionally performed for colour point cats. reduces the incidences of testicular cancers and As well as preventing any unwanted litters spaying prostate problems as you cat gets older. for Cats at a young age significantly reduces the incidences When to neuter of mammary tumours in older cats. After your If not breeding it is generally recommended that has been spayed any behaviour changes linked to Explained male pets be neutered when they reach sexual hormonal fluctuations will disappear. This often maturity. means that female cats stop ‘calling’ to attract a mate and settle in the home. This is at around 5 months for male cats who will be displaying visible testes at this age. When to neuter Very occasionally one or both of the testes are If not breeding it is generally recommended that retained internally. This is referred to as female pets be neutered when they reach sexual ‘cryptorchid’ and requires a more complex maturity.

surgical procedure to remove them. Our vets will Ideally, female cats are spayed at 6 months old. explain the procedure in advance should this be Occasionally they can be spayed sooner if they the case. have reached sexual maturity or are in a situation There is no reason for a neutered cat to put on where they are at risk of unintentional pregnancy. weight provided they are fed a balanced diet. The Female cats come into season frequently and are reduction in sexual may affect their ready to mate again only 3 weeks after giving birth activity levels and cats should be encouraged to so the risk of unwanted pregnancy is high. exercise through play. There is no reason for a neutered cat to put on Booster vaccinations are recommended. weight provided they are fed a balanced diet. The reduction in sexual hormones may affect their activity levels and cats should be encouraged to exercise through play.

What happens on the day? Surgery For further information about how we look

after your cat during surgical procedures During the procedure the vets will need to shave Our vets perform neutering procedures regularly please see our ‘Bringing your pet for Surgery’ from Monday to Friday every week. However, we the surgical site and areas where intravenous medication is administered. To minimize the risk leaflet. understand that this is usually your pet’s first stay with us and we take every care to treat your cat as of infection all internal surgery is performed in a 24 Hour Emergency Care an individual and to ensure that it is as stress free dedicated sterile operating theatre. A freshly Very occasionally animals experience adverse for you and your pet as possible. We can book autoclaved (sterilised) surgical pack of reactions after surgery. Our 24 Hour emergency your cat in on a day that is convenient for you instruments and drapes is used for each service means that if you have concerns about procedure exactly as it is in human surgery. your pet, you can contact an Avonvale vet at The Night Before You will be asked to keep your cat in, with a litter Our vets are all experienced in surgical techniques any time. All our registered clients receive a tray, and to remove access to food and water at and perform gentle skilled surgery with the 50% discount on the Out of Hours Attendance midnight so that your cat has an empty stomach comfort and care of your pet as their priority. fee charged for this service. Scarring is minimised as far as possible with high for the operation the next day. Neutering Fees (inc VAT) quality suture or stapling materials. Admission Our neutering fees include the complete care The nurse will admit your cat first thing in the Recovery and Pain Relief described in this leaflet unless otherwise morning. Your pet will be weighed and examined An initial analgesic is given with the pre-operative stated. sedative. This is then effective as soon as surgery to ensure he or she is in good health to undergo a Cat Castration - £52.90 general anaesthetic. begins and ensures that your pet experiences the minimum of discomfort. Pain relief is continued Cat Spay - £79.95 As with all surgery, there is a small risk attached to having a general anaesthetic. A pre-anaesthetic throughout the procedure and the nurse carefully Discounts of up to 25% are available for cats monitors your pet’s recovery. diagnostic blood test can highlight any underlying registered on health problems that are not yet showing Collecting Your Pet symptoms and may affect the anaesthetic. There Your appointment will be with the surgical nurse Junior Pet Club is a separate charge for this and it is optional who will talk you through the operation and however your vet may recommend it where your explain how to look after your pet at home. This is Pet Club Plus pet is known already to have compromised supported with a written care sheet for you to health. follow. A plastic collar will be recommended to Ask about these pet care plans at reception

You will be asked to complete a consent form and prevent your pet chewing or scratching any For more information please contact your provide contact details for that day. stitches. Avonvale Vets

Settling In A Post-Op check-up appointment will be Your cat will then be settled into one of our arranged, usually 2 days after the procedure, if kennels and given a pre-operative sedative. your cat has been spayed. If your pet has stitches

Anaesthesia these will need to be removed by the nurse Warwick: 01926 400255 We use up to date drugs and equipment allowing approximately 10 days after the procedure. Southam: 01926 812826 pets to wake up quickly and experience fewer Provided no further medication or dressings are Kenilworth: 01926 854181 side-effects than with some older or cheaper required these appointments are included in the Wellesbourne: 01789 841072 products. A qualified nurse keeps a detailed neutering fee. Stratford: 01789 561010 record of the anaesthesia and monitors your pet www.avonvets.co.uk throughout.