Things You Should Know Before Neutering Your Cat

Neutering their cats has become a common practice for many caregivers because of the advantages and benefits it can provide. Here we will explain neutering procedures and the optimal age to proceed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages.

Many people speak interchangeable of neutering and sterilization, but there is a key difference between the terms. Neutering involves the removal of the reproductive organs, specifically the testicles, uterus, or ovaries. Sterilizing means causing the animal to be infertile, which can be achieved by neutering but also with techniques such as a vasectomy or tubal ligation.

It is recommended that surgeries be performed before the cat reaches sexual maturity. This involves operating at around five to six months for both females and males. There may be variations depending on the time of year. For example, female cats are seasonally pleased, meaning they usually come into heat during the time of greatest sunlight. For this reason, it's important to consider both the seasonality and age of your cat. A trusted veterinarian will be able to tell us about the best age for the neutered cat. If you have any doubts about when it's best to perform the procedure, contact a veterinary professional directly.

Neutering your cat at the right time can practically eliminate the possibility of developing certain tumors and cancers with a high degree of malignancy. It can also prevent them from marking your house with urine when they are in heat. However, a cat that has already developed these behaviors may maintain them. Therefore, neutering your cat before they reach sexual maturity is recommended.

There is evidence that suggests neutering can add to the risk of being overweight due to a change in the energy requirements of the animal. Therefore, it is important to monitor feeding after surgery. Games and an enriched environment are good ways to keep the cat active.

How much does the procedure cost? Since the complexity of the surgery is different, it first depends on whether it is for male or female.

In addition, the price will vary depending on where you live, even in the same town or city, the price could be different. Basically, the cost of the surgery depends on the individual clinic. It is based on the experience of the veterinarian and the cost of overheads, but it is unregulated and up to their discretion. Additionally, the animal will need to be tested daily incorporating a blood test and electrocardiogram. These tests are sometimes included in the price, sometimes they cost more. In the USA, prices can be around $200 but may or may not be covered by your insurance.