Spaying and Neutering

Pet over-population is a real problem, with unwanted animals being euthanized every day. Although there are always pros and cons to any procedure, spaying or neutering your new kitten is always recommended. It is one of the most responsible choices you can make as a pet owner. The health benefits of spaying or neutering your kitten are also important to consider.

What is involved with ‘Spaying’ or ‘Neutering’? We use the term ‘Spay’ when we remove the ovaries and uterus of the female cat. We use the term ‘Neuter’ when we remove both testicles from a male cat. For any surgical procedure, optional blood work can be performed (to screen for abnormalities in the blood that could indicate organ dysfunction) at an additional fee. Pain medication is used and intravenous fluid therapy is administered (always with spays, optional with neuters), then placed under a general anesthesia for the procedure. Once the ovaries/uterus are removed, the incision is closed using sutures that are under the skin and absorb over time. We monitor our surgical patients very carefully throughout their stay make sure they are recovering without complications.  Usually, your kitten will be able to go home the same day, so that he or she can spend the evening in the comfort of their own home. We recommend that your kitten be given several days to recover (a week for a spay), with minimal running and no jumping or stairs. Your kitten should wear a cone so that it cannot lick at it’s incision as it heals as this can cause infection and dehiscence.