Mt Martha Vet ClinicDesexing Your Cat
At Mt Martha Vet Clinic, we understand how much your feline friend means to you. Neutering is a once-in-a-lifetime event, and we are dedicated to ensuring your cat’s operation is performed safely and successfully.
What is Involved in Desexing?
On the morning of surgery, your cat is weighed and given a physical examination. A sedative injection is given, which relieves anxiety & provides pain relief. An intravenous (IV) catheter is placed, and general anaesthesia is induced by injection through this catheter. Anaesthesia is maintained with a mixture of gas and oxygen via a tube placed in the throat. The anaesthetic is constantly monitored and recorded by a nurse. The surgical site is clipped and prepared, and an antibiotic is given. The vet performs the surgery in sterile conditions using human-grade suture materials. At the end of the surgery, additional pain relief is given. A tattoo is placed in the left ear so that your pet is identified as desexed. Afterwards, your cat’s recovery is closely monitored. Food is offered, and the IV catheter is removed once we are happy with their recovery.
In MALES, both testicles are removed (castration).
In FEMALES, the uterus and the ovaries are removed in full (known as a spay).
Post-Surgery Care
At discharge, we give you written instructions on postoperative care. Our fees include a check-up at 2-4 days and for females, stitch removal at 10-14 days after surgery. In male cats, no stitches are required.
In the vast majority of cases, your cat goes home on the day of surgery. For your convenience, they can be admitted the evening before surgery, or they can be accommodated afterwards if needed (an extra charge applies).
Anaesthesia – desexing involves a general anaesthetic, and we advise pre-anaesthetic blood testing and IV fluids to increase the safety of anaesthesia. More information is provided on the pre-anesthetic form.
What Are the Benefits of Desexing?
There are not enough homes for all the cats and kittens born in Australia. As well as unwanted kittens, there are a number of health and behavioural benefits for your cat.
For MALES
- Decreased roaming behaviour greatly reduces the risk of straying and road accidents.
- Aggressive and dominant behaviour towards humans and other cats is much reduced.
- Testicular cancer cannot occur.
- The Feline Aids virus (FIV) is transmitted by fighting. Desexing male cats by reducing their tendency to fight helps reduce the spread of this incurable cat disease.
- Castration is 95% successful at stopping spraying, where a male cat will mark its territory (ie, your house) with a very unpleasant odour.
- The other main advantage of castration for your cat is that he will be much more content; otherwise, his natural urge to reproduce cannot be satisfied.
For FEMALES
- Infection of the womb (pyometra) is a life-threatening condition, the risk of which is eliminated by spaying.
- Breast cancer is extremely rare in spayed female cats.
- A spayed cat avoids the risks and costs associated with pregnancy and giving birth.
At What Age Can My Cat Be Neutered at Mt Martha Veterinary Clinic?
We advise desexing at 5 months of age. Desexing may be performed much younger than this, but there is an increased anaesthetic risk in younger patients, and more monitoring is required. Cats become sexually mature at 6 months of age. We advise catching them before they reach the point where they can produce kittens (as lovely as they are!)
When Can I Go Ahead?
A few days’ notice is all that is required – simply call us on 03 5974 1199, we will be happy to make the arrangements and supply you with a pre-anesthetic information sheet that details what you will need to do on the morning of your pet’s surgery. This form is also available on our website.
Any questions? Feel free to ask our helpful team by calling 03 5974 1199.