Choosing the right time to spay a cat is an important decision. There are a number of factors to consider, including the health of the animal, the risk of litter box problems and whether or not the animal will make good company.
In-heat cats have larger ovaries and uterus
During the heat cycle of female cats, their ovaries discharge eggs and prepare the body for pregnancy. During the cycle, hormones change inside the uterus, which makes it easier for bacteria to grow. In addition, the cat’s cervix opens, allowing sperm to enter.
The ovaries of a cat can be enlarged during the heat cycle, which can cause problems for the cat. They can also cause mammary tumors to form. When a cat is spayed, its ovaries are removed, limiting the amount of uterine tissue that can be enlarged.
There are two main methods for spaying a cat: hysterectomy and ovarian hysterectomy. Ovariectomy involves the removal of the uterus and ovaries, while hysterectomy leaves the uterus intact. Both surgeries are effective in preventing unwanted pregnancies and prevent certain types of cancer.
Although a hysterectomy will leave the uterus intact, some veterinarians choose to remove the ovaries during the procedure. This may be done to decrease the risk of bone cancer. It may also be done to reduce obesity in cats.
Weight gain after neutering
Veterinary experts have found that neutering and spaying pets can cause weight gain. This is because neutering causes a shift in hormones. These hormones affect how a pet’s body processes food.
The shift in hormones also affects how much the pet eats. A neutered cat’s appetite increases, and it may eat the same amount as an intact cat, but it will burn off fewer calories.
A study from the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of California, Davis showed that neutered cats have a significant increase in ghrelin, which increases appetite. In addition, neutered cats also have lower levels of progesterone, which decreases appetite.
Neutering can also increase a pet’s risk for developing diabetes. This is because neutered pets have a slower metabolism. They require fewer calories and less energy to maintain their weight.
The Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association published weight gain statistics for neutered pets. The risk appears highest during the first year after the surgery. However, the relationship between neutering and weight gain is not clear. Several other factors may also play a role in weight gain.
Complications
Typically, spaying a cat is a relatively simple surgical procedure. It is performed to eliminate the possibility of unwanted pregnancy. It is also a way to reduce the risk of cancers of the reproductive tract.
A spay can be performed on kittens as early as four months of age. It is best performed before the first estrous cycle. A reversible anesthetic shot is used, and most cats recover within fifteen to thirty minutes.
There are a variety of post-surgical complications that may arise. Depending on the animal and the specific surgical procedure, complications may range from a simple swelling to an infected incision.
Symptoms of these complications include swelling and bleeding at the incision site, or a bacterial infection. Infections can be treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of an infected incision include a red, itchy area and a purulent discharge. If the infection is severe, the cat may need to undergo further surgery.
Infections are usually treated with antibiotics, but it is important to monitor the incision. If pus builds up at the incision site, the cat may need to be given antibiotics.
