Neutering

Why you should neuter your kitten

  • Population control: Neutering before a cat's first season can help prevent unwanted litters. 
  • Health: Neutering can reduce the risk of mammary tumours in female cats and reproductive emergencies in both male and female cats. 
  • Behaviour: Neutering can reduce behavioural problems like urine marking, vocalising, and roaming.

Effects of neutering

  • Neutering a kitten at a young age is generally considered safe and does not hinder their mental growth.
  • Research has shown that early neutering does not adversely affect a kitten's cognitive development or overall behaviour.

The procedure

  • A surgical procedure that involves removing the testicles in male animals or the uterus and ovaries in female animals. The procedure is performed under general anaesthetic.
  • A veterinarian examines the kitten.
  • The kitten is given a sedative and pain medication.
  • The kitten is anesthetised.
  • An incision is made in the scrotum or abdomen.
  • The testicles or uterus and ovaries are removed.
  • The incision is closed with sutures.
  • The kitten is monitored while waking up from anaesthesia.
  • The kitten recovers at home comfortably and safely.
     

Myths

Myth - Early neutering causes developmental problems.

Fact - There is no evidence that early neutering causes developmental problems. In fact, early neutering has lower morbidity than conventional neutering. 

 

Myth - Early neutering causes behavioural issues.

Fact - Early neutering can reduce or eliminate territorial marking, fighting, and roaming in male cats. 

 
Myth - Early neutering causes weight gain.
Fact - Early neutering doesn't cause weight gain. 
 
Myth - Cats should have one litter before being neutered.
Fact - Neutering a cat before they reach sexual maturity doesn't increase the risk of accidental pregnancy. A female cat is at high risk of developing Pyometra, which is life threatening, if she is allowed to have heats without pregnancy.
 
Myth - Neutering a cat is expensive.
Fact - Many organisations and shelters offer low-cost spay/neuter services and most kitten plans, purchased through your vet, offer discounts/free neutering as part of the plan.
 
Myth - Neutering a cat is painful.
Fact - Improved surgical techniques, anaesthetic drugs and equipment have made the risks of anaesthesia and pain management for kittens lower, than in the past.