Cat Neutering and Spaying Services

At Coronado Pet Hospital, we always want what’s best for your furry loved ones. That’s why our compassionate and collaborative team of veterinarians takes every precaution when providing cat neutering and spaying in Bernalillo.

What do cat neutering and spaying surgeries involve?

Neutering or spaying your cat involves removing their reproductive organs. These surgical procedures require that your cat undergoes anesthesia while their vitals are closely monitored. 

Our veterinarians in Bernalillo always assess your cat’s health prior to scheduling this procedure and may recommend having blood work done to ensure no underlying conditions exist.

Cat Neuter Procedures

Neutering involves removing the testicles of male cats. Unless one or both testicles are retained, neutering typically involves making a small incision in their scrotum to remove both testicles. 

About 2% of cats have a condition called cryptorchidism. Cats with cryptorchidism have one or both testicles retained in their abdomen. If this is the case, the veterinarian makes a small incision in their abdomen to remove the retained testicle or testicles.

Cat neuters usually take 5-10 minutes to perform. Once the surgery is complete, we’ll closely monitor them as they recover from anesthesia.

Cat Spay Procedures

Spaying involves removing the ovaries and uterus of female cats. Our highly skilled veterinarians make a tiny incision into the abdomen, bypassing the abdominal muscles. Doing this ensures she receives the least amount of discomfort during and after the surgery.

Spay surgeries are longer than neuters, typically lasting 15-20 minutes, depending on her age and where she’s at in her heat cycle.

We’ll closely monitor her to ensure she safely recovers from anesthesia while managing her pain through pre and intraoperative pain medications.

Why should I spay or neuter my cat?

For many cats, spay and neuter procedures will be their first surgery they have in life. This, understandably, makes many pet parents worried about the pain and trauma they may go through from this experience.

At Coronado Pet Hospital, we understand why you may want to avoid having your fur baby go through this procedure. Still, knowing the benefits of cat neutering and spaying in Bernalillo is crucial.

Reducing Homeless Pet Populations

It’s heartbreaking to come across a homeless cat or kitten in the streets of Bernalillo. Homeless felines face many dangers, including predators and diseases.

Animal shelters are often overflowing with cats and kittens, with some euthanizing to control shelter populations. Cat neutering and spaying in Bernalillo ensures fewer cats end up on the streets and in shelters. 

Reducing Risks of Certain Cancers and Diseases

Neutering male cats eliminates their chances of contracting testicular cancer. Neutering also reduces the risk of your cat developing inflammation and related diseases of the prostate and perianal region. 

For female cats, the chances of developing pyometra are eliminated. Pyometra is an often fatal uterine infection.

Spaying also reduces the risk of your cat developing mammary cancer, where 80-90% of mammary tumors are malignant and often fatal.

Reducing Hormone Related Behaviors

Your cat’s sexual hormones can cause them to behave in particular ways. Some of these behaviors include wanting to roam or run away to find mates, spraying urine to mark objects, and acting aggressively. 

While neutering and spaying may reduce these behaviors, it’s important to note that other factors also determine these behaviors:

• Genetics
• Environment
• Socialization

It’s safe to say that other factors may be involved if your cat still exhibits these behaviors after their spay or neuter surgery. When needing guidance on managing your cat’s behavior, never hesitate to contact our vet clinic in Bernalillo!

Are there reasons not to neuter or spay my cat?

Spaying and neutering cats before they reach maturity, can result in having higher risks of developing certain cancers, urinary issues, and orthopedic conditions.

Neutering and Spaying Before Maturity

Our veterinarians performing cat neutering and spaying in Bernalillo proactively ensure your cat has matured prior to recommending these surgeries. Spaying and neutering immature cats put them at a higher risk of developing these cancers:

• Lymphoma
• Osteosarcoma
• Mast cell tumors
• Cardiac tumors

Immature cats receiving these surgeries are also at higher risk of developing cruciate ligament ruptures and hip or elbow dysplasia. Female cats may also develop urinary infections and urinary incontinence.

Once cats mature, the risks of developing these cancers and conditions significantly reduce. What this means is that the benefits of these surgeries outweigh the risks.

Always contact our animal hospital in Bernalillo anytime you have questions or concerns about your cat being spayed or neutered. They’ll always give you honest and accurate information about these procedures and the best individualized medical advice for your cat.

Ready to find out more about our Rio Rancho and Bernalillo cat neutering and spaying services?

Coronado Pet Hospital’s highly skilled and knowledgeable veterinarians have compassionately cared for Bernalillo’s felines since 2007. We strive to always provide high-quality medicine to all our patients and ensure every pet is healthy enough for any surgery we perform.

Contact us today to schedule your cat’s neutering and spaying in Bernalillo!