What’s the Process of Cat Spay and Neuter Procedures? Our Rio Rancho Doctors Explain

For feline pet owners in Rio Rancho and Bernalillo, cat neutering and spaying is a great way to ensure the health and welfare of your beloved feline friend.

These standard veterinary medical procedures provide your pet with lifelong health benefits and serve to control stray animal populations.

At Coronado Pet Hospital, your pet’s well-being is our foremost priority. As a trusted veterinary clinic offering spay and neuter services for Rio Rancho’s and Bernalillo’s cats, we are committed to delivering outstanding veterinary services to our community.

In this blog post, we’ll explain the process of cat spay and neuter procedures. 

What is neutering?

A male cat neuter involves the surgical removal of the testicles, referred to as castration. The incision in the scrotum is so small that generally no sutures are needed, and the opening heals by itself. 

This procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure the cat’s comfort and safety during the sterilization process. The surgery is performed by experienced veterinarians who follow strict safety protocols to minimize any risks associated with anesthesia. 

Neutering will not only eliminate a cat’s ability to reproduce, but also has the potential to positively affect a cat’s behavior and health, though not always guaranteed.

When can you neuter a cat?

The ideal time for neutering is between the ages of 4 to 6 months. At this point, most kittens have reached a sufficient size and weight, making the surgical procedure safer and more straightforward. 

What is spaying?

A cat spay involves the surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. It’s a bit more complicated than neutering, so pain and recovery periods are a little longer.

Once the cat is under anesthesia, the surgery involves making a small incision in the abdomen to access and remove the reproductive organs. To ensure safety, preoperative evaluations are performed, including physical examinations and blood tests, and the cat’s vital signs are continuously monitored during surgery. 

Maintaining a sterile environment, administering pain management, and providing fluid support are essential safety measures. After the surgery, the cat is carefully monitored during the recovery phase, ensuring a smooth transition from anesthesia and ongoing pain management to promote a comfortable and complication-free recuperation.

Like neutering, spaying eliminates the cat’s ability to conceive and brings about several health benefits. 

When can you spay a cat?

The recommended age for spaying is around the same age as neutering – between 4 to 6 months old. It’s best to have a cat spayed before they experience an estrous cycle, though they can be spayed at any age after about 8 weeks old.

What are the benefits of spaying and neutering your cats?

The biggest benefit of spaying and neutering your cats is that they’re likely to live longer, happier lives as important members of your family. 

However, getting your cat fixed at our full-service hospital offering neuter and spay surgeries has numerous other health benefits.

Preventing Unwanted Litters

One of the most immediate and impactful benefits of spaying and neutering is the prevention of unwanted litters. This proactive approach helps alleviate the strain on animal shelters and reduces the number of homeless and neglected cats.

Health Protection

Spaying and neutering may significantly lower the risk of various cancers and illnesses. 

For male cats, neutering diminishes the odds of testicular cancer and reduces the likelihood of prostate issues. Having your female cat spayed will eliminate the chances of developing a Pyometra, a potentially life-threatening infection of the uterus.

Behavior Changes

Hormone-influenced behaviors in male cats are those most likely to disappear or be greatly reduced after neutering: spraying (urine marking outside the litter box), roaming to search for a mate, and fighting other intact males. The urine of intact males has a very strong odor, which neutering will greatly or entirely remove.

For female cats, spaying stops the estrous cycle, eliminating the vocalization and overly affectionate behavior associated with heat.

Partner With Our Pet Hospital for Expert Cat Neutering and Spaying in Rio Rancho

At Coronado Pet Hospital, we understand that pet owners want the very best for their companions. That’s why we offer the finest and most comprehensive medical care available in Rio Rancho and Bernalillo. 

Our AAHA-accredited facility, backed by a dedicated team of caring professionals with a collective experience exceeding fifty years, has every resource available to safeguard your pet’s health and happiness. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools and a commitment to compassionate care, ensuring that your beloved companion receives the highest quality veterinary services. Your pet’s well-being is our top priority, and we look forward to being your trusted partner in their lifelong health journey.

Contact us for cat neutering and spaying in Rio Rancho or Bernalillo today!