Explaining how to care for a spayed female cat and what to look out for

Even if you know that a "spay surgery" is necessary for your cat, the thought of them going under the knife is sure to fill you with anxiety.

Your cat feels the same anxiety. That is exactly why post-operative care by the owner is more important than anything else.

In this article, we will focus on spay surgery for female cats and provide a detailed explanation of post-operative care, precautions, and changes you may notice after the surgery.

About spay surgery for female cats

Let’s learn the basics about spay surgery for female cats, such as the recommended age and what the procedure actually involves.

When should a female cat be spayed?

It is ideal to perform the surgery by around 5 months of age, before the first heat cycle. However, depending on their physical development, there are times when it is better to delay the surgery. Since spay surgery can be performed at any age, be sure to consult with your veterinarian about the best timing.

Surgical methods

Spay surgery can be performed by "removing both the ovaries and uterus" or "removing only the ovaries."

Removing only the ovaries is less physically demanding for the cat. However, if you want to prevent diseases like pyometra and endometriosis, it is necessary to remove both the ovaries and the uterus together.

Spay surgery is an "abdominal surgery" performed under general anesthesia, requiring an incision of several centimeters. Some veterinary clinics also perform "laparoscopic surgery," which results in smaller scars compared to traditional abdominal surgery.

The surgery takes about an hour. While some cats can go home on the day of the procedure, others may require an overnight stay of one or two days for observation depending on their condition.

The spay surgery process

[1. Pre-operative examination]

Physical examinations (consultation, visual inspection, palpation, auscultation), blood tests, and X-rays are performed to check for existing illnesses, infections, and to ensure the cat can withstand general anesthesia.

[2. The day before surgery]

Because general anesthesia and abdominal surgery are involved, the cat must fast and avoid water from the night before.

[3. The day of surgery]

After a check of vitals, the cat is placed under general anesthesia and the hair on the abdomen is shaved. While monitoring the heartbeat and blood pressure, the veterinarian removes the ovaries (or ovaries and uterus). Once the incision is sutured, the surgery is complete. Some clinics use absorbable sutures that do not require removal.

[4. Hospitalization]

After waking from anesthesia, the cat may go home or stay for 1–2 days for observation. They will need to wear an Elizabethan collar or post-operative clothing to prevent them from licking the wound.

[5. Post-operative care at home]

If there are no issues, you will receive instructions on home care before heading home. Follow your veterinarian's instructions, including medication.

[6. Removal of stitches]

Stitches are removed 1 week to 10 days after surgery. If there are no problems, the cat can return to normal life.

Post-operative care

Spay surgery for females is more invasive than neutering for males, and they are more likely to feel pain and discomfort afterwards.

While they don't feel anything during the surgery itself due to general anesthesia, the experience of being in an unfamiliar place can be very scary and stressful.

Once home, let your cat rest in a quiet place first. Afterward, make sure they are wearing an Elizabethan collar or post-operative suit to prevent them from licking the incision.

When can they start eating after surgery?

In the case of same-day surgery, you may be instructed to withhold food for the day. While you might want to give them a treat, please follow the veterinarian’s instructions. If the cat has no appetite, or shows symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea, seek veterinary care immediately.

An Elizabethan collar is required for the first week

Since spay surgery is abdominal, an Elizabethan collar is essential to prevent licking. You will need to keep the collar on for 1 week to 10 days until the stitches are removed.

Your cat may dislike the collar and try to remove it, or even freeze up and stop moving. They should get used to it after a while, so please be patient.

To help them live stress-free while wearing the collar, it is important to adjust their environment—clear away obstacles, remove the lid from the litter box, and use taller dishes. Since they will have difficulty grooming, please help by wiping them down with a warm towel and brushing them.

Recently, some clinics use cat-specific post-operative suits as an alternative to the Elizabethan collar. These are less restrictive and allow them to eat and use the litter box more comfortably, so they are highly recommended.

How long should they rest?

The rest period is about 1 week to 10 days if stitches need to be removed. Even if stitches are not needed, try to keep the cat resting for about the same amount of time. Of course, bathing is forbidden during this period.

To prevent the wound from reopening, avoid vigorous exercise or exciting play. If you have other cats, isolate the recovering cat in a separate room or cage for a while.

Due to the pain and discomfort at the incision site, they will likely spend most of their time lying down and moving less than usual. However, some cats may be back to running around after just a few days.

Always keep an eye on the incision, and if you notice anything unusual, such as blood oozing or a broken stitch, consult your veterinarian immediately.

Changes after spay surgery

After being spayed, the stress of heat cycles will disappear, and the cat can live a calmer life. However, hormonal changes may lead to physical changes.

Weight gain after surgery

After spaying, metabolic rates drop, making it easier for cats to gain weight. Some cats may also experience an increase in appetite.

Because obesity is a risk, it is recommended to increase exercise and switch to cat food specifically formulated for spayed cats.

Does their personality change?

Compared to male cats, the personality of a female cat rarely undergoes major changes after surgery.

While female cats are often "tsundere" (cold and then affectionate), some may become more clingy due to the pain and fear they experienced during surgery. It is said they are remembering their kitten days when they depended on their mother.

Summary

Unlike neutering for male cats, spaying a female cat requires abdominal surgery. Even though it is a necessary procedure, you will likely worry about the surgical pain and your cat’s condition.

Post-operative care by the owner is the most important factor after the surgery.

Check their food intake, elimination, and incision site while preparing an environment where they can rest quietly. Because post-operative needs can vary depending on the surgical method used, follow your veterinarian's instructions closely.

Also, if you are nervous and restless, your cat won't be able to relax either. For the sake of the cat that has gone through the surgery, please ensure you are well-informed about the proper post-operative care.