A Thorough Explanation from a Veterinarian: The Pros and Cons of Feline Spaying/Neutering and Post-Operative Care

Neutering (or spaying/neutering) has become common practice among modern cat owners. Neutering involves the surgical removal of a cat's reproductive organs (ovaries, uterus, or testicles). By neutering, you can not only avoid unwanted pregnancies but also curb behaviors associated with estrus (heat).

In this article, we will provide a detailed explanation of neutering for cats.

What is cat neutering? Basic knowledge from a veterinarian

The difference between spaying and neutering

Both "spaying" and "neutering" involve the removal of reproductive organs to prevent pregnancy and are used almost interchangeably. Generally, the procedure for female cats is called spaying, and for male cats, it is called neutering; these are collectively referred to as neutering.

What is the purpose of neutering?

The purpose of neutering a cat is to avoid unwanted pregnancies and suppress estrus-related behaviors. Cats have estrus seasons in the spring and autumn, and the female's estrus induces estrus in males. Cats are induced ovulators, meaning ovulation is triggered by the physical stimulation of mating, so pregnancy is almost certain to occur. A single litter can produce one to eight kittens, and the female can become pregnant again during the next estrus season. Consequently, the population grows rapidly. According to calculations by the Ministry of the Environment, if one female cat gives birth, the population could grow to over 20 cats in one year, and over 2,000 cats in three years.

Estrus behaviors can be very distressing for owners. When in heat, cats may produce unique, loud vocalizations or spray foul-smelling urine on walls and other surfaces. They may escape in search of a mate, leading to traffic accidents or getting lost. Additionally, cats may fight with one another, resulting in injuries or the transmission of infectious diseases such as feline AIDS.

Neutering is considered necessary to resolve these issues.

Specific procedure and duration

Surgery can be performed from around six months of age. Because general anesthesia is used, you will be instructed to fast your cat on the day of the procedure. Many veterinary clinics perform these surgeries during their midday break; they will admit the cat in the morning for pre-operative testing (blood tests, X-rays, etc.), and if there are no issues, they will proceed with the surgery.

While the duration depends on the surgical method and other factors, it typically takes about 30 minutes for females and about 15 minutes for males. After the surgery, the cat will be monitored for recovery from anesthesia and signs of bleeding, either for a few hours or overnight; they are discharged if there are no complications.

Understanding the pros and cons of neutering

Effectiveness in disease prevention (pyometra, mammary tumors, etc.)

Neutering is effective in preventing conditions such as pyometra, mammary tumors, and testicular tumors. Because the procedure removes the ovaries, uterus, or testicles, it eliminates the risk of diseases occurring in those organs. Furthermore, feline mammary tumors are preventable through spaying. These tumors develop under the influence of female hormones, and 90% of feline mammary tumors are malignant and often already metastasized by the time they are discovered. Spaying before the first estrus cycle reduces the risk of occurrence by about 90%, and surgery by age one can prevent 86% of cases.

The absence of estrus reduces fighting with other cats, thereby lowering the risk of infectious diseases like feline AIDS.

Reduction of estrus behavior and stress management

Neutering can curb estrus-related behavior and eliminate the stress caused by the heat cycle.

Cats in heat make unique, very loud, and annoying vocalizations that can continue throughout the entire season, causing stress for owners. Additionally, male cats often spray strong-smelling urine on walls and other surfaces, leaving an odor that is difficult to remove. This is a behavior for males to communicate their presence to females, but the smell is notoriously persistent.

Because both males and females seek mates while in heat, they are more prone to running away, which can lead to traffic accidents. Furthermore, cats in heat are easily agitated and may become irritable.

Neutering eliminates these problematic behaviors. It is also known that because the stress of the estrus cycle is removed, the cat's lifespan tends to increase.

The reality of costs and surgical risks

While costs vary by veterinary clinic, they generally range from 10,000 to 40,000 yen. The difference in price is due to variations in medications, equipment, and surgical time between clinics. Although some have pet insurance, neutering is not covered by standard plans.

Since surgery involves general anesthesia and incisions, the risk is not zero. However, this risk is extremely low. Pre-operative examinations are performed to evaluate whether the cat can safely undergo surgery. Emergency medications are kept on hand in case of any abnormalities during the procedure. Even so, risks cannot be entirely eliminated. Possible surgical complications include bleeding, shock, and infection.

When is the best time to neuter your cat?

What is the ideal age? Why before sexual maturity is better

Cats become sexually mature and capable of pregnancy around six months of age. By then, their bodies are sufficiently developed to undergo surgery without issues. Therefore, we recommend neutering after six months of age but before the first heat cycle occurs. As mentioned above, spaying a female before her first heat cycle nearly guarantees the prevention of mammary tumors, so we strongly recommend scheduling the surgery for after six months of age and before the first estrus.

Should you avoid surgery during the heat cycle?

This is often debated regarding female cats. It is said that during estrus, the blood vessels in the uterus and ovaries are more developed, and the uterine wall thickens, which could potentially lead to easier bleeding or larger incisions. For this reason, some advise avoiding surgery during heat; however, in practice, surgery can be performed safely even during this time. During a cat's breeding season, if no mating occurs, the heat cycle may repeat every two weeks. Consequently, waiting for the heat to end often just leads to the next cycle beginning. Therefore, surgeries are performed even during the heat cycle. As a veterinarian, I also perform surgeries during estrus after explaining the risks of bleeding to the owner.

How indoor vs. outdoor living influences the timing

Indoor cats, because they are constantly exposed to artificial lighting, are said to be more prone to staying in estrus year-round. Therefore, they may experience heat cycles outside of the typical spring and autumn seasons. Because of this, it is best to neuter them at six months of age. For outdoor cats, owners may not notice the signs of estrus before the cat gets outside, which can lead to accidents, getting lost, or unwanted pregnancies. There have even been cases of cats as young as four months old becoming pregnant.

Post-operative care: Checkpoints for a healthy recovery

Monitoring your cat and proper management methods

Once the anesthesia and painkillers wear off, your cat may experience pain. Many cats will try to lick the incision site or remain still due to discomfort. Licking the incision can cause the sutures to come out or increase the risk of infection. For cats that bother their incisions, we suggest using an Elizabethan collar or post-operative clothing. An Elizabethan collar is worn around the neck to prevent licking; be sure to choose one that does not allow the cat's nose to reach the area. Collars are generally better for males. Post-operative suits are clothes that prevent the cat from licking the wound; they are characterized by being less cumbersome than collars. Those with Velcro on the back are easy to put on and take off.

Wound care and how to handle abnormalities

In most cases, you do not need to perform wound care at home. However, you will need to return for a follow-up visit for suture removal or to have the progress checked. The timing for this follow-up varies by clinic, so be sure to confirm it after the surgery. If you return home and the cat keeps bothering or licking the wound, or if the wound opens or bleeds, visit the animal hospital immediately. If the wound becomes infected, you may see pus; in this case, consult a veterinarian right away.

While loss of appetite after surgery is common, you should seek veterinary care if the cat does not regain its appetite, remains lethargic for more than two days, or experiences vomiting.

Dietary and exercise restrictions

The cat must fast on the day of the surgery due to the effects of anesthesia, but they can return to a normal diet the following day. If they have no appetite, you may offer wet food. Because neutering results in metabolic and hormonal changes, cats become more prone to weight gain, so you should switch to food formulated for neutered/spayed cats.

Until instructed by your veterinarian, vigorous exercise should be restricted to prevent the incision from opening or bleeding. If you have other cats and they tend to play roughly together, it may be a good idea to keep the recovering cat in a cage for a while.

Pre-operative preparations for neutering

Items to confirm with your veterinarian

There will always be dietary restrictions before surgery. If there is food in the stomach, anesthesia may cause vomiting, leading to choking or aspiration pneumonia. Therefore, your cat must be fasted for the procedure. Always confirm what time the fasting should begin.

You should also confirm the date of the follow-up appointment and what to do if any abnormalities occur before then.

Veterinarians have different views on performing surgery on female cats during estrus. Confirm in advance how the clinic handles such a situation should it arise.

Long-term effects of neutering on a cat's health

Neutering will inevitably lead to weight gain due to metabolic and hormonal changes. Since cats do not lose weight easily through exercise alone, you must prevent obesity by controlling their food intake. Switch to food formulated for neutered/spayed cats. Many cats will still gain weight, so you may need to further reduce portions or switch to a calorie-restricted diet.

Obesity resulting from neutering is said to increase the risk of diabetes and urinary stones, making weight management essential.

Ethical perspectives every cat owner should know

Many people who choose not to neuter their cats feel that "you shouldn't put a healthy body under the knife" or that "it's better to leave them natural." I understand the anxiety, as anesthesia and surgery are never 100% safe. However, the stress a cat feels during heat is intense, and the impulse to escape to find a mate is powerful. If they escape and become pregnant, kittens will be born two months later, and as soon as they are weaned, the mother can become pregnant again, leading to an ever-growing population of cats. Since cats can mate with siblings and parents, the population can spiral out of control even within your own home.

You may have heard of "multi-cat household collapse," which almost always occurs because cats were not neutered and bred within the home. To raise your cat responsibly, please neuter them and care for them well.

Summary

Because neutering is performed under general anesthesia, there are always inherent risks. The procedure has both pros and cons, but it is a surgery that offers significant benefits for protecting your cat's long-term health. If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian thoroughly and make your decision with complete understanding.