When to Spay a Cat?

Spaying your cat is essential to keeping the cat population under control. Without spaying, countless unwanted kittens end up in shelters. What's more, a spayed cat will also be more contented, with fewer yearnings to roam outside the home.

  1. When to Spay

    • Your cat should be spayed before she reaches puberty, ideally at about 6 months old. Cats have been spayed younger with no problems, particularly when adopted from a shelter. Some shelters prefer to spay before adoption in case the new owner fails to have the female cat altered when she is older.

    Pregnant Cats

    • Pregnant cats can be spayed anytime during pregnancy without harm to the mother cat. Prior to the surgery, the veterinarian will ask the owner if the cat is pregnant. If the owner is not sure of the cat's condition, a decision must be made prior to the surgery whether to terminate or continue the pregnancy if she is carrying kittens. When unwanted kittens are present, the veterinarian will remove the kittens with the uterus.

      If your cat has kittens and is still nursing, the kittens should be weaned and the mammary tissue should be allowed to reduce before spaying. About a month after weaning the glands should be normal and the female can be spayed. It is possible for her to be impregnated during this time, so precautions should be taken.

    Cats in Heat

    • A cat in heat can be very annoying, and the associated howling and disruptive behavior can make the decision to spay considerably easier. Spaying is somewhat more difficult while the cat is in heat, though, because the tissue and larger blood vessels are swollen. There is no heightened risk for the cat, but the cost may increase due to the extra surgery time required.

    Recovery

    • Some pet clinics will advise owners to have their pet stay overnight after spaying. If the pet is released the day of surgery, she should be confined to a small area to keep her movements to a minimum. It is generally recommended that food and water not be allowed until the next day or later in the night. Any fluid discharge from the incision should be reported to the veterinarian, who will advise the owner of what to do as a follow-up.