Why it’s important to neuter your cat

What is neutering?

Neutering is an operation which stops cats from being able to have kittens. In males, this operation is called ‘castration’ and it involves removing their testicles. In females, it’s known as ‘spaying’ and involves removing their ovaries and womb.

This is a routine operation and it’s likely that you’ll drop off and pick your cat up from the vets on the same day. When a cat is neutered, they’ll be put under general anaesthetic, your vet will give you details about how to help them prepare for the procedure.

What is the recovery from a neutering procedure like?

Your cat should be back to themselves fairly quickly after the operation. They might be a little woozy and wobbly as the anaesthetic wears off, but they should be eating and alert as usual by the next day.

A cat’s wounds from a neutering operation should heal completely in about 10 days. They may have stitches which will need to be removed at a follow up appointment. Recovery will be quicker for male cats and for younger cats so it’s recommended to get your cat neutered as soon as you can. Usually this is about four months old.

There are a few things you can do to help your cat feel more comfortable as they recover:

• Create a quiet safe space for them to rest in
• Make sure they wear recommended wound protection to stop them chewing or licking their stitches
• Keep an eye on your cat’s wound and speak to your vet if they show signs of swelling or discharge
• Give them regular pain medication as recommended by your vet
• Keep them indoors and don’t let them play too vigourously while they’re healing

What are the benefits of neutering a female cat?

Cats are very effective breeders, and unneutered female cats can have up to 18 kittens a year. Going through pregnancy, birth, and feeding a litter of kittens is a significant trauma for a cat’s body and can leave them more vulnerable to disease.

Neutering a female cat not only prevents unwanted kittens but prevents any of the health risks associated with pregnancy.

It also reduces the risk of womb infections and certain cancers such as mammary cancer.

On a behavioural level, neutering a female cat prevents them from going into ‘heat’ and stops behaviours such as spraying, wailing and wandering to find a mate.

What are the benefits of neutering a male cat?

Neutering a male cat reduces the risk of behavioural issues such as roaming far from home looking for a mate, fighting with other male cats, or spraying urine around the house.

Neutering your male cat will help reduce the chance of injuries obtained by fighting and reduce the risk that they contract infectious diseases too.

How much does it cost to have a cat neutered?

The cost of a neutering operation will vary according to your vet practice, and there is support available from charities like the PDSA and Scottish SPCA.

On average, you can expect to pay around £100-250 to neuter a male cat and £150-350 to spay a female cat.

Rehoming a cat, will they be neutered?

We neuter every cat in our care before they are rehomed. Occasionally, if a kitten is ready to go home but too young to be neutered just yet, we will rehome to a good home with vouchers to cover the cost of the operation and a written promise that they’ll have the procedure as soon as they’re ready.

Neutering your cat prevents unwanted litters, reducing the strain on rescues like ours. It helps protect your cat from infectious diseases, fights, and the danger of getting lost as they wander to find a mate. We recommend that all responsible cat owners neuter their pets.