Neutering a cat
A cat’s strong sex drive can cause problems for owners and neighbours in the form of spraying, loud meowing and unwanted kittens. In addition, it can pose a health risk to the cat itself if it loses a fight or becomes infected with a life-threatening infection such as FIV (feline AIDS).
Male cats
Sexually mature, intact male cats may become aggressive towards owners and household items out of frustration if they are not allowed outside. They will meow loudly and persistently, spray (outdoors and indoors), roam away for several days, and get into fights with other male cats.
If the male cat is not intended for breeding, it is advisable to have him neutered, thereby reducing the risk of behavioural problems. Neutering removes the ability to reproduce and thus also the sex drive and the aforementioned disadvantages associated with it.
The procedure can be performed on cats of all ages, but it is recommended to have the cat neutered early to achieve as many beneficial effects as possible and avoid the disadvantages. Male cats reach sexual maturity at around 5–10 months of age. This depends on breed and season.
Our general guidance is that the cat can be neutered once it has reached a weight of 2 kg.
Male cats are neutered by removing both testicles through an incision in the skin of the scrotum. As the incision heals quickly on its own, it is not closed with stitches. The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, and the cat is given pain relief and antibiotics before waking up.
It is often not necessary to send antibiotics and pain relief home for male cats, but this is always assessed on a case-by-case basis.
It is recommended to keep the cat indoors until it has fully recovered, as they are often tired for about a day after the operation due to the anaesthetic.
Disadvantages of neutering
for male and female cats
In general, there are only few side effects of neutering. The most significant is an increased tendency to become overweight. This is because the cat’s energy requirement after neutering drops to approx. 80% of the original, as the sex drive no longer needs to be maintained. However, this can easily be prevented by not feeding the cat ad libitum, but instead serving a measured portion of food daily, possibly divided into several meals.
Another side effect of neutering male cats is that they have a higher risk of developing urinary crystals and stones, which can lead to blockage of the urethra. These crystals and stones develop in the bladder if, among other things, the pH level of the urine is too high or too low. However, there is special food intended for neutered male cats that ensures an optimal pH level in the bladder, thereby preventing the formation of crystals and stones.
There are several types of food on the market that meet the requirements and needs a neutered cat has for its diet. We stock food tailored to neutered cats. Our staff are always ready to advise and guide you in choosing the right food.
Contraceptive pills
Heat and pregnancy can be avoided by giving the cat contraceptive pills weekly, prescribed by the veterinarian. Contraceptive pills are not tolerated equally well by all cats, and behavioural changes may be observed. In addition, a number of side effects may occur, such as life-threatening pathological conditions in the uterus, ovaries and mammary glands.
In general, we recommend spaying female cats rather than giving them contraceptive pills.
Female cat
Female cats reach sexual maturity at around 5–10 months of age. This depends on breed and season. The heat cycle in cats is highly dependent on daylight and typically starts in January–February and ends in September–October. Cats kept indoors may come into heat year-round due to artificial light exposure.
During this period, the cat comes into heat repeatedly at intervals of 2–3 weeks, with each heat lasting 2–12 days. The cat may therefore have several litters of kittens per year. A female cat’s heat is expressed by increased restlessness, yowling, becoming very affectionate, rolling around, and holding the tail to one side.
Heat can be avoided either by spaying or by using contraceptive pills
Spaying
Spaying can be performed at any age, but it is recommended to do it early—preferably before or around the first heat. Our general guidance is that the cat can be spayed once it has reached a weight of 2 kg.
During spaying, both ovaries and possibly the uterus are removed through a small incision (2–5 cm) in the abdominal wall. The incision is then sutured in 2–3 layers. The skin is often closed with internal stitches, as this is often less bothersome for the cat, and therefore there are no stitches that need to be removed. In some cases, however, the skin is closed with external stitches, which should be removed again after 10–14 days.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia, and the cat is given antibiotics and pain relief before waking up. We often send antibiotics and pain relief home for female cats, but this is always assessed on a case-by-case basis.
The cat should be kept indoors until it has fully recovered. They are often tired for about a day after the operation due to the anaesthetic, but they recover quickly.
Opening hours
The clinic is open on all weekdays 7:00–17:00
Consultations by appointment
Closed on public holidays, Constitution Day, 24/12 and 31/12
