Why should I have my cat neutered?
Neutering is a surgical procedure that involves a general anaesthetic and an operation to remove
both testicles or ovaries. This operation reduces the risk of accidents, fights etc. However, after
the procedure sexual activity and fertility may persist for up to one mothe in males, It is a very 
familar procedure for all veterinarians and failure rate, complications and risk factors are exceedingly low.

Males
Neutering, or castration, offers a number of advantages, especially if performed at an early age
(3-9 months). Following puberrty, approximately 8-9 months old, the male cat develops a number of often undesirable behavioural changes. He will become territorial and start to mark areas, often in the house, by spraying urine, which will by now have developed a particularly strong (and difficult to remove) odour. He will start to enlarge his territory by straying ever farther from the house, particularly at night. It is for this reason that many cats involved in road traffic accidents are non-neutered males. By increasing his territory he will come into contact with other cats and to fight for dominance. Inflicted fight wounds can result in severe infection and abscesses.

Since diseases such as FIV and feline infectious anaemia can be spread through bites it comes
as no surprise to find that those cats most commonly affect by such agents are non-neutered 
tomcats. Finally, but not least, neutering prevents the siring of unwanted litters. It also 
reduces the number of abscesses and car accidents. The longer a tomcat is left to spray and fight, the less likely neutering will stop it.

Females
Neutering, or spaying, in female cats also offers several advatnages. Most obviously, it will prevent the prospect of unplanned litters. Once puberty is reached, on average at around 7 months old, during most of the year the queen will be "calling" for approximately 1 week in every 2-3 until  she is mated. During calling she may display unsociable behaviour, which is manifest as loud and persistent crying, and frequent rubbing and rolling around on the floor. Such behaviour and her scent will attract pestering tomcats from miles around. This will all be eliminated be neutering. Finally, spaying will remove the risk of uterine infection, and will substantially reduce the future risk of  breast cancer developing.

When should I have my cat neutered?
In most cases, for the reasons stated above, it is desirable to neuter befor puberty. The actual age chosen will depend upon the preference of your veterinary surgeon - many individuals will neuter both male and female cats at around 5-6 months old. Cats can be neutered at any age. It is also possible to neuter when pregnant. Please contact the surgery for further details regarding our neutering policy.

What does the operation involve?
Both male and female cats will have to undergo a general anaesthetic. This will involve a period of starvation (usually overnight) before the operation, however most animals can return home of the day of surgery, providing they have fully recovered from the anaesthetic.

In male cats both of the testes are removed in their entirety through a small incision in the 
scrotum. Stitches are not required in the skin.

In female cats the operation is performed through a relatively small incision made either in the 
flank, or in the midline of the abdomen. Both ovaries are always removed along with the entire or
majority of the uterus. Normally skin stiches will be placed, which will be removed after around
10 days, unless absorbable material has been used.

Things you may notice
1. His/her groin and if an intravenous anaesthetic is used, his forearm has been shaved for the 
    strict surgical hygiene required. The coat should regrow in 4 to 6 weeks.
2. He/she may be drowsy for up to 48 hours.
3. He/she may show no interest in food for 24 hours. 
4. Where sutures are placed some swelling may be noticed for 5 to 6 days.
5. Male cats no skin sutures are necessary and any swelling is unlikely.
6. His/her left ear has been tatooed with a small symbol for permanent evidence that he/she
    has been neutered.

Things you must do
1. Keep him/her warm preferably inside the first night he/she is home.
2. Make an appointment to have sutures removed 10-14 days after surgery. For male cats
    no skin sutures are places therefore no revisit is necessary.
3. Remember to keep your pet's vaccinations up to date. Protection from viruses is needed 
    throughout his/her life even if he/she contacts no other animals.
4. Prevent him licking at the wound to avoid infection.

The savings
The cost is subsidised by the clinic as part of our contribution to animal welfare. The operation
involves:

1. A fully sterilised kit including instruments, drapes, swabs, etc.
2. Pre-anaesthetic examination
3. General anaesthetic and theatre staff monitoring
4. One veterinarian operating and one trained nurse assisting
5. Recovery monitoring and hospitalisation.
6. Phophylactic antibiotic cover and pain control medication.
7. Administrative costs including booking fees, internal records etc.
8. Suture removal