Cat Spaying and Neutering

Kitten

Safe, Responsible Care for a Healthier Cat

Spaying and neutering are routine surgical procedures that play an important role in your cat’s long term health, behavior, and quality of life. In addition to preventing unwanted litters and overpopulation, these procedures offer well documented medical and behavioral benefits for cats.

At Deer Park Veterinary Hospital, we provide safe, evidence based spay and neuter services and take time to answer your questions so you can make informed decisions about your cat’s care.

What Is the Difference Between Spaying and Neutering?

Spaying and neutering are terms used to describe sterilization procedures in cats:

  • Spaying refers to the surgical removal of the ovaries, and sometimes the uterus, in female cats.

  • Neutering refers to the surgical removal of the testicles in male cats.

Both procedures prevent reproduction and reduce hormone driven behaviors that can negatively impact a cat’s health and lifestyle.

Why Is Spaying or Neutering Important for Cats?

Spaying or neutering is a key part of responsible pet ownership. These procedures help reduce the number of homeless cats while also providing significant health and behavioral benefits.

Spaying or neutering your cat can:

  • Prevent unwanted pregnancy or fathering of kittens

  • Reduce the risk of reproductive related cancers

  • Prevent serious uterine infections in female cats

  • Decrease roaming, fighting, and injury risk in male cats

  • Reduce urine spraying and marking behaviors

  • Promote a calmer, more predictable temperament

Cats that are spayed or neutered often live longer, healthier lives than intact cats.

What Is the Best Age to Spay or Neuter a Cat?

Most veterinarians recommend spaying or neutering cats around five to six months of age. At this stage, cats typically tolerate anesthesia well, and the procedure can be performed before females experience their first heat cycle or males develop strong hormone driven behaviors.

Spaying a female cat before her first heat significantly reduces the risk of mammary cancer later in life. Your veterinarian will help determine the ideal timing based on your cat’s health, age, and lifestyle.

Medical Benefits of Spaying and Neutering

Beyond population control, spaying and neutering provide important medical advantages.

Benefits include:

  • Reduced risk of mammary, ovarian, uterine, and testicular cancers

  • Elimination of life threatening uterine infections

  • Lower risk of injuries from roaming and fighting

  • Reduced exposure to contagious diseases spread through mating and fighting

These benefits support both immediate well being and long term health.

How Does Spaying or Neutering Affect Behavior?

Hormones play a significant role in many feline behaviors. Removing the source of these hormones often leads to positive behavioral changes.

Common behavior improvements include:

  • Less urine spraying and marking in male cats

  • Reduced aggression and fighting

  • Decreased desire to roam or escape outdoors

  • Fewer vocalizations associated with heat cycles in female cats

While personality remains the same, many cats become calmer and easier to manage after surgery.

What to Expect Before Spay or Neuter Surgery

Before surgery, your cat will receive a physical examination to ensure they are healthy enough for anesthesia. Pre surgical lab work may be recommended, especially for older kittens or cats.

Typically, cats should not eat or drink after late evening the night before surgery. Your veterinary team will provide specific instructions to help keep your cat safe and comfortable.

Post Surgery Care and Recovery

Spay and neuter procedures are usually performed on an outpatient basis, meaning your cat can go home the same day.

After surgery:

  • Keep your cat indoors and restrict activity

  • Provide a quiet, comfortable recovery space

  • Monitor the incision daily for redness, swelling, or discharge

  • Prevent licking or chewing at the incision

Most cats recover quickly and return to normal activity within a few days, though full healing may take up to two weeks.

Schedule Your Cat’s Spay or Neuter Appointment

Spaying or neutering is one of the most important steps you can take to support your cat’s health and well being. Our veterinary team is here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

Contact us today at (513) 791-8550 or [email protected] to schedule your cat’s spay or neuter procedure and provide them with a healthier future.