Prepare to dive into the world of responsible pet parenting, where love meets logic. For desexed cats, meaning neutered for males and females and specifically castrated for males and spayed for females, forever friendships can bloom without the risk of unplanned litter and disease transmission. In this guide, we're unraveling the essential yet often misunderstood topic of desexing. So, if you're the proud parent of a frisky feline, fasten your seatbelts because we're about to unleash some valuable insights.

The Why: A Long and Healthy Life Awaits

First things first, why should you consider desexing your beloved feline friend? The statistics speak for themselves: spayed female cats live an astounding 39% longer than their intact counterparts, while neutered male cats enjoy a 62% longer lifespan. It's a cat-friendly magic wand for a longer, healthier life.

The When: Timing Is Everything

Now, let's talk about timing. The traditional age for desexing in cats hovers around 4-6 months. This age sweet spot coincides with their early development stages, ensuring a smoother transition into adulthood. But there's a twist – kittens are often scheduled for vaccinations at 26 weeks. So, when should you book that desexing appointment? The answer is simple: before or 1-2 weeks after that vaccination.

The Benefits of Early Desexing

Early desexing helps control the pet population as well as your kitty's health and happiness. Here's the scoop: Having your cat spayed before her first heat cycle, which can kick in as early as 4 months of age, has some distinct benefits. It significantly reduces the risk of mammary carcinoma, eliminates the chance of reproductive emergencies like pyometra and dystocia, and prevents those unexpected feline pregnancies that could happen at just 4 months old. Plus, it might even put a lid on some pesky behavioural problems that can lead to cat relinquishment.

Safety First

Now, if your cat enjoys the great outdoors, there are more reasons to consider desexing. Outdoor kitties face a higher risk of infectious diseases, fight-related injuries, and traffic accidents. Neutered cats, without the 'interest' in seeking companionship, are less likely to draw trouble their way. While there might be some justification for delaying desexing in large breed cats like Maine Coons to allow for skeletal maturity, it's essential to weigh the pros and cons and consider individual needs and circumstances to prevent roaming and inter-cat interactions.

The Desexing Surgery

Now that we've covered the 'whys' and 'whens' of cat desexing, let's dive into the 'hows' and 'whats' of the actual procedure. And don’t worry; the surgical procedure is designed with your kitty's well-being in mind.

Male Cat Desexing

For our male feline friends, the desexing procedure is typically straightforward. It's performed under anesthesia, ensuring your kitty feels no discomfort. During the surgery, one or two small incisions are made in the scrotum, allowing the testicles to be removed. To prevent any bleeding, the blood vessels are carefully ligated. Post-surgery, your cat receives pain relief and local anesthesia, providing maximum comfort. Recovery is surprisingly swift, and your furry buddy may bounce back to his usual self as soon as the next day.

Female Cat Desexing

Female cat desexing is equally manageable, especially in young cats that aren't in heat or pregnant. Just like their male counterparts, female kitties undergo the procedure under anesthesia. Two common incisions are made – a midline incision or a flank incision. Through these openings, the ovaries and uterus are gently removed. Just like before, blood vessels are carefully ligated to prevent any bleeding. Post-surgery, your cat will receive pain relief and local anesthesia to keep her comfortable. Recovery for female cats is usually a tad longer, with a return to normal activities expected in a few days. However, keeping your kitten confined for around a week is crucial to healing the internal stitches. The veterinarian might use internal sutures that dissolve over time or external sutures, which will require removal about 10 days later.

This surgical procedure, along with proper care and a touch of extra TLC, guarantees your beloved kitty a lengthy, joyous, and healthy life. So, relax, knowing you've taken a significant stride in securing your feline friend's future.

Remember, desexing your cat isn't just about controlling the pet population; it's a commitment to their well-being. Responsible owners help their pets to live longer, healthier, happier lives. Of course, the decision to desex your cat should be made with love and consideration. Consult your vet first, and together, let's ensure our four-legged companions enjoy the best life has to offer – a life full of love, health, and endless purrs.

Neutering your cat | International Cat Care (icatcare.org)