Spaying and neutering your cat is very important in controlling the kitten and cat population as Nova Scotia already has a high number of homeless and feral cats. Choosing to spay or neuter your cat will not only eliminate the chance of unwanted litters, but it also prevents reproductive cancers and marking behaviours.
What is spaying?
Feline spay or Ovariohysterectomy is the surgical removal a female cat’s ovaries and uterus. It is generally performed at 6 months of age, but can done earlier or later in life. Your cat should have no food after midnight the day before surgery, but water is fine. Please drop off in the morning between 7:30am- 8:30am (this time is flexible) and pick up between 6-8pm the same day. Your pet will go home with pain control medication and discharge instructions which the staff will review at the time of pick up.
Download discharge instructions here
See Surgery and Pre-Anesthetic Blood Testing for more information
What are the benefits of spaying your cat?
- The reduction of hormone related behavior problems such as roaming, marking territory, feline behaviour changes and aggression whilst in heat.
- The prevention of unwanted litters and risks associated with pregnancy such as Caesarian Sections
- The prevention of uterine, ovarian, and mammary gland (breast) cancers
- The prevention of pyometra, a life threatening infection in the uterus
- The prevention of annoying heat cycles
What is neutering?
Feline neuter or Orchidectomy, is the surgical removal of a male cat’s testicles. It is generally performed at 6 months of age, but can done later in life. A neuter is a day surgery. Please drop him off in the morning between 730am-830am (this time is flexible) and pick up is between 6pm-8pm the same day. Your pet will go home with pain medication and discharge instructions, which the staff will review at the time of pick up. (Click on discharge instructions)
Download discharge instructions here
See Surgery and Pre-Anesthetic Blood Testing for more information
What are the benefits of neutering your cat?
- Aids in the prevention of unwanted litters
- The prevention or reduction of testosterone mediated behavioural problems, such as inter cat aggression and fighting, marking territory, and roaming.
- The reduction of odour in cat urine.
What is the procedure to spay/neuter a cat?
Spay: An incision is made on the abdomen; the uterus and ovaries are removed.
Neuter: A small incision is made on each testicle, and they are removed one at a time.
When should I neuter/spay my cat?
We recommend spaying or neutering your cat at 6 months old.