Guidelines for sterilizing kittens

What is sterilization?

Sterilization refers to the complete removal of an animal's reproductive organs through surgery. In the procedure, a veterinarian will remove the uterus and ovaries of female animals, while male animals undergo testicle removal. Sterilization surgery is a routine procedure that is performed under general anesthesia, and animals typically recover quickly after the surgery.

Why should kittens be sterilized?

Unsterilized kittens are prone to various hormone-related illnesses as they age, some of which can be quite serious. Unsterilized male cats are prone to testicular cancer and prostate-related diseases, while unsterilized female cats are prone to breast-related diseases such as mammary tumors, uterine diseases, and ovarian diseases, with uterine infections (pyometra) being the most common and severe.

Sterilization also helps reduce behavioral problems. Spayed female cats no longer experience heat cycles, which reduces stress and aggression, while males are less likely to roam and exhibit aggressive behavior. Therefore, sterilization has positive effects on cats.

From the owner's perspective:

1. Reducing vocalization during heat cycles: Both male and female cats can produce loud and annoying vocalizations during heat cycles. Female cats, in particular, may cry loudly day and night, similar to a baby's crying. Even if you can tolerate it, it's difficult to avoid complaints from neighbors.
2. Stabilizing the behavior of male cats: Many male cats engage in urine marking during heat cycles to mark their territory and increase their chances of mating with females. If male cats are not sterilized in a timely manner, they may develop a habit of inappropriate urination that is difficult to correct.
3. Reducing the risk of wandering: Both male and female cats may leave home in search of mates during heat cycles. Therefore, sterilization can reduce the chances of cats going outside and minimize the risks of them getting lost or encountering dangers.

Sterilization has many benefits, but are there risks?

Some pet owners are reluctant to have their pets undergo sterilization surgery due to concerns about potential risks to their pets' lives. However, the primary risks associated with sterilization surgery come from anesthesia, and other risks include bleeding, wound infection, and inflammation.

Indeed, there have been medical accidents related to pet sterilization surgeries. Therefore, before undergoing the surgery, owners should ensure that their pets are in good physical condition. Regardless of the age of the pet, a physical examination and blood tests should be conducted before the surgery to ensure that major organs are functioning normally and that there are no underlying issues such as heart disease.

The optimal timing for sterilizing kittens:

Female cats:

Best age for sterilization: 7 months

• Completion of vaccination
• Absence of signs of heat cycles (sterilization during heat cycles may increase the surgical risks)

Male cats:

Best age for sterilization: 7 months

• Completion of vaccination
• Full development of reproductive organs

How to reduce sterilization risks?

Blood tests are a crucial step before a cat undergoes sterilization surgery as they can ensure that the cat is suitable for the procedure and help reduce surgical risks.

Sterilization surgery requires general anesthesia, so it is essential to confirm that the cat is in good health and able to tolerate the risks associated with general anesthesia. Blood tests can assess the cat's overall health and identify any potential underlying health issues, such as liver or kidney function problems, heart disease, and more.

Additionally, blood tests can evaluate the cat's clotting function to reduce the risk of bleeding. If a cat experiences bleeding during surgery due to abnormal clotting, additional treatment measures may be required, increasing the risks and burden on the cat. Therefore, blood tests can ensure the cat's overall health and minimize surgical risks. When consulting with a veterinarian, it is advisable to inquire about the specific tests and associated costs.

Owner's considerations:

• Sterilization surgeries are typically performed at veterinary clinics, where there may be contact with other animals. If a cat has not been vaccinated, the risk of infection increases. Therefore, it is generally recommended to complete basic vaccinations before proceeding with sterilization.
• After confirming the sterilization surgery date with the clinic, it is important to ensure that the cat fasts for 12 hours before the surgery, avoiding food and water. This fasting is necessary to prevent food or water from flowing back into the trachea during anesthesia-induced vomiting, which can lead to aspiration pneumonia or respiratory suppression.

Conclusion

Although cat sterilization surgery is relatively common, there are still certain risks involved. Therefore, choosing a comprehensive pre-surgical examination at a reputable clinic is crucial. When selecting a clinic for cat sterilization, it is important to understand whether the veterinarian conducts a thorough assessment of the cat's physical condition. In cases where a cat has issues with heart function, liver or kidney function, or allergies to anesthesia, for example, the surgical risks will increase, and sterilization may not be suitable for the cat.

‍