Cat Spay
Spaying or neutering a cat, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure to remove a female cat's ovaries and uterus, preventing her from becoming pregnant.
This procedure is performed under general anesthesia and is a routine operation. Spaying offers numerous health and behavioral benefits for cats and their owners
Cat Spay Questions
1 / What is a spayed cat?
A spayed cat is a female feline that has undergone a veterinary surgical procedure to remove her ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) or just her ovaries (ovariectomy), permanently preventing her from becoming pregnant and eliminating heat cycles.
2 / Can a cat be spayed if she is in heat?
Yes, a cat can be safely spayed while in heat, though it is not ideal. While possible, performing the surgery during the heat cycle involves higher risks due to increased blood flow to the uterus, making the tissues more fragile and the surgery more complex
3 / What is a cat spay?
A cat spay (ovariohysterectomy) is a common, routine surgical procedure performed by veterinarians under general anesthesia to remove a female cat’s ovaries and uterus. It sterilizes the cat to prevent unplanned litters and offers major health benefits, such as eliminating uterine infections (pyometra) and reducing mammary cancer risks.
4 / Can you spay a pregnant cat?
Yes, you can spay a pregnant cat, and it's a common and safe procedure that terminates the pregnancy, preventing future litters and helping control pet overpopulation, though it involves removing developing kittens along with the uterus. We would discuss this procedure in detail with you first.
5 / Can you spay a cat at any age?
Yes, a cat can be spayed at almost any age, including adulthood, although the ideal time is generally around six months old. While vets typically recommend early spaying to prevent, rather than just treat, health issues, mature cats can still safely undergo the procedure.
6 / Can a cat be spayed after giving birth?
Yes, a cat can be spayed after giving birth, and it is highly recommended to prevent immediate, consecutive pregnancies, as nursing cats can become pregnant again almost immediately. While it can be done earlier if necessary, we prefer to wait until the kittens are at least 6 to 8 weeks old.
7 / How long is a cat spay?
Yes, a cat can be spayed after giving birth, and it is highly recommended to prevent immediate, consecutive pregnancies, as nursing cats can become pregnant again almost immediately. While it can be done earlier if necessary, we prefer to wait until the kittens are at least 6 to 8 weeks old.
8/ Will she be in pain after the spay?
She will be asleep during the surgery, and will then go home on 5 days of pain relief. This will make sure she is comfortable.
9/ When can a spayed cat go back outside?
A spayed cat should stay indoors for at least 10 to 14 days after surgery to allow the incision to heal, preventing running, jumping, or licking that can cause infection or open the wound. We will confirm when it's safe to go back outside, usually at a post-op check-up, but it's crucial to restrict activity and monitor the incision site for redness, swelling, or discharge during recovery.
10/ Will she need to wear a cone?
A spayed cat shouldn't lick the wound, as this risks infection and chewing at the stitches. We send our patients home in a pet t-shirt to prevent access to the wound area. However some cats may not like wearing at-shirt, in which case, we can use a cone.
Cat Spaying: A Complete Guide for Owners
Why Spay a Female Cat?
1. Preventing Unwanted Litters
An unspayed female cat can produce up to three litters a year, each with 2–6 kittens.
Cats can become pregnant as early as four months old, and mating can occur even between related cats from the same household. Many kittens end up in rescue centres or as strays, and sadly, not all find homes. Spaying is the most effective way to prevent unplanned pregnancies.
2. Protecting Against Serious Health Risks
Spaying offers powerful long-term health protection:
-
Pyometra prevention – This is a serious, life-threatening uterine infection that can develop rapidly in unspayed females. Treatment often requires emergency surgery. Spaying removes the uterus entirely, eliminating the risk.
-
Reduced mammary cancer risk: if spaying is performed before the first season, the risk of developing mammary (breast) cancer later in life is dramatically reduced. In cats, mammary cancer is often aggressive, so prevention is far better than treatment.
-
Prevention of ovarian and uterine tumours: these become more common in older unspayed cats.
3. Avoiding Seasonal Behaviours
When a female cat is in season, you may notice:
-
Loud calling or yowling, often day and night
-
Restlessness and rolling on the floor
-
Attempts to escape outdoors to find a mate
-
Attracting unneutered male cats from the area
These cycles can repeat every 2–3 weeks during the breeding season (spring to early autumn), unless the cat becomes pregnant. Spaying eliminates these behaviours entirely.
When is the Best Time to Spay a Cat?
We recommend spaying from around five-six months of age. But in certain circumstances, we can spay earlier. Early spaying prevents the first season, offers maximum protection against mammary cancer, and avoids the risk of early pregnancy.
However, adult cats can be safely spayed at any age if they are healthy. If your cat has had kittens, we advise waiting until the kittens are fully weaned before surgery.
What Happens on the Day of Surgery?
1. Admission and Pre-op Examination
You’ll bring your cat in on the morning of surgery, after following our feeding instructions. We’ll give her a thorough health check before anaesthesia.
2. Anaesthetic
A modern general anaesthetic is used, with close monitoring throughout by a veterinary nurse.
3. The Procedure
-
A small incision is made in the abdomen.
-
Both ovaries and the uterus are removed.
-
The incision is closed with dissolvable stitches beneath the skin or with surgical glue.
4. Recovery
-
Your cat will wake up in our warm, quiet recovery area, and will then be moved to our dedicated comfy cat ward.
-
Most cats go home the same day once fully awake and stable.
-
We provide pain relief and detailed aftercare instructions.
Aftercare at Home
-
Keep your cat indoors for 10–14 days to protect the wound.
-
Prevent licking or chewing of the incision with a cone or a comfortable medical pet shirt.
-
Check the surgery site daily for swelling, redness, or discharge.
-
Avoid bathing or grooming near the wound until healing is complete.
-
Bring her for the post-op check(s) so we can monitor recovery.
Most cats are back to their usual selves within 24–48 hours, though activity should still be restricted until the wound has healed.
Possible Risks and Considerations in a Cat Spay
Spaying is a very safe and routine operation, but all surgery carries small risks:
-
Anaesthetic reactions (rare in healthy cats)
-
Minor wound infections or swelling
-
Temporary reduction in appetite or energy for a day or two
We’ll discuss any specific risks for your cat during her pre-op health check.
Common Myths About Spaying
-
“She should have one litter first.”
There’s no medical benefit to this. Spaying before the first season offers the greatest protection against mammary cancer.
-
“She’ll get fat after spaying.”
Cats may need fewer calories after neutering, but with the right diet and play, weight gain can be avoided.
-
“It will change her personality.”
Spaying removes hormonal cycles but won’t take away your cat’s affectionate, playful nature.
In Summary
Spaying is a safe, routine operation that protects your cat’s health, prevents unwanted litters, and stops hormonal behaviours. It’s one of the most important steps you can take for her wellbeing.