At Battersea Square Vets, we’ll always talk through the timing and options that best suit your pet, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Our goal is to keep your pet healthy and make the experience as calm and stress-free as possible.
For Dogs
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Females (spay) – We use keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery for our dog spays, because it's safer, less painful, and has a faster and much more comfortable recovery. Spaying prevents unwanted pregnancies and reduces the risk of pyometra (a serious uterine infection) and certain cancers. We’ll discuss the best time based on your dog’s breed, age, and season history.
Please note: we've heard some clinics refer to their procedures as "keyhole" meaning that they use small incisions, however the surgeons hands still go into the abdomen, so this isn't actually a keyhole procedure.
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Males (castration) – Helps prevent roaming, unwanted mating, and certain prostate or testicular diseases. Behavioural benefits vary, so we’ll give honest advice about whether it’s the right choice for your individual dog. We also offer chemical castration via an implant, and we can give you a cost estimate for this.
For Cats
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Females (spay) – Prevents unwanted kittens and helps protect against uterine infection and mammary tumours. It also stops the calling behaviour that often starts around six months of age.
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Males (castration) – Reduces spraying, roaming, and fighting. Neutered males are less likely to catch infectious diseases such as FIV.
We use modern anaesthetics and pain relief, and neutering is a day procedure. Our team will give you clear aftercare advice and check your pet’s recovery closely.
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time to neuter, we’re happy to talk through the options and help you decide what’s best for your pet.
Cat castration and neutering
We carry out cat castration at our independent veterinary clinic in Battersea (SW11), caring for cats from Battersea, Nine Elms, Clapham and the surrounding areas.
How long does cat castration take?
Cat castration is a quick procedure. Firstly, your cat will have the anaesthetic, and then the surgery itself usually takes around 10-15 minutes, and most cats are with us for a few hours overall so we can carry out checks before and after the procedure, and make sure that they are recovering smoothly.
Just like if you had a general anaesthetic, you would expect to stay in hospital for a few hours afterwards to recover.
Is cat castration a day procedure?
Yes. Cat castration is normally a same-day procedure. Your cat comes in during the morning and can usually go home later the same day once they are fully awake and comfortable.
When can my cat go home after castration?
Most cats are ready to go home a few hours after the procedure. We only discharge cats once they are bright, alert, and comfortable, and we’ll talk you through home care before you leave.
Remember as a client of Battersea Square Vets, you also have access to our free 27/7 video vet (there is no additional charge to speak to a vet), and we have a home visit out of hours vet service available should you need it.
How long does recovery take after cat castration?
Recovery is usually straightforward. Most cats are back to normal within a few days, although we recommend keeping them indoors for a short period while the surgical site heals.
At what age can cats be castrated?
Male cats can usually be castrated from around four to five months of age. We’re always happy to advise on the right timing for your individual cat.
