Cat Spaying: What Every Cat Owner Should Know

Battersea Square Vets
Aug 12
2 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Spaying: also known as neutering, or called an ovariohysterectomy; is the surgical removal of a female cat’s ovaries and uterus. It’s a routine procedure with long-term health, behaviour, and welfare benefits for your cat.

Why Spay a Female Cat?

1. Preventing Unwanted Litters

A single unspayed female can produce up to three litters a year, each with 2–6 kittens. Many of these kittens may end up in rescue centres or living as strays. Spaying is the most reliable way to prevent unplanned pregnancies.

2. Reducing the Risk of Serious Illness

Spaying can:

Prevent uterine infections (pyometra), which can be life-threatening
Greatly reduce the risk of mammary (breast) cancer, especially if done before the first season
Eliminate the risk of ovarian and uterine cancers

3. Avoiding Seasonal Behaviours

Female cats in season often:

Call loudly (yowl) for several days at a time
Attract tomcats from the neighbourhood
Attempt to escape to find a mate

These behaviours can be stressful for both you and your cat, and will recur every few weeks during the breeding season unless she becomes pregnant.

When Should Cats Be Spayed?

We recommend spaying from around four months of age. Spaying before the first season offers the greatest health benefits and ensures your cat cannot become pregnant.

Adult cats can be spayed at any age, provided they are healthy enough for anaesthesia. If your cat has already had kittens, we advise waiting until the kittens are weaned before spaying.

Common Myths About Spaying

“She should have one litter first.”
There’s no health benefit to this, in fact, early spaying before the first season offers the most protection against mammary cancer.

“It will make her fat.”
Weight gain is more about diet and activity than spaying itself. We can help adjust feeding after surgery.

“It will change her personality.”
Your cat’s affectionate nature won’t change, she’ll simply be free from hormonal cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is recovery?

Most cats are back to their normal selves within 24–48 hours, but the wound needs 10–14 days to heal fully.

Can I spay my cat while she’s in season?

Yes, but it’s best to avoid this if possible as there may be a slightly higher surgical risk due to increased blood supply to the uterus (womb).

Will she still attract male cats after spaying?

Once hormones settle (usually within a week or two), she will no longer be in season and tomcats should lose interest.

In Summary

Spaying is a simple, safe operation with lifelong benefits for your cat’s health, behaviour, and wellbeing. It also plays an important role in controlling the cat population.