Cat desexing is a form of surgical sterilisation. It is a common procedure that can only be performed by a skilled, licensed veterinarian. Our cat vets are experienced in cat desexing, performing hundreds of surgeries every year. Cats are placed under general anaesthetic. Male cat desexing operations taking only a few minutes, and female cat desexing a little longer. Actual surgery and recovery times depend on the health, age and heat cycle of your cat. Desexing is a safe surgery with a number of advantages for your pet’s health and wellbeing and the general cat population.
Female cat desexing, commonly known as spaying, is technically called ovariohysterectomy. It eliminates the chances of female cats developing certain health issues and unwanted pregnancies.
Male cat desexing is also known as castration or neutering. Its technical term is orchiectomy, literally meaning testicle removal. It can reduce the chances of male cats becoming aggressive or territorial as they age.
Australian cats kill over 1 million native bird species every day. Desexing your cat can help reduce this statistic. Desexed cats, particularly male cats, present with fewer hunting or aggressive behaviours, keeping native animal species out of their claws. Controlling the domestic cat population also helps reduce the number of stray cats hunting native birds for survival.
Unplanned and unwanted kittens often end up as strays, fending for themselves. Too many unwanted kittens arrive at pounds and shelters every year and have to be put down. This could be avoided if more pet owners desexed their cats.
Desexing male cats completely removes the chance of testicular cancer. Female cat desexing is the best preventative measure against ovarian and uterine cancer and ovarian cysts. On a group level, desexing cats removes hereditary conditions from the gene pool, creating a healthier cat population over all. Instances of FIV (Cat Aids) are also lessened: desexed cats are less likely to fight, and so are less likely to spread FIV through bites.
Cat desexing curbs behavioural issues such as aggression, roaming, hunting, fighting and inappropriate urination (marking territory). Non-desexed males are more likely to mark territory and fight other cats. Desexing helps protect your cat from presenting aggressive behaviour that could get them seriously hurt.
By law, all pet cats must be registered with the local councils. Councils charge additional fees for non-desexed cats.
We prefer to perform kitten desexing operations when the pet is around six months old when they are little bit bigger. This makes the surgery easier and also they tend to recover quicker simply because they are more mature.
Kitten desexing costs depend on the patient’s sex, weight and medical history. There may be additional charges for pre-anaesthetic blood tests and IV fluids. For more information on cat desexing costs, for any other queries about cat desexing, or to book in the operation, contact Karingal Veterinary Hospital today.