Sterilization of the cat: the pros and cons. When is it better to sterilize a cat

In the life of every cat owner, there comes a time when it is necessary to decide the question of the continuation of the kind of pet. It really becomes a problem when the kittens periodically appear on the light, which are more and more difficult to attach. Good and caring hands are not enough for everyone, so most of the kids are doomed to hunger, finding themselves on the street and replenishing the army of homeless animals. Not always enviable and the fate of their mother. Repeated estrus in the absence of mating or the use of hormonal agents may eventually lead to the exhaustion of the nervous system of the cat and to diseases such as ovarian cancer, vulvovaginitis, pyometra, etc.

Therefore, for those owners who really care about the health of their pet, the best way is to sterilize the cat. Pros and cons of this event should be studied in advance to prevent the occurrence of any undesirable complications.

What is sterilization?

This depriving the cat of the ability to reproduce. Most often, a cystic surgery is performed, during which all or part of the internal genitalia is removed. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia for 40-45 minutes. The seam is superimposed either normal or internal. In modern practice, seamless operation is also used when the surgical incision is made not more than 1 cm.

Types of sterilization

There is a medical, radiation and surgical sterilization of a cat. Pros and cons of each of them have their own. But more favorable is the surgical one. With drug sterilization with the use of hormonal drugs there is a big risk of the appearance of tumors, including malignant ones. Many physicians consider the method using radiation to be detrimental to the animal, since at the slightest error in calculating the dosage of radiation it can adversely affect the state of the cells.

From surgical methods of sterilization , ovariohysterectomy is most often practiced - complete removal of the uterus and ovaries. There are other options - tubal occlusion (pulling the fallopian tubes), hysterectomy (removal of only the uterus), ovariectomy (removal of the ovaries only). The latter method is most preferable, but it is applied only to young nulliparous animals. The other two are very unfavorable for the health of cats, so in modern veterinary medicine are almost not used.

Effects of sterilization

This operation, although it belongs to the category of complex, is done in almost any clinic. The animal recovers fairly quickly, after only two weeks there is only a small trace on the place where the seam was. After sterilization, cats become more attached to the house. Psycho-emotional sphere, hunting instincts do not suffer at all. The state of health after the operation is excellent, which allows the cat to live a full life without causing trouble to its owners.

The advantages of sterilization

It is noted that sterilized cats live longer, and a healthier life. They do not seek to find a partner, so they do not run away from home and do not arrange feline "concerts." And if the sexual instinct does not distract them, accordingly, more attention and love goes to the owners. Cats become more calm, preserving both appearance and behavior, in addition, they no longer bring unwanted offspring.

After sterilization, the risk of cancer, polycystosis, pyometra and other diseases, to which almost every nulliparous cat is older than 5 years, is significantly reduced. As a result of improving metabolism, the animal needs less food, which leads to lower food costs.

It is recommended to read about such an operation as sterilization of cats, feedback from owners, they will help to make the final decision. Often people say that they are very happy that they decided to have surgery, because after it the cat does not have exhausting estrus, unnecessary kittens, it is always active, playful, with a brilliant luxurious coat that did not differ earlier.

Disadvantages of sterilization

There are also negative aspects of sterilization. Since the hormonal background after the operation still changes, other changes occur in the body, including negative ones. The change in metabolism requires a completely different diet. After sterilization, energy requirements are significantly reduced, against the background of increased appetite, this can lead to an increase in the weight of the animal. To prevent the risk of obesity, the cat is transferred to a special food.

Of course, this is not a serious obstacle if the scale of the scales is the health of the pet and requires sterilization of the cat. Pros and cons are for any, even the simplest operation.

At what age do you sterilize

In the absence of medical contraindications, it can be carried out regardless of age. The most favorable period for sterilization is when the body is almost completely formed, but puberty has not yet come, that is, until the first heat. In our country, such operations are more often performed at the age of 8-10 months. At this time, animals are much easier to tolerate such procedures, and the recovery process is faster. Minimal and the risk of breast tumors, which with each subsequent estrus increases. There are almost no age restrictions for such an operation as sterilization of cats. When it is better to do it, it is solved as necessary. Even the old animal has no negative consequences if it is completely healthy. In any case, by the time of surgery, appropriate examinations are carried out and analyzes are done to determine the overall health of the pet.

Some veterinarians say that the time of sterilization of a cat does not matter for further development. And the kittens operate even at the age of 2 months. But this opinion is not very much supported by most of their colleagues who believe that surgery at such an early age can lead to violations in the development of internal organs.

Preparing for an operation

In order for a cat to easily transfer anesthesia, it should not be fed before the operation. The last portion of feed is given at least 12 hours. Mandatory anti-block treatment. To the cat could not later damage the seam, its claws must be cut off beforehand with a special claw. Transport the animal, usually in a carry bag, you can use a bag of dense material or a backpack for this purpose. If the distance to the clinic is small, it is better to walk. To avoid stress and panic behavior of a cat, on the road it should be soothed with tender words and strokes. Of course, it is much easier to transfer the operation in native walls, so it is often practiced in recent years to sterilize cats at home.

What to do after sterilizing a cat

The first days after surgery, the cat is in dire need of care. At home, it is necessary to prepare the box in advance by putting a warm litter in it and placing it near the battery or heater. An animal may experience a severe chill during the period when anesthesia will recede. After the sterilization of the cat, the first day almost all the time sleeping, so it is desirable to observe peace and quiet in the house, to monitor the breathing of the animal. The condition of the joints should be checked daily, treating with hydrogen peroxide and zelenok. If their redness appears, the swelling or feeling of the animal will worsen, you should immediately consult a doctor.

As a rule, the cat does not eat after sterilization. On the first day it is given with water or milk from a syringe, and after a day she drinks herself. Appetite appears gradually. After 3-4 days the cat is already beginning to behave more actively, but excessive mobility should be limited for the time being. A week later the seams are removed, and very soon the animal completely recovers.

Possible complications

If the operation is performed in the clinic by an experienced professional, then any inflammatory processes are practically excluded. If the animal undergoes sterilization at an age or has a chronic heart disease, then a cardiologist is examined beforehand.

Some animals have a sharp reaction to anesthesia, which can not be predicted in advance. More often it occurs in animals suffering from allergies. Therefore, in such an operation, as sterilization of cats, for such patients individual selection of drugs is carried out.

Obesity after surgery

There is an opinion that after sterilization the cat will start to gain weight. This is not entirely true. The operation itself can not cause obesity, it appears due to a slowing of metabolism and changes in the hormonal background, as a result of which the cat becomes calmer and needs less food. Therefore, if you change the diet, reducing the amount of feed by 15-20%, and playing more with the python, providing regular physical activity, the problem of overweight is unlikely to arise.

All this will take some time, so you need to consider your abilities, responsibly approaching such a question as sterilization of a cat. Pros and cons of this procedure should be taken into account to every owner of the animal before going to the vet clinic. After all, obesity is also a kind of disease, in spite of the fact that the kind of well-fed cats is very touching. When there is no excess weight, the animal retains the hunting instincts and the former level of activity.

Nutrition of a sterilized cat

Diet is prepared immediately after surgery. It can consist of ready feeds of industrial production or domestic natural food. Mixing these two types of food is undesirable.

When feeding a cat natural food, preference is given to low-fat meat, by-products, milk porridge. Recommended sour-milk products (cottage cheese, yogurt). You can not feed the sterilized cat with fish, since it contains a lot of magnesium, the excess of which leads to the formation of salt stones.

Manufacturers of industrial feeds offer a variety of special products for sterilized cats. Of all the variety it is better to choose a premium food or super premium class. They are made from selected products, competently balanced, safe and widely recommended by specialists after such an operation as sterilization of cats. Reviews of the feed of this class are mostly positive.

The combination of a balanced diet and control over the health of his fluffy pet guarantee him a long and happy life.

Now you know everything about such an operation as sterilization of cats: when it is better to do, how it is performed and what its results are. So the choice is yours now.