If you have a young male cat or kitten, you should be making plans to have that cat neutered. Most vets perform neutering procedures. Having your male cat neutered will help keep them from straying and running off. It will also prevent them from impregnating any female cats which, in turn, will help keep the cat population under control. It is clear that in most cases, having your male cat neutered is the best thing for them and for the overall cat population. But you may still have a few of the following questions before your cat is neutered.
How is the procedure performed?
The standard neutering procedure is quite simple when compared to other surgeries. The vet will make a small incision in the scrotum. Through that incision, they'll remove the cat's testicle. They'll then use a few sutures to close the incision. Then, the vet will do the same thing on the other side of the scrotum, removing the other testicle.
Will your cat be put to sleep for the procedure?
Yes, cats are put under anesthesia for neutering. They will be asleep during the procedure and won't feel anything while it is being performed. Your cat will slowly wake up after the surgery is over. It may, however, take them half a day or more to get over the lingering grogginess from the anesthesia. For this reason, most vets will want to keep the cat under observation in their office for a few hours after neutering, before sending them home.
How do you care for your cat after neutering?
After your cat is neutered, you'll want to keep them isolated in a room where they don't have to climb stairs or jump on anything. Keep their food and water nearby. Put their litter in a shallow pan so they can use it without jumping.
Your vet will likely give you pain relievers to administer to your cat every few hours post-surgery. Give these pain relievers on schedule. Also keep an eye on your cat's incisions. Usually, they will heal up just fine within a couple of weeks. But if they begin to look red or inflamed, they could be infected, in which case you should contact your vet.
Hopefully having these questions answered will help you feel more comfortable taking your cat to the vet to be neutered. Don't hesitate to ask your vet for more detailed aftercare instructions, if needed.
For more information on animal health services, contact a professional near you.
