click to enlargeOvariohysterectomy is the medical term for spaying or neutering female cats. The procedure consists of surgical removal of the ovaries and uterus. If the ovaries are not removed during the surgery, the bothersome heat periods still occur even though pregnancy is impossible. Surgery is usually performed no earlier than 4 months of age.

What Are the Advantages?

• There will be no more heat periods.
• There will be no unwanted kittens.
• The uterine infections common to older cats rarely occur.
• There is less chance of mammary gland cancer.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will it make my cat fat and lazy? No. Obesity is due to excessive calorie intake. Weight can be controlled with proper feeding and exercise.
2. Will it change her disposition, personality or intelligence? No. Cats personalities do not fully develop until about 1 year of age. If there is a personality change after spaying at an early age, it would have occurred without surgery.
3. Shouldn't my cat have a litter first? No. There is no advantage in allowing your cat to have a litter of kittens.

Important Considerations After Surgery

• Do not feed your cat for 12 hours before and after admittance for surgery.
• Restrict your cat's activity for 10 days after surgery.
• Your cat may need to be evaluated for suture removal in 10 days if the surgeon does not use buried sutures.

Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:

• Your cat removes a suture or otherwise irritates the incision.
• Your cat refuses to eat or is depressed after the first day home.
• There is a change in your cats health.