Cat spaying
Removal of the ovaries and uterus in a female cat under general anaesthesia. It ends heat cycles and prevents pyometra and unwanted litters. A day-case procedure with written aftercare instructions at discharge.
What it involves
Spaying a female cat is the removal of the ovaries, usually together with the uterus, through a small incision in the midline of the abdomen or in the flank. After the procedure the cat has no heats and cannot become pregnant.
Female cats are ready to breed very early and come into heat many times in a season — loud, troublesome and exhausting for the animal. Spaying removes this problem, and at the same time protects against pyometra and ovarian cysts and reduces the risk of mammary tumours, which in cats are mostly malignant.
We carry out the procedure under inhalation anaesthesia with monitoring of vital signs and warming of the patient — because of their small body mass cats lose heat quickly, so temperature control is a priority for them.
When it is used
Elective procedure in healthy female cats from 6 months of age, ideally before the first heat. There is no need to wait for a cat to “have one litter” — it is a myth with no medical justification.
In adult female cats we perform spaying at any age, including free-roaming and rescued cats. Spaying during a heat is possible, although it involves slightly more bleeding; we discuss this individually.
Indications: symptoms that should prompt a visit
- The cat meows loudly, rolls about, raises her hindquarters and demands to go out every few weeks.
- The cat goes outdoors, or there is an unneutered male cat at home.
- The owner does not plan a litter and wants to avoid an unwanted pregnancy.
- Ultrasound has shown ovarian cysts or changes in the uterus.
- The cat has recurrent signs of heat despite having been spayed elsewhere (suspected remaining ovarian tissue).
- An adopted adult cat with an unknown history.
Conditions for which we use it in particular
Diagnostics beforehand
Every female cat, regardless of age, has a clinical examination (listening to the heart, assessment of the mucous membranes, temperature, abdominal examination) and an on-site blood test before the procedure, in line with standard STD-01.
If there is a heart murmur we refer for echocardiography before anaesthesia — in cats cardiomyopathy can be clinically silent. We perform an abdominal ultrasound when we suspect pregnancy, pyometra or cysts.
How it proceeds
The cat arrives fasted, in a carrier. After the examination and consent we give premedication with a painkiller and induce inhalation anaesthesia with intubation. We monitor heart rate, saturation, capnography and temperature; the cat is warmed with a warm-air blower.
The procedure takes roughly 20–40 minutes. The wound is small and is closed with intradermal or skin sutures. Recovery takes place in a heated hospital kennel under observation.
The cat goes home the same day, once she is fully alert and walking steadily.
Aftercare
For 7–10 days the cat should wear a body suit or collar and stay indoors, with no going outside and no jumping onto high furniture. Give painkillers as instructed, usually for 3–5 days.
Wound check after 2 days, removal of sutures (if any) after 10 days. Call if the wound opens or discharges, the cat does not eat for more than a day, vomits or is lethargic.
Frequently asked questions
Does a female cat need to have a heat or a litter first?
No. Spaying before the first heat is safe and gives the best protection against mammary tumours.
Can a female cat be spayed during a heat?
Yes, although the tissues are then more richly supplied with blood. If possible, we prefer to wait 1–2 weeks after the heat has ended.
Will the cat behave differently?
The behaviours linked to heat will disappear. The cat's character does not change; many cats become calmer simply because they no longer go through the hormonal cycle.
When can the cat go outside?
Once the wound has healed, that is about 10–14 days after the procedure.
We manage every case individually. The scope, indications and course described above are indicative; we agree the exact diagnostic and treatment plan during the consultation. This content is for information only and does not replace a veterinary consultation.
Questions about female cat spaying?
Call us or book a consultation. We will set out the diagnostic and treatment plan in writing, before you decide.