Spaying a Cat: All The FAQs Covered

If you’re a cat parent, chances are you’ve heard about the importance of getting your girl cat fixed. But what does spaying really involve? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about spaying a cat, including what emergency measures you can take while you’re waiting on your appointment.

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What does spaying a cat do?

Spaying, also known as an ovariohysterectomy, is a surgical procedure where a female cat’s ovaries and uterus are removed. This prevents your cat from going into heat and makes it so that she’ll never have an unwanted pregnancy.

Do spayed cats go into heat?

Nope, spayed cats don’t go into heat. The heat cycle is triggered by hormones produced by the ovaries, and since these are removed during spaying, your cat will no longer exhibit heat-related behaviors like yowling the house down, pacing around all day, or even trying to escape outdoors.

Read more: Cat In Heat? Here’s What You Need To Know

Benefits of spaying a cat

Spaying offers several important benefits, including:

• Preventing unwanted litters
  A single unspayed female cat can give birth to dozens of kittens over her lifetime. Which, down the line, means overpopulated animal shelters and higher rates of abandonment. Depending on the shelter, some of these kittens might be held for a specific waiting period (usually a few weeks) before they’re put down.
• Reducing health risks
  Spaying eliminates your cat’s risk of uterine infections and greatly reduces the chances of breast cancer. With their reproductive organs removed, they’re less at risk for harmful conditions like pyometra and even some mammary tumors.
• Improving behavior
  Spayed cats are less likely to exhibit heat-related behaviors, such as loud yowling, peeing all over your house, or attempting to escape. Meaning, since they won’t go into heat anymore, a calmer, yowl-free home for you and your cat.

When should I get my cat spayed?

Cats of any age can be spayed safely at the vet. But the ideal time to spay a cat is before her first heat cycle – typically around 5-6 months of age. Spaying at this stage maximizes health benefits, like reducing the risk of mammary cancer and eliminating the chances of unwanted pregnancies.

Adult cats can also be spayed safely. If your cat is older or has already had a litter, your vet can help determine the best timing for the procedure based on her health and circumstances.

I want my cat to have kittens at least once – why spay so early?

We completely understand why you might feel this way – we really do! The idea of experiencing your cat giving birth and raising kittens can seem like a dream come true. But at the same time, the headache you avoid by spaying your cat early is worth it down the line. (No matter how much you want to be a cat grandparent.)

Spaying your cat early is the most responsible decision for her health and for the welfare of other cats in your community. It prevents unwanted litters, reducing the risk of adding to the overpopulation of cats that often struggle to find homes. It’s no secret that animal shelters and rescues are overcrowded, under-resourced, and don’t often find forever homes for their newer joiners. Meaning, the new kittens might find themselves homeless and abandoned instead. (If not euthanized.)

If you’re set on letting your cat have kittens at least once, it’s essential you have a solid plan in place for their care. This includes ensuring they all have loving foster homes, proper veterinary care, and that you’re prepared for the responsibilities of raising a litter. Keep in mind that kittens also require spaying and neutering to prevent future overpopulation.

(All of which, down the line, is likely to cost you WAY more money than just spaying your cat as soon as possible.)

How much does it cost to spay a cat?

The cost of spaying varies depending on your location, your cat’s age and health, and the specific clinic you choose. Here are some rough estimates:

• United States
  $30 to $500 (low-cost clinics tend to be at the lower end of the range).¹
• United Kingdom
  £50 to £100²
• Australia
  AUD 144 to AUD 329³
• New Zealand
  NZD 120 to NZD 400⁴ (some organizations offer this procedure free of charge)
• Ireland €50 to €150⁵

Be sure to check with local shelters and charities for any discounts or subsidized programs.

Where can I get my cat spayed?

• United States
  Most veterinary clinics, animal shelters, and low-cost spay/neuter programs offer this service. Organizations like the ASPCA and Humane Society can help you find affordable options. The USDA website can help you locate a low-cost clinic for a more affordable procedure.
• United Kingdom
  Spaying is widely available at veterinary practices, and charities like Cats Protection and the RSPCA often provide assistance for cat parents with limited budgets.
• Australia
  Veterinary clinics and organizations like the RSPCA and Animal Welfare League offer spaying services. The National Desexing Network offers low-cost spaying and neutering options.
• New Zealand
  Vets and groups like the SPCA provide affordable spay/neuter programs – some entirely for free.
• Ireland
  Contact your local vet or organizations like the ISPCA for guidance and affordable options. The Cats and Dogs Protection Association (CDPA) offers low-cost spaying and neutering procedures.

What to expect at your cat’s spaying procedure

Spaying is a routine surgery, but knowing what to expect can help you and your cat feel more prepared:

Before the surgery

• Fasting
  Avoid feeding your cat food and treats usually from midnight to right before the surgery. Water is fine for your cat to drink. This helps reduce any discomfort or nausea your cat might feel during the surgery.
• Keep your cat indoors before the surgery
  This both helps prevent them from eating something from outdoors or risk running into a male cat.
• Pre-surgery checkup
  Your vet will perform a physical exam to ensure your cat is healthy enough for surgery. They might also perform a blood test to check how your cat would respond to being put under anesthesia.

During the surgery

• Anesthesia
  Your cat will be under general anesthesia, ensuring she remains unconscious and pain-free throughout the procedure.
• Procedure time
  The surgery itself typically takes 20-40 minutes, depending on your cat’s age and health.
• Monitoring
  The veterinary team will monitor your cat’s vital signs to ensure her safety during the procedure.

After the surgery

• Recovery area
  Your cat will be placed in a quiet area to wake up from anesthesia under the supervision of the vet staff.
• Discharge instructions
  You’ll receive detailed instructions on how to care for your cat at home, including medication and activity restrictions.
• Follow-up appointments
  Your vet may schedule a checkup to ensure your cat’s incision is healing properly.

Are there any risks or side effects to spaying a cat?

While spaying is a routine and generally safe procedure, there are some risks and potential side effects to consider:

Common side effects

• Mild grogginess
  Your cat may be sleepy or disoriented for a few hours after the surgery due to the anesthesia.
• Reduced appetite
  It’s normal for some cats to eat less during the first day of recovery.

Potential risks

• Surgical complications
  In (very) rare cases, there may be complications such as excessive bleeding or adverse reactions to anesthesia.
• Infection
  If the incision site is not kept clean, it could become infected.
• Bladder and urinary problems
  Though these also tend to be uncommon.

How to minimize risks

• Choose a reputable vet
  Ensure the procedure is performed by an experienced veterinary professional.
• Follow your vet’s post-op instructions
  Including activity restrictions and medication schedules.
• Monitor your cat closely
  Watch for any unusual behavior or symptoms, such as excessive lethargy, swelling, or discharge at the incision site.

Does spaying a cat cause them to gain weight?

Nope. Spaying itself does not directly cause weight gain. However, the hormonal changes your cat experiences after the procedure can lead to a slightly slower metabolism. Combined with reduced roaming and activity levels, this can make cats more prone to gaining weight if you don’t adjust their diet to their new level of activity.

To help your cat maintain a healthy weight:

• Feed her a balanced, portion-controlled diet tailored to her age and activity level. Your vet can advise you what cat food brands can be most helpful.
• Encourage playtime with interactive toys and activities to keep her active.
• Monitor your cat’s weight regularly and consult your vet if you notice significant changes.

Check Your Cat’s BMI

How to help your cat recover after spaying

Post-surgery, your cat may feel groggy or disoriented from the anesthesia. It’s common for her appetite to return within 24 hours, but follow your vet’s feeding instructions carefully. Most cats recover within 7-10 days, but full healing may take up to 2 weeks. Here are some tips to ensure your cat’s recovery goes smoothly:

• Provide a quiet space
  Keep your cat in a calm, quiet area where she can rest undisturbed.
• Monitor the incision
  Check the surgical site daily for redness, swelling, or discharge.
• Prevent excessive activity
  Limit jumping and running to prevent strain on the incision.
• Use an Elizabethan collar (or a soft cone)
  It can prevent your cat from licking or biting the stitches.
• Follow your vet’s instructions
  Administer prescribed medications as directed and stick to the recommended follow-up schedule.
• Watch out for these red flags
  Contact your vet immediately if you notice any excessive swelling, redness, or oozing at the incision site, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, lethargy beyond the first 24 hours, or even difficulty urinating or signs of pain.

My cat is in heat but I can only get her spayed later. What can I do in the meantime?

If your cat is in heat and you’re waiting for her spaying appointment, here are some tips to keep her comfortable and prevent her from escaping:

Comfort your cat

• Provide a calm environment
  Reduce loud noises and sudden movements to help your cat relax.
• Extra attention
  Spend time petting and soothing your cat to ease her restlessness.
• Warmth
  Use a heating pad or blanket (on a low setting) to help her feel more secure.

Read more: How to Calm a Cat in Heat: 8 Steps For A Yowl-Free Home

Understand that a cat in heat is not in pain

While a cat in heat may display signs of distress such as vocalizing, restlessness, or rubbing against objects, it’s important to remember that she’s not in physical pain. She’s just…majorly hormonal right now and is going a bit crazy with the urge to mate. Understanding this can help you stay calm and be extra patient while comforting her.

Prevent an escape

• Secure your windows and doors
  Cats in heat are determined to find a mate, so ensure all escape routes are securely closed.
• Supervise outdoor time
  If your cat has access to a garden or balcony, supervise her closely. It’s best to keep her indoors while she’s in heat and separate her from any male cats. (Including both yours and others.)
• Use a GPS Tracker
  Attach a GPS tracker, like those offered by Tractive, to your cat’s collar as an emergency measure in case she escapes. These trackers provide real-time location updates and are built for your peace of mind.

Track your cat wherever they go

See where they are in real-time, no matter how far they roam. Discover their territory. Get alerted if they go too far. Track activity, sleep, and receive health alerts if your cat’s activity changes. Keep your feline friend healthy and safe.

“My cat wearing Tractive has given me 100% peace of mind.“

— Jenny, New Zealand

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Wrapping up: Everything you need to know about spaying a cat

• Spaying a cat comes with a ton of benefits. It prevents heat cycles, unwanted litters, and certain health risks. It’s by far the most responsible decision you can take for your cat’s health and well-being.
• The procedure is widely available and typically costs between $50 and $500, depending on your location.
• Recovery requires rest, monitoring, and following your vet’s intructions to the T.
• Watch for red flags like swelling or persistent lethargy, and drop a line to your vet if needed.
• A GPS tracker can provide peace of mind by helping you locate your cat in case you’re waiting on their spay appointment – and they’ve escaped home to find a mate.

By spaying your cat, you’re taking an important step toward ensuring her health and happiness. The benefits far outweigh any potential risks or side effects – which tend to be both temporary and nothing your vet can’t handle. Both your cat (and your wallet) will thank you for it!