Spaying & Neutering
Keeping the Cat Population Healthy & Protected
Neutering is a surgical procedure where the testicles are removed from male pets. Spaying removes a female pet's reproductive organs. The purpose of these surgeries is to prevent your male cat from fathering kittens or your female cat from becoming pregnant.
Having your cat spayed or neutered not only prevents unwanted pregnancies, but it also protects their health, and can make them more manageable. Cats who are spayed or neutered are less likely to develop certain types of cancer, and these surgeries may even prevent them from displaying behaviours that could get them injured or in trouble.
We highly recommend that each one of our feline patients be spayed or neutered. These surgeries help contribute to overall good health and well-being for cats, while also helping to reduce the population of homeless cats in shelters.
The Reality of Animal Shelters in Canada
The Canadian Humane Society and SPCA take in thousands of cats every year. This number does not include those taken in by private rescue agencies across the country.
For many people, one of the primary benefits of spaying and neutering is reducing the number of unwanted cats filling Canadian shelters.
When to Spay or Neuter Your Cat
We offer very general guidelines for spaying and neutering below. Please speak to us directly for a more accurate spay or neuter recommendation for your cat's specific needs.
Typically, these surgeries are performed when a kitten reaches five to six months. There are some cases where spaying and neutering procedures can be performed as early as six to eight weeks of age.
While we do recommend getting your cat spayed or neutered as soon as possible, a healthy adult cat can be spayed or neutered at any age.
FAQs About Spaying & Neutering
If you want to learn more about spaying or neutering your cat, take a look through the frequently asked questions from our clients.
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How long will it take for my cat to recover from surgery?
Spay and neuter procedures for cats are typically day surgeries, allowing them to return home in the evening following their procedure. Your cat's activity will need to be restricted for approximately 10 days, and a protective collar may need to be worn to prevent them from licking the incision.
Additionally, your veterinarian may request a follow-up appointment to ensure proper healing and address any concerns.
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What are the benefits of spaying or neutering your cat?
Neutering your male cat can help to curb problematic behaviours such as spraying, roaming, and aggression toward other cats. Spaying your female cat may help prevent your kitty from yowling, urinating inappropriately, and making repeated attempts at escaping your home.
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Will my cat feel anything during the procedure?
No, your cat will be under general anesthesia and will not feel anything during the procedure.
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Will my cat gain weight after the procedure?
Your kitten will continue to grow to their full adult weight after the spay or neuter procedure, and this naturally includes some weight gain.
However, your cat will not gain weight as a result of being spayed or neutered.
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How much will it cost to get my pet fixed?
The cost of your cat's spay or neuter surgery can vary based on several factors, such as their age and weight and any additional services or medications required during the procedure.
To get an accurate estimate for your cat's surgery, we recommend reaching out to our Kamloops hospital directly.
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Will my cat need to stay in the hospital overnight?
In general, most cats are able to go home the same day of the procedure. However, some may require an overnight stay for observation and recovery.
The veterinarian will assess your cat's condition and provide specific instructions regarding their post-operative care and whether an overnight stay is necessary.
New Patients Welcome
The Cat Hospital of Kamloops is accepting new feline patients! If you are looking for a veterinarian who is solely committed to the unique needs of cats, get in touch today to book your first appointment.