Daily Cat Care IX

Female Altering

Male neutering carries many benefits to a household cat and will help carers manage their tom a little more efficiently. Females may also undergo a similar procedure that is called spaying and involves a much more intricate operation to achieve the desired effects. The main changes in a female will relate to the biological features that are removed, reproduction. Female cats benefit from the procedure as the hormones that induce reproductive activity will cease. This in turn will allow female cats to gain a sense of security and confidence as the odour that is normally released to attract the opposite sex will stop completely. Toms will no longer approach the altered female, leading to a much more stable life without potential conflict.

Some owners may not recognise or know what going into heat is but will quickly recognise a change in behaviour. Cats that has entered a state of heat may act abnormally and serves as an indication it has entered its cycle that is ready to mate. This is where a cat becomes a queen and this can actually be observed very early on in just the first few months of its life. Kittens should not be used for breeding as their bodies are not physically mature. The heat period can last up to five days and if no mate has been found, the period will extend for another week or two. There are many indications of a cat in heat. This includes cats being highly attentive and affectionate to even its owners. Cats will also be vocal about their situation and may sometimes yowl continuously. This will of course be followed by various mating positions waiting to be mounted. To avoid this cycle, alteration is recommended.

The operation involves the removal of the reproductive organs, in particular the ovaries and the uterus of a cat are surgically removed. Where male cats normally require a few incisions for castration, spaying for females requires a lot more in its process. Once removed, the cat will no longer feel the urges of going into heat (seeking a mating partner). The timing of the procedure should also not occur when heat is being experienced either. The female cat will need some time to recover and stiches will be applied post-surgery. In this time, attention and care should be given to help nurse the cat back to full health. Meals will need to be adjusted slightly to reflect the reduced activity levels around this time and will continue to remain like this until stiches are removed, providing relief and freedom of movement.