Sterilization of a cat: preparation for surgery

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Sterilization is a seemingly simple procedure that almost every second cat goes through. But it has many nuances. Every caring owner should know all the basic rules for preparing a cat for sterilization in order to prevent unpleasant consequences.

What is this?

The term "sterilization" means surgery, which results in the removal of the ovaries and uterus. Without fail, it should be carried out only by a specialist in a veterinary clinic, in sterile laboratory conditions.

The purpose of sterilization is to prevent the female from becoming pregnant. Many owners consider this method humane, since it is easier to sterilize than to breed at home or leave little ones on the street. The veterinarian does the entire procedure. A person only needs to follow all the rules for preparing for the sterilization of a cat and take care of postoperative care.

Benefits of operation

The benefits of sterilization are many. First of all, this is due to the fact that the cat is notwill bring home offspring. In addition, she will become more domestic, she will lose interest in cats, and therefore, she will ask less to go outside. Such a cat behaves more calmly, it will fight less and behave aggressively. Spayed cats are less likely to develop diseases of the genitourinary system and reproductive organs. There is an opinion that after sterilization, the animal becomes lazy and begins to noticeably gain weight, but veterinarians have repeatedly proven that this is wrong.

Disadvantages of sterilization

Sterilization is a useful and necessary procedure. However, it also has a number of shortcomings. First of all, they are associated with high cost. It is not always possible to get to the clinic with an animal, and it is expensive to call a specialist at home for a surgical procedure. Another negative feature is the possible appearance of negative consequences. But if you follow all the basic rules for caring for an animal before and after the operation, then this negative factor can be avoided.

When should I have surgery?

Preparation for sterilization is an important and responsible process. First of all, the owner must know when to conduct it in order not to harm the growing body and prevent the female from becoming pregnant.

The optimal age of the animal for this procedure is from 10 to 12 months. By this time, all the important organs, including the genitals, have already been formed in the pet, and absolutely nothing threatens her.he alth.

Veterinarians say that sex hormones in an animal begin to be produced as early as 6 months, from that time the female begins to ask for a cat. But spaying between 6 and 10 months of age is not recommended, as it can harm the full development of the cat, and it will behave sluggishly.

Medical examination

The first stage of preparing a cat for sterilization is carried out only in a veterinary clinic. The specialist must be sure that the cat is absolutely he althy, only in this case it will be possible to carry out the procedure.

It is mandatory for the animal to undergo a series of examinations:

• blood test;
• urinalysis;
• conducting an ECG to assess the work of the heart;
• abdominal ultrasound;
• do all the necessary preventive vaccinations;
• carry out a run of parasites using special anthelmintics. This procedure is carried out 10 days before the sterilization.

In the process of preparing for the operation of sterilization of a cat, you should monitor her well-being. If there is a suspicion of its deterioration or the development of a cold, it is recommended to reschedule the procedure for another time.

Preparation at home

The second stage is preparation at home for cat sterilization. First of all, you need to drink it with vaseline oil. Approximately this should be done a day before the sterilization. The main purpose of this procedure is to free the intestines fromaccumulated slag.

The second procedure at home is required a little later - 10-12 hours before sterilization. It is required to give the cat a small amount of food so that it can saturate its body. Further, until the end of sterilization, it is not recommended to feed her so that vomiting does not occur from anesthesia. 3 hours before it, you can only give the pet a small amount of water.

What should I bring?

In addition to the basic preparation of the cat for sterilization, you need to prepare in advance all the supplies that you need to take with you to the veterinary clinic:

• First of all, this is a carrier in which you will need to carry the cat from home to the clinic and back. It is worth noting that the animal may feel unwell after the operation, so it is important to take care of creating a soft surface on which it will lie. If there is no special carrier, then you can use a basket or box, it is important that it is spacious for the cat.
• You need to take care of the vehicle. If the clinic is far away, then it is not recommended to carry the animal to it in a carrier, it does not need any extra shakes. It is advisable to use a personal or public vehicle in order to be able to quickly deliver the animal to the house.
• In addition, you should save a diaper or oilcloth, which you will need to lay on the bottom of the carrier after the operation.
• Warm blanket when it's cold outside.
• Post-op pump. Of course, it can be purchased at a veterinary clinic, butit is still recommended to buy it in advance.
• Wet and dry wipes.
• Veterinary passport of the animal.
• Personal passport of the owner.

It may be necessary to leave the animal in a veterinary clinic under the supervision of veterinarians after the operation. Therefore, it is necessary to prepare a tray and food for him.

Care after sterilization

To avoid unpleasant consequences and pathological phenomena, it is recommended not only to choose a qualified specialist, but also to master all the rules for preparing a cat for sterilization and postoperative care.

The operation lasts about 40 minutes, after which it is required to provide the animal with complete rest so that its strength is restored. Most likely, the cat will sleep for a long time after anesthesia, you should not disturb her sleep. If possible, it is recommended to make her tray in a secluded place so that children and the noise of household and digital appliances do not distract her from her rest.

Daily change of a sterile diaper in the couch where the cat sleeps is required to reduce the risk of bacteria entering the body. If possible, it is worth controlling the behavior of the cat, preventing it from falling and jumping from a height, and lifting the animal in your arms and active games with it should also be minimized. It is recommended not to disturb the animal at all, and if it is weakened, then it is required to bring him food and drink.

Careful care is needed until the postoperative sutures heal, usually this happens on the 7-10th dayafter sterilization. During this time, it is required to treat the seams with a special disinfectant spray.

Features of nutrition after the operation

It is important to listen to your veterinarian's advice about preparing your cat for spaying. He will also provide all the necessary information about postoperative care. First of all, it concerns nutrition. When the first feeding should take place depends only on the type of anesthesia. The minimum period after surgery is from 6 to 12 hours.

Immediately after sterilization, a cat may completely lose interest in food, this is due to poor he alth. Do not force your pet to eat. As soon as the cat's strength is restored, she herself will give the owner a signal to eat.

As soon as the cat has awakened interest in food, it is worth preparing liquid meals for her that will not burden the intestines. It is recommended to feed her with milk porridge or good quality liquid food for several days after the operation. It is important that your pet eat small meals. After 3 days, the cat's body will gradually begin to recover, so it will be possible to introduce solid food, but also little by little.

Preparing a cat for sterilization and care after it are important and responsible activities that directly affect the pet's he alth. Therefore, every caring owner should pay attention to this issue and listen to the advice of qualified veterinarians. Only in this case, after the operation, the animalrecover quickly and avoid complications.