Why Cat Neutering and Spaying is a Lifesaver, According to the Veterinarian

Cats can easily get injured during the onset of their heat, mating, or in territorial battles preceding them. Through bitten and scratched wounds, they can contract viral and bacterial diseases from each other. Responsible cat ownership could prevent fatal diseases like FIV or FIP. Neutering is crucial due to the high number of stray cats, as they pose a danger not only to the ecosystem but also to family cats with outdoor access.

In Hungary, over two million stray cats live, making sterilization not just a whim but a necessity. However, many harbor reservations about the procedure. We spoke with dr. Veronika Császár-Szabó, a clinical veterinarian, about why cat neutering and spaying is essential.

– How does neutering happen in a veterinary clinic?

Dr. Veronika Csészár-Szabó: It’s crucial to mention that the surgery doesn’t begin with the surgical operation — at least not in our clinic and many other reputable ones. It starts with a physical examination before the surgery, necessary blood tests for anesthesia, and, if needed, a cardiological examination. These ensure the animal’s safety and minimize the risks during anesthesia. The surgery for a young, healthy female cat without abnormalities in the reproductive tract involves the complete removal of the ovaries. In older animals or cases with any abnormality in the uterus, total removal of the uterus and ovaries, or ovariohysterectomy, may be necessary.

– What about the male cats?

Dr. Cs-Sz.: For male cats, we remove both testicles through two incisions made in the scrotum.

– Some believe that indoor cats can remain sexual if they don’t encounter mates of the opposite sex. Is this true?

Dr. Cs-Sz.: It’s challenging for anyone to live with an intact male cat! Joking aside, intact male cats, upon reaching sexual maturity, almost always start marking by spraying very pungent urine around the house or different parts of the family. So, life with them beyond a certain age is not too comfortable. Not to mention, during fights or mating, they can contract and spread various viral diseases. For female cats, spaying is not just about preventing unwanted reproduction; it also protects them from hormone-related diseases. For example, it helps prevent tumor formations in the reproductive tract or the development of purulent uterine inflammation.

– From what age can a cat be neutered and spayed?

Dr. Cs-Sz.: There are various answers to this because veterinarians’ opinions on this matter can differ significantly. Most official professional groups suggest neutering female cats around 5 months old, significantly reducing the risk of breast tumors and ensuring prevention of unwanted reproduction. In my opinion, spaying male cats is advisable by the age of 8 months at the latest, and for female cats, I wouldn’t wait beyond that.

– It is a widespread myth that a female cat must give birth at least once to be safely neutered. Is this true?

Dr. Cs-Sz.: I think this is just an urban legend, I don’t know about its professional background. Just because a cat never gives birth doesn’t mean we can’t give it a full and happy life.

– Many owners only realize the need for neutering when an unexpected mating has already occurred and they miss the first successful heat for medical consultations. Some veterinarians remove the uterus with the fetuses in such cases, while others refuse such surgery.

Dr. Cs-Sz.: It is very difficult in every way. In most cases, we neuter up to about half-pregnancy in our practice. But sometimes, if the owner is really unaware of the unwanted reproduction, we may have to perform the operation even at high gestational age. However, this tends to be more common in rural practices. There are more cats on the streets and perhaps less used to being handled. Of course, it is not easy to euthanise unborn foetuses even at an early stage, but it is perhaps still more humane than the fate that awaits these animals.

– What is the most humane solution when faced with unexpected reproduction?

Dr. Cs-Sz.:  In our practice, we generally encourage the adoption of kittens or the immediate neutering of the mother cat after giving birth, if feasible for the owner.

– As a veterinarian, what do you recommend for someone who specifically wants kittens with their existing cat?

Dr. Cs-Sz.: If someone insists on their cat giving birth, then as a responsible owner, they should take lifelong responsibility for both the parents and the kittens! Care for them and take them to the vet when needed. Or find similarly responsible, loving owners for the born kittens and then discuss neutering with the vet! It is much better to get a second cat for the existing one through adoption. Don’t leave abandoned kittens on the street! In terms of care, my opinion remains the same in this case: be a responsible owner in every aspect, from kittenhood throughout the time spent together.