Behavioral Changes in Spayed Cats: What to Expect
You may have heard about spaying and neutering cats. The term neutering is the general word that means spaying or castration. This procedure involves the removal of an animal’s reproductive organs.
While many cat owners are against spaying, this medical procedure is backed up by various studies. Experts have found many benefits to spaying cats, owners, and the community.
We’ll discuss the cat spay procedure, its benefits, and the behavioral changes you should expect from a spayed cat. There will also be tips on managing your cat’s new behavior after spaying.
Contents
What Is Spaying a Cat?
Spaying is a neutering procedure by professional vets to remove a female cat’s reproductive organs. This surgery removes the ovaries and sometimes the uterus as well.
After spaying, the cat’s ability to get pregnant will be eliminated. However, the hormone-driven behaviors and certain risks to its health will also be gone.
Cat spaying is performed using general anesthesia to ensure a pain-free procedure. The spaying incision is done in the abdomen so vets can access the reproductive organs.
A cat can recover from spaying usually within two weeks. During the recovery, it’s important that cat owners pay extra attention to make sure their feline companions won’t have any complications from the surgery.
Many veterinary clinics in Dubai and across the world offer early spaying services. This is because the optimal age for spaying is before a cat’s first heat cycle.
Why Should You Spay Your Cat?
Spaying your cat brings many benefits not only for your feline pet but also for you and the community.
In many regions like Dubai, pet abandonment is a big problem. This is why animal rescue shelters partner with compassionate pet hospitals for their TNR or Trap-Neuter-Release programs. This involves neutering stray cats to control the population of strays.
Besides stray population control, spaying your cat can lower its risk of reproductive infections and cancers. This means that your cat can live longer and healthier.
Behavioral Changes After Cat Spaying
Spayed cats not only experience physical benefits but also exhibit behavioral changes. Don’t worry if you notice some negative behavior at first. These are usually short-term and will be gone eventually.
We listed down the short-term and long-term behavioral changes in spayed cats so you can be prepared before the surgery.
Short-Term Behavioral Changes
Right after the spaying surgery, your cat may show these changes:
- Lethargy: Your cat may appear sleepier or lazier than usual. This behavior is most likely the effects of the anesthesia administered.
- Disorientation: It’s also normal for a newly-spayed cat to seem confused. It might be due to the anesthesia as well.
- Aggression: Cats will normally be slightly aggressive when they feel pain or any type of discomfort. You should ask your vet for pain medication to help your cat feel comfortable throughout its recovery.
- Reduced Appetite: Your cat will most likely not be eating much within the first 12 hours after the surgery, so you shouldn’t be alarmed when this happens.
If you notice these behavioral changes in your cat seem to continue days after the surgery, you might need to contact your vet. These could already be symptoms of complications or an underlying health condition.
In Dubai, pet medical care is very accessible, and emergency vets are available almost everywhere. If your cat’s vet is far from your home, make sure to have their emergency contact number on hand.
Long-Term Behavioral Changes
Over time, the short-term changes should be gone, and you’ll notice the new, positive behavioral changes in your spayed cat. Here are some of the long-term behavioral changes you can expect:
- Reduced Heat-Related Behaviors: If a cat has been spayed as an adult, some hormone-related behaviors might still remain, but they’ll be reduced. A cat spayed before its first heat cycle may not show any of these behaviors at all.
Some heat-related behaviors that will be reduced or eliminated include excessive meowing, yowling, and attempts to roam outdoors searching for a mate.
- More Relaxed and Calm: When cats are in heat, they often become aggressive and agitated. Spaying can help them become calmer, more relaxed, and content.
- Increased Affection: You’ll notice your cat becoming more affectionate towards you as they won’t be driven by their hormones anymore after spaying.
Tips for Managing Your Spayed Cat’s Behavioral Changes
After the spaying procedure, you will need to adjust to your cat’s behavioral changes. It’s essential that you help your feline pet have a smooth adjustment to these changes. Here are some actionable tips for managing the behavioral changes in your cat.
- Provide a Calm Environment
You’re not the only one who’ll be facing these changes, but your cat will need to as well. During the short-term changes in its behavior, make sure to provide a stress-free, calm space for your cat.
- Follow the Veterinarian’s Instructions
After the surgery, your vet will give you instructions for post-op care to avoid complications. You must give medications as instructed by your vet, especially pain medicines, to help your cat feel comfortable.
- Engage in Gentle Playtime
Your cat can’t do any physically straining activities while it’s recovering. However, playtime is still essential to keep your cat physically and mentally stimulated.
- Give Your Cat Space
Your cat’s hormones will change significantly after the spaying procedure. You must give it time and space to adjust. Be patient until your cat’s personality and condition stabilizes.
- Isolate Your Cat During Recovery
Your cat’s short-term behavioral changes might cause problems for your other pets. It might be best to isolate your pet during its recovery from the surgery and while it adjusts to the changes.
Key Takeaways
Spaying a cat is one of the responsibilities of pet owners. It not only eliminates hormone-related behaviors, but it also improves a cat’s overall health.
You’ll notice short-term changes in your cat’s behavior, such as lacking energy to play or becoming a bit aggressive. However, these are all temporary, and your cat should be its normal self in no time.
A spayed cat will also exhibit positive behavioral changes, making it calmer and happier in the long run.
If you haven’t spayed your cat yet, you can consult your vet. If you’re in Dubai, you can find many vet clinics around the city. But it’s important to choose a reputable and professional vet clinic for your cat’s spaying surgery.
FAQs
Do spayed cats still mate?
No, spayed cats do not mate because the procedure removed their reproductive organs, eliminating any instincts to mate.
When should you spay a cat?
The best time to spay a cay is when they turn five or six months old. During this age, they should already have complete vaccinations and have a stronger immune system.
How much does it cost to spay a cat?
Cat spaying costs vary depending on the vet clinics and their locations. For example, in Dubai, spaying a cat costs around 1,200 AED, while in the U.S., it can range from $50 to $300.
Are there risks to spaying a cat?
Spaying a cat is a safe surgical procedure. However, complications like infections and allergic reactions to anesthesia may happen. Despite being very rare, you should contact your vet immediately if you notice any symptoms.
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